Easy Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers – Quick, Juicy, and No Mess!
Cooking frozen hamburgers in the air fryer is one of the simplest ways to get a juicy patty with a lightly crisp outside.
No defrosting needed. You just toss the frozen burger patties straight in, set the temperature, and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting.
You’ll get perfectly cooked burgers in 12–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Just flip them halfway for even browning.
Whether you’re serving dinner in a rush or want a no-fuss meal, this method delivers great results with minimal cleanup.
Quick Cooking Info
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 12–15 minutes | 13–16 minutes | Main | American | 1–4 |
Ingredients and Substitutes
| Ingredient | 1 Burger | 2 Burgers | 4 Burgers | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen hamburger patties | 1 | 2 | 4 | Frozen veggie patties, Beyond Burger |
| Salt & pepper (optional) | To taste | To taste | To taste | Garlic powder, paprika |
| Cheese slices (optional) | 1 slice | 2 slices | 4 slices | Vegan cheese, omit |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | Cooking the burger | Convection oven |
| Tongs or spatula | Flip burger safely | Flat spoon |
| Meat thermometer | Check internal temp | Not necessary if pre-cooked |
How Long to Cook Frozen Hamburger in Air Fryer
Cooking time and temp will depend on patty thickness, air fryer type, and whether the burger is raw or pre-cooked:
- Standard frozen beef patties:
- Temp: 375°F (190°C)
- Time: 12–15 minutes
- Flip: At 6–7 minutes
- Thick gourmet burgers:
- Time: 14–18 minutes
- Use meat thermometer – aim for 160°F internal temp
- Pre-cooked patties:
- Time: 8–10 minutes
- Temp: 370°F
- Air fryer oven or basket-style:
- Cooking times are similar
- Oven-style may require turning convection on for even browning
How to Make Frozen Hamburger in Air Fryer
This method works great with any brand of frozen burger — beef, turkey, or plant-based. Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures the patty cooks evenly without steaming.
Step 2: Load the Burger Patties
Place frozen patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd. If you’re cooking multiple patties, leave a little space between each one.
Step 3: Cook and Flip
Air fry for 12–15 minutes total. Flip each patty halfway through cooking using tongs or a spatula.
- Optional: Add seasoning like garlic powder or a pinch of salt/pepper right after the flip.
Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)
With 1–2 minutes left, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Close the air fryer and let it melt.
Step 5: Check and Rest
Check the internal temp (160°F for beef). Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2–3 minutes before assembling your burger.
Serving & Topping Ideas
- Classic: Lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, pickles
- Smoky: BBQ sauce, cheddar, grilled onions
- Spicy: Jalapeños, hot sauce, pepper jack cheese
- Low-carb: Serve in lettuce wraps or on a salad bowl
- Add fries or a side of air fryer veggies for a full meal
Tasty Variations
- Cheeseburger melt: Add double cheese and toast the bun separately in the air fryer
- Mushroom burger: Sauté mushrooms and onions in a pan and stack them on top
- Avocado burger: Layer with fresh avocado, lime, and mayo
- Breakfast burger: Add a fried egg and hash browns
Storing Tips
- ✅ Refrigerate leftover patties (after cooling) for up to 3 days
- ✅ Store in an airtight container to keep them moist
- ✅ Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes
- ✅ Freeze extra cooked patties for up to 2 months
- ❌ Don’t reheat in microwave — they’ll become rubbery
Extra Tips for Air Fryer Burgers
- ✅ Use parchment liners to reduce mess
- ✅ Always preheat — it helps crisp up the outside
- ✅ Don’t use excess oil — most frozen burgers already have fat
- ✅ Use a meat thermometer for raw patties
- ✅ Add buns to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at the end for toasting
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
| Mistake | Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger too dry | Overcooked or lean meat | Reduce cook time, add cheese | Use fattier patties (80/20) |
| Burger unevenly cooked | Didn’t flip or preheat | Flip and preheat next time | Turn halfway, space patties |
| Undercooked center | Thick patty or low temp | Add 3–4 mins more | Use thermometer (160°F) |
FAQs
Q1: Can I cook frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer this way?
Yes, just increase time by 2–3 minutes and ensure internal temp hits 165°F.
Q2: Do I need to thaw frozen burgers before air frying?
No. They go straight from freezer to basket. Thawing is unnecessary and may make them mushy.
Q3: Can I toast buns in the air fryer too?
Yes! Toast for 1–2 minutes at 350°F after removing burgers.
Q4: Can I cook stuffed burgers (cheese-filled)?
Yes, but increase time to 16–18 minutes and check for any melted cheese leakage.
Try It and Share Your Favorite Toppings!
Now that you’ve seen how to cook frozen hamburger in air fryer with minimal fuss, it’s time to try it!
Experiment with toppings, sauces, and buns — and don’t forget to share your delicious burger results with friends and family.
