Air Fryer Smash Burger

Air Fryer Smash Burger Recipe

If you’re craving a juicy burger but don’t want to fire up the grill, these Air Fryer Smash Burgers are your new best friend! They’re quick, packed with flavor, and produce that irresistible crispy edge we all love. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, you can whip these up with minimal fuss and enjoy mouth-watering homemade burgers right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cook Time: Ready in just 15 minutes, including prep!
• Crispy Edges: Smash technique delivers that satisfying crunch.
• Flexible Ingredients: Use what you love, from cheese to toppings.
• Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil while still being delicious.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store for quick meals later.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Select a fatty blend (like 80/20) for juicy burgers. Can substitute with turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option.
• Burger buns: Choose your favorite; potato buns are soft and flavorful. You could use lettuce for a low-carb option.
• Cheese slices: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Swiss, American, or a vegan option!
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the flavor of the beef.
• Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and your favorite condiments.
• Optional: Burger seasoning or garlic powder for a flavor kick.

Full measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up while you prep.
2. Form the patties: Take the ground beef and divide it into balls, about the size of a golf ball.
3. Smash the patties: Place the balls in the air fryer basket (you might need to do this in batches). Use a spatula or the bottom of a sturdy glass to smash each ball into a thin patty. Don’t be shy; the thinner, the crispier!
4. Season: Sprinkle each patty generously with salt and pepper, adding any other seasonings if desired.
5. Air fry: Cook the patties in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
6. Add cheese: If using cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last 2 minutes of cooking to get that melty goodness.
7. Toast the buns: In the last couple of minutes, you can pop the burger buns in the air fryer to get them slightly toasted and warm.
8. Assemble the burgers: Layer your cooked patties onto the buns and top with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t crowd the basket: Allow space between patties for even cooking; do it in batches if needed.
• Use a hot spatula: This helps smash the patties quickly for better browning.
• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add smoked paprika, or onion powder for an extra flavor boost.
• Prepping ahead: You can form the patties ahead of time and chill them until you’re ready to air fry.
• Watch closely: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on the burgers toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve these delicious smash burgers with a side of crispy air-fried fries, a fresh garden salad, or spicy coleslaw. Add a dollop of mayo or your favorite sauce for that extra flavor punch. Don’t forget to load them with crunchy toppings for the ultimate burger experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Fridge storage: Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze raw formed patties, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before cooking.
• Reheating tips: Reheat cooked patties in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Add buns in for the last minute to warm them up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for these burgers?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work great too.

What’s the best way to smash the patties?
Using a flat spatula or a glass is perfect. Just apply enough pressure without squishing them too thin!

Can I make these burgers without an air fryer?
Yes! You can cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Just add a little oil to the pan.

How can I keep my burgers juicy?
Using a beef blend that’s higher in fat (like 80/20) helps keep them moist, and don’t overcook them!

Air Fryer Smash Burger

Juicy and crispy air fryer smash burgers that are quick to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef (80/20 blend) You can substitute with turkey or plant-based ground meat.
• 4 pieces Burger buns Potato buns are recommended; lettuce can be used for a low-carb option.
• 4 slices Cheese slices Cheddar is classic; feel free to use Swiss, American, or vegan options.
• to taste Salt & pepper Essential for elevating the flavor.
• optional Toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, condiments) Customize with your favorite toppings.
• to taste Burger seasoning or garlic powder Optional for extra flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Form the ground beef into golf ball-sized patties.
3. Smash each ball in the air fryer basket using a spatula or the bottom of a glass until thin.
4. Season each patty generously with salt and pepper, adding any optional seasonings.

Cooking

1. Air fry the patties for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Add a slice of cheese on top of each patty in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
3. Toast the burger buns in the air fryer during the last couple of minutes.

Assembly

1. Layer the cooked patties onto the buns and top with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Notes

Don't crowd the air fryer basket. You can form patties in advance and store them in the fridge. Use a hot spatula for better smashing. Keep an eye on cooking times as air fryers can vary.