Air Fryer Frozen Bubba Burgers (Perfect In 15 Minutes!)

Looking for a quick and delicious way to make frozen Bubba Burgers? The air fryer is your best friend! In just 15 minutes, you can go from frozen patties to beautifully cooked burgers without the mess or hassle of a grill or stovetop. Perfectly juicy and ready to customize, these burgers are an easy, satisfying meal any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Bubba Burgers

• Quick and Convenient: You don’t need to wait for the burgers to thaw. Just place them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, and they’re ready in no time! Perfect for those busy days or last-minute meals.
• Minimal Cleanup: Forget about grease splatters or smoky kitchens! The air fryer keeps everything contained, making cleanup quick and easy, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about the mess.
• Juicy and Delicious: These air-fried Bubba Burgers come out with a deliciously juicy interior and a perfectly crisp exterior. The air fryer cooks them evenly and seals in the flavor for a restaurant-quality burger experience.
• Customizable to Your Liking: Whether you like your burger well-done or more on the medium side, it’s easy to adjust the cook time. You can also add toppings like cheese right in the air fryer to melt perfectly over your burger.
• Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying uses less oil than pan-frying or grilling, which means fewer calories but all the great flavor. Enjoy a satisfying burger without the extra oil and fat.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Bubba Burgers

• Frozen Bubba Burgers – These high-quality frozen beef patties make cooking a delicious burger quick and easy without defrosting.
• Cheese (optional) – If you want a cheeseburger, simply add your favorite cheese slice after cooking for that perfect melted finish.
• Seasoning (optional) – Add your favorite burger seasoning after cooking to enhance the flavor.

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 Frozen Bubba Burgers

• Air Fryer – The key to achieving that perfect, crispy burger without any hassle.
• Spatula – For flipping the burgers halfway through cooking and removing them from the air fryer.
• Plate – To serve your freshly cooked burgers.
• Knife – Useful for cutting the burger if you want to check the doneness or split it to share.
• Fork – For serving alongside the burger or for any added toppings.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Bubba Burgers

• Place the frozen Bubba Burgers in the air fryer basket – No need to defrost; simply arrange them in a single layer.
• Set the temperature to 370°F and cook for 15 minutes – This setting ensures the burgers cook through and develop a crispy outer layer.
• Flip the burgers halfway through cooking – At around the 7-8 minute mark, use a spatula to flip the burgers for even browning.
• Continue cooking for the remaining time – Let the air fryer finish its job, ensuring the burgers reach your desired doneness.
• Remove and serve – Carefully transfer the burgers to a plate using the spatula, and they’re ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Burger Style – Serve on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo.
• Cheeseburger Twist – Add a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese right after cooking, allowing it to melt in the warm air fryer for that extra cheesy goodness.
• Low-Carb Option – Skip the bun and serve the burger over a fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of ranch or balsamic dressing.
• Bacon and BBQ – Top with crispy bacon, a spoonful of barbecue sauce, and crispy fried red onions for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Southwest Style – Add some sliced avocado, pepper jack cheese, and a dollop of salsa or sriracha spicy mayo for a spicy kick.

Tips For Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to place the burgers in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. This allows for proper airflow around each burger, ensuring even cooking and a crispy outside.
• Adjust the Cook Time to Your Preference: The suggested cook time of 15 minutes at 370°F is for a well-done burger. If you prefer your burgers less done, reduce the cook time slightly and check for doneness. For medium or medium-well, cooking for 12-14 minutes should give you the desired result.
• Flip Halfway for Even Browning: Flipping the burgers halfway through cooking ensures even browning on both sides. This small step makes a big difference in texture and appearance, giving your burgers that perfect crust.
• Add Cheese After Cooking: If you’re making cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese right after the burgers finish cooking, then close the air fryer (without turning it on) for a minute. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese to perfection without overcooking the burger.
• Season After Cooking: Since seasoning doesn’t stick well to frozen patties, wait until after cooking to add salt, pepper, or any other favorite spices. A quick sprinkle on the freshly cooked burgers enhances their flavor and adds a personal touch.
• Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure about the doneness, you can use a knife to cut into the center of one burger or use a meat thermometer. For well-done burgers, the internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Types of Cheese: Try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, blue cheese for a bold flavor, or smoked gouda for a smoky twist. Cheese can be added after cooking to melt perfectly with the burger’s residual heat.
• Seasoning Options: For extra flavor, sprinkle some seasoning on your burgers after they finish cooking. Options like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning can add a new layer of taste. If you like a savory, robust flavor, try Montreal steak seasoning for a classic grilled taste.
• Toppings for Customization: Enhance your burger with toppings like caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, fresh jalapeños, or crispy bacon. Adding these toppings can give each burger its own personality, allowing you to get creative with each batch.
• Spicy Burger Variation: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a bit of sriracha or hot sauce to your burger after cooking, or top it with spicy pickles and pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy bite.
• Alternative Patties: While this recipe focuses on Bubba Burgers, you can also use other frozen patties like turkey burgers, plant-based burgers, or chicken patties. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness and type of burger.
• Lower Calorie Option: To reduce calories, skip the bun and wrap your burger in a large lettuce leaf. This also adds a refreshing crunch and keeps the meal low-carb for those following keto or similar diets.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked burgers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat refrigerated burgers, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain the juicy texture and crispy exterior. For frozen cooked burgers, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating, or reheat from frozen at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, checking for warmth.
• Avoid Microwaving: While microwaving is an option, it may make the burgers less crispy and can dry them out. For the best results, stick with the air fryer to keep them moist and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the Bubba Burgers directly from frozen in the air fryer?

Yes, absolutely! You can cook Bubba Burgers directly from frozen without defrosting. The air fryer does an excellent job of cooking them evenly and producing a juicy burger with a crispy exterior.

What if I want my burger to be medium or medium-well instead of well-done?

To achieve a medium or medium-well burger, reduce the cook time by a few minutes. Checking the burger after around 12 minutes at 370°F can give you a medium result, while closer to 14 minutes will achieve medium-well. Adjust based on your personal preference.

Can I add seasoning to my Bubba Burgers before cooking?

It’s best to add seasoning after cooking because seasonings don’t stick well to frozen patties. Once the burgers are cooked, you can sprinkle on your favorite spices or burger seasonings for an extra flavor boost.

How do I add cheese to the burgers in the air fryer?

Once the burgers are fully cooked, place a slice of cheese on top of each burger and put them back in the air fryer. Let them sit with the air fryer off; the residual heat will melt the cheese in about a minute without overcooking the burger.

Can I make other types of frozen burgers with this recipe?

Yes, this method works for other types of frozen burgers, like turkey, chicken, or plant-based burgers. Just check the cook time, as leaner meats may cook a bit faster, and thicker patties may need a few extra minutes.

How do I keep my burgers from drying out in the air fryer?

The key to juicy burgers is setting the right temperature and time. Cooking at 370°F for 15 minutes (flipping halfway) generally keeps the burgers juicy. Additionally, avoid overcooking and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to ensure they’re cooked to your liking.

Other Easy Burger Recipes

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Turkey Burger with Cheese on Brioche Bun; Enjoy a juicy turkey burger topped with cheese on a soft brioche bun for a tasty twist on a classic.

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