Air Fryer Frozen Burgers: Quick, Juicy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Air Fryer Frozen Burgers make dinner easy! Get juicy, flavorful burgers fast. Perfect for busy nights, minimal fuss, maximum flavor.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 2 frozen burger patties (1/4 or 1/3 lb each)
02 - 2 burger buns

→ Flavor Builders

03 - Olive oil spray
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

→ Classic Toppings

08 - 2 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or provolone)
09 - Lettuce leaves
10 - Tomato slices
11 - Red onion slices
12 - Pickle slices

→ Sauce It Up

13 - Ketchup
14 - Mustard
15 - Mayonnaise

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that air fryer ready! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This little step is key for even cooking and getting that perfect sear on the outside of your frozen burgers. I've definitely skipped preheating before, thinking I could save time, and my burgers ended up a little less crispy and took longer. Learn from my impatience!
02 - Next, grab your frozen burger patties. Give each side a light spray with olive oil. This helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning. Now, sprinkle generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don't be shy with the seasonings; these frozen burgers need a little love to really shine. I once seasoned one side and forgot the other entirely, and let me tell you, that half-seasoned bite was a real disappointment!
03 - Carefully place the seasoned patties in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it; we want air circulation for crispiness! Cook for 8-10 minutes. Around the 5-minute mark, you'll start to smell that amazing cooking meat aroma filling your kitchen—that's when you know things are going well. This initial cook helps them thaw and start to brown.
04 - After the first cooking interval, pull out the basket and, using tongs, carefully flip each burger patty. Now's the time to add your favorite cheese slice on top of each one. Pop the basket back into the air fryer and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the burger reaches 160°F (71°C). This is where the magic happens, watching that cheese ooze!
05 - While your burgers are finishing up, you can quickly toast your burger buns. I usually do this in the air fryer too, for about 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) after removing the burgers. A lightly toasted bun adds so much to the overall experience; it prevents sogginess and adds a lovely texture. I used to skip this, but then I realized the soft bun just couldn't stand up to all the juicy goodness.
06 - Once everything is cooked to perfection, it's time to assemble your masterpieces! Place a juicy burger patty on each toasted bun, then pile on your favorite toppings like crisp lettuce, a thick tomato slice, red onion, and pickles. Finish with a generous dollop of ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick, satisfying meal! The smell of a freshly assembled burger just makes my stomach rumble every time.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if you need to for truly crispy Air Fryer Frozen Burgers.
02 - Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C); I learned this the hard way once!
03 - Flipping halfway through is non-negotiable for even cooking and browning.
04 - For extra juicy Air Fryer Frozen Burgers, place a small ice cube on top of each patty before cooking – it melts and keeps things moist!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - Tongs
03 - Meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 25g

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