Cheeseburgers are a classic comfort food that most people love. With their juicy patties, melted cheese, and delicious toppings, cheeseburgers have been a staple in American cuisine for decades. Traditionally, they are made on the grill or stovetop, but using the air fryer for cooking these savory burgers can save time and cut down on the amount of oil you need. The air fryer’s ability to circulate hot air around the food allows the patties to cook evenly and crisp up beautifully without being submerged in oil. This recipe combines the ease of air frying with the indulgence of a classic cheeseburger, making it the perfect dish for anyone looking for a quick, healthier burger option.
One of the key benefits of using an air fryer for cheeseburgers is that it ensures the patties retain their juiciness while still getting a perfectly crisp exterior. You can adjust the toppings according to your personal preferences—whether it’s the classic lettuce, tomato, and pickles or something a bit more adventurous like caramelized onions, mushrooms, or avocado. The best part is that the air fryer speeds up the process, so you can enjoy a delicious, homemade cheeseburger in less time than it would take to fire up the grill or heat up the stovetop.
This air fryer cheeseburger recipe is not just easy to make but is also customizable for different dietary preferences. For those who prefer a leaner option, you can swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also opt for a whole wheat or gluten-free bun, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is great for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.
Cheeseburgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80% lean, 20% fat for juiciness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder optional
- 1 tsp onion powder optional
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or your preferred cheese
- 4 burger buns whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular
- Lettuce tomato, pickles, onions, or any other preferred toppings
- Condiments ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat to keep the patties tender. Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the burgers cook evenly from the moment you place them inside.
- Air Fry the Patties: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Place the patties in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- Add the Cheese: About 1-2 minutes before the patties are done, place a slice of cheese on each patty and continue to air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes if desired. Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of the bun and top with your favorite toppings. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, or mustard as preferred. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version.
- For a spicier burger, add a slice of jalapeño or some hot sauce to the patty.
- If you prefer a less greasy burger, use a leaner cut of beef, or opt for ground turkey or chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the patties in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
Health Benefits of This Recipe
While traditional cheeseburgers are often deep-fried or cooked in large amounts of oil, using an air fryer to prepare your cheeseburger cuts down significantly on excess fats. The air fryer requires little to no oil, allowing the beef patty to maintain its natural flavors and juiciness. When you opt for lean ground beef, you reduce the fat content of the burger without compromising on taste. Additionally, you can customize the toppings to make the burger more nutritious—adding fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onions adds fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making the meal more balanced. If you use whole-grain or gluten-free buns, you also increase the fiber content and make it a more inclusive option for those with dietary restrictions. The cheese, while high in calcium, should be used in moderation to avoid excessive calories and fat.
By making cheeseburgers at home with an air fryer, you gain control over the ingredients, ensuring that you are consuming a healthier version of this indulgent food. It’s a satisfying meal that can fit into a balanced diet without all the added grease and calories of fast food cheeseburgers.
1 comment
I made these air fryer cheeseburgers last night and they were fantastic! The patties came out so juicy and perfectly cooked. I love how easy it was to make them without all the mess of frying. Will definitely be making these again!