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Looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic cheeseburger? These Air Fryer Cheeseburgers are the perfect solution! Juicy, tender, and topped with gooey melted cheese, they come together in just minutes. Ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual summer barbecue, these cheeseburgers will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Quick and Easy: These cheeseburgers cook in just 10 minutes in the air fryer, making them perfect for a fast and satisfying meal.
Juicy and Tender: The air fryer locks in the juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Perfectly Melted Cheese: By adding the cheese at the end and letting the residual heat melt it, you get perfectly gooey cheese every time.
Minimal Clean-Up: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess in the kitchen, making clean-up a breeze.
Customizable: You can easily customize these cheeseburgers with your favorite seasonings, cheese, and toppings for a personalized meal.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Raw hamburger patties – These are the base of your cheeseburgers. Use high-quality beef for the best flavor.
Cheese slices – Choose your favorite type of cheese to melt on top of the patties.
Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
Pepper – Adds a bit of spice and complements the beef.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Air fryer – The essential tool for cooking the patties to perfection.
Instant-read thermometer – Ensures the burgers are cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
Measuring spoons – For accurately measuring the salt and pepper.
Spatula – Helps with flipping the patties and removing them from the air fryer.

How To Make Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

Season the Patties: Sprinkle both sides of the raw hamburger patties with salt and pepper.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Set Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Flip Halfway: Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature (145°F for medium, 150-155°F for medium-well, and 165°F for well done).
Add Cheese: Place cheese slices on the patties and return them to the air fryer basket. Let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 2 minutes.
Serve: Remove the cheeseburgers from the air fryer and serve with buns and your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Cheeseburger: Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo.
Bacon Cheeseburger: Add crispy bacon strips for an extra layer of flavor.
Gourmet Style: Top with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a slice of avocado for a gourmet touch.
With a Side: Pair with crispy air fryer fries, a fresh side salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of a bun for a low-carb version, or use my keto buns recipe.

Tips For Success

Choose Quality Beef: For the best flavor and juiciness, use high-quality ground beef with a good fat content, such as 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat helps keep the burgers juicy during cooking.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Seasoning the patties generously enhances the beef’s natural flavors and creates a delicious crust.
Preheat the Air Fryer: While you don’t need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe, ensuring the basket is clean and ready to go will help with even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to place the patties in a single layer with space between them. This allows hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking and browning.
Flip for Even Cooking: Flipping the burgers halfway through cooking ensures both sides are evenly browned and cooked to perfection. While this step is not strictly necessary, it helps achieve the best results.
Check the Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. This ensures they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remember, burgers continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.
Melt the Cheese Properly: After adding the cheese slices, return the patties to the air fryer basket and let the residual heat melt the cheese. Avoid turning the air fryer back on, as the fan may blow the cheese off the patties.
Let Them Rest: Allow the burgers to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps retain the juices, making the burgers even more flavorful and juicy.
Customize Your Burgers: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, seasonings, and toppings to make the cheeseburgers your own. From spicy jalapeños to sweet barbecue sauce, the possibilities are endless.
Serve Fresh: Cheeseburgers are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. Prepare your buns and toppings in advance so you can serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.

Variations And Substitutions

Cheese Varieties: While classic American cheese is a favorite, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or blue cheese for different flavors. Each type of cheese brings a unique taste and texture to your cheeseburgers.
Meat Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier or different option, try using ground turkey, chicken, or lamb instead of beef. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based burger patties. Each of these alternatives will require slight adjustments in cooking time and seasoning.
Seasoning Mixes: Enhance the flavor of your burgers with different seasoning mixes. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce to your ground beef for a richer taste. You can also use pre-made seasoning blends like Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, cajun seasoning or barbecue rub.
Stuffed Burgers: Create stuffed burgers by placing a small amount of cheese or other fillings like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños in the center of the patties before cooking. This adds a surprise burst of flavor when you take a bite.
Bun Choices: Swap out regular buns for different types of bread. Try brioche buns for a rich and buttery flavor, whole wheat buns for a healthier option, or pretzel buns for a chewy and salty twist. For a low-carb option, use lettuce leaves or portobello mushroom caps as a bun substitute.
Toppings and Sauces: Experiment with various toppings and sauces to customize your cheeseburgers. Additions like avocado slices, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers can elevate your burger. Sauces like sriracha mayo, barbecue sauce, chipotle aioli, or even a tangy tzatziki can add an extra layer of flavor.
Different Cooking Methods: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make delicious cheeseburgers using other cooking methods. Grill the patties on an outdoor grill for a smoky flavor, cook them on a stovetop griddle or skillet, or bake them in the oven.
Healthy Additions: Boost the nutritional value of your cheeseburgers by adding healthy ingredients. Mix some finely chopped spinach, kale, or grated carrots into the ground beef before forming the patties. You can also top your burgers with fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach for a refreshing crunch.
Spicy Kick: If you love spicy food, add a kick to your cheeseburgers by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the ground beef mixture. Top with spicy pepper jack cheese and a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra fiery burger.
Mini Sliders: Make mini cheeseburgers or sliders for a fun and shareable option. Form smaller patties and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Serve these bite-sized burgers on mini buns with a variety of toppings for a great party or appetizer option.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

Refrigerate: Place leftover cheeseburgers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the patties and buns to maintain the best texture.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap each cooked patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating:

Microwave: Place the patty on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Add the bun and heat for an additional 15-20 seconds if desired.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the patties on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Toast the buns in the oven for the last few minutes of heating.
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the patties in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Add cheese slices during the last minute of reheating if you want to remelt the cheese. Toast the buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes if desired.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cover with a lid to retain moisture. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping once, until warmed through. Toast the buns in the skillet for the last minute of heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen hamburger patties in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen hamburger patties in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.

How can I prevent the cheese from flying off in the air fryer?

To prevent the cheese from flying off, place the cheese slices on the patties after cooking and return them to the air fryer basket without turning it on. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly in about 2 minutes.

What type of ground beef is best for air fryer cheeseburgers?

For juicy and flavorful cheeseburgers, use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat helps keep the burgers moist during cooking.

How do I know when my burgers are cooked to my preferred doneness?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. For medium, aim for 145°F; for medium-well, 150-155°F; and for well-done, 160-165°F. Keep in mind that burgers continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.

Can I make these cheeseburgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Cooked patties can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them using your preferred method when ready to serve.

What are some good toppings for air fryer cheeseburgers?

Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, avocado, bacon, and various sauces like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and barbecue sauce. Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings!

How can I make low-carb or keto-friendly cheeseburgers?

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, skip the bun and serve the cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce leaves or on a bed of salad greens. You can also use portobello mushroom caps as a bun substitute.

Can I cook other types of meat in the air fryer using this method?

Absolutely! You can use the same method to cook ground turkey, chicken, or lamb patties. Adjust the cooking time as needed and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for poultry and 160°F for lamb.

Why should I flip the burgers halfway through cooking?

Flipping the burgers halfway through cooking ensures even browning and cooking on both sides. This step is not strictly necessary, but it helps achieve the best results.

What can I serve with air fryer cheeseburgers?

Great side dishes for air fryer cheeseburgers include air fryer fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. Choose sides that complement your meal and make it more enjoyable.

Other Easy Burger Recipes

Air Fryer Frozen White Castle Sliders: Enjoy quick and delicious Frozen White Castle Burgers cooked perfectly in the air fryer.

Steamed White Castle Sliders In The Instant Pot: these are as close to the restaurant steamed sliders as the come.

Juicy Hamburgers in the Air Fryer: These juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers are ready in minutes and packed with flavor.

Easy Instant Pot Hamburger Patties: Make perfectly cooked, juicy burgers quickly with this easy Instant Pot Burgers Recipe.

Air Fryer Impossible Burgers: Meatless burgers perfectly cooked in the air fryer. Turn them into cheeseburgers by adding slices of cheese.

Easy Black Bean Burger Recipe with Cheese: Learn how to make a delicious and easy black bean cheeseburger with this simple recipe.

Air Fryer Veggie Burgers: Cook any type of veggie burger in the air fryer – quick and easy.

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