Medium Rare Air Fryer Burgers (Easy And Quick Recipe)

Discover how to cook perfect medium rare air fryer burgers with this easy guide! Enjoy juicy, flavorful burgers with minimal mess and maximum satisfaction, right from your kitchen.

You know I’m all about that air fryer life these days, right? Well, I just made the most incredible medium rare air fryer burgers in it and, dude, they turned out so good! 

You’ve got to try this. It’s super easy, quick, and you’ll get that perfect juicy burger every single time. No grill? No problem!

First off, cooking burgers in the air fryer means minimal mess and maximum flavor. The hot air circulation gives these burgers a slightly crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy and tender, just like a medium-rare burger should be. 

Plus, you don’t have to deal with a smoky kitchen or fire up a grill. It’s all the taste without the hassle.

If you love juicy burgers you may also want to try my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers or my Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS MEDIUM RARE AIR FRYER BURGERS

You’ll love these medium-rare air fryer burgers because they cook up incredibly juicy and flavorful with minimal fuss. The air fryer provides a perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and pink.

This offers a restaurant-quality burger right at home in just minutes—making it an ideal method for anyone looking to enjoy a gourmet burger experience without the grill.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE JUICY AIR FRYER HAMBURGERS

You will need the following handful of ingredients listed below to make the beef burgers (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Lean ground beef – I prefer an 80 lean/20 fat ratio for the juiciest burgers.
• Sea salt & black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Bbq sauce – adds a smokey flavor and gives it a real burger taste.
• Ketchup – adds some sweetness and flavor to the patties.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep beefy, smoky flavor.
• Whole egg – this binds all of the ingredients together without drying it.
• Optional for serving – hamburger buns, cheese slices, fresh lettuce, fresh tomatoes, red onion, caramelized onions, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE AIR FRYER HAMBURGER RECIPE

In a large bowl combine the fresh ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, bbq sauce, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.

Form into 4 balls and press into equal size patties. 

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F and add the burger patties in a single layer at the bottom of your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may have to cook in two batches.

Cook for 4 minutes then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. The internal temperature of the beef should be 140-150 degrees F (you can use a meat thermometer to check). Cook time may vary depending on your air fryer size and model.

Add a slice of cheese to each patty and cook for an additional minute. Serve with favorite toppings on hamburger buns or lettuce wraps.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

1. Season Generously: Don’t hold back on the seasoning. Salt and pepper are musts, but adding garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika can elevate the flavor. Mix the seasonings into the meat before forming your patties.
2. Avoid Overworking the Meat: Handle the ground beef as little as possible when forming your patties. Overworking the meat can make your burgers tough and dense.
3. Uniform Patties: Make sure your patties are even in thickness and size to ensure they cook uniformly. A slight indentation in the center can help them keep their shape during cooking.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes at the cooking temperature before adding your burgers. This helps start the cooking process off strong for a good sear and even cooking.
5. No Overcrowding: Cook the patties in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures the hot air circulates effectively around each burger, which is key for that crispy exterior.
6. Flipping is Key: Flip your burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness and cooking on both sides.
7. Adding Cheese: If you want cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.
8. Let It Rest: Allow your burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, making your burgers extra moist.

STORING LEFTOVER AIR FRYER HAMBURGER PATTIES

1. Cool Completely: Allow the delicious burgers to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which could make the burgers soggy.
2. Refrigerate Properly: Place the cooled burgers in an airtight container. If you have multiple burgers, separate them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together and to preserve the texture of the crust.
3. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you don’t plan to eat the leftovers within a couple of days, freezing is a great option. Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Frozen burgers can last for up to 3 months.
4. Reheating: When ready to eat, you can reheat refrigerated burgers in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they are heated through and regain some of their crispiness. For frozen burgers, it’s best to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQS

HOW DO I ENSURE MY BURGERS ARE JUICY AND NOT DRY?

The best way to ensure juicy burgers is to use ground meat with a higher fat content, ideally around 20% fat. 

Avoid overpacking the meat when forming your own patties and flip them only once during cooking to maintain their juiciness. 

Adding a small indent in the center of each patty before cooking can help them cook evenly without puffing up in the middle.

WHAT ARE SOME EASY MEAL IDEAS USING AIR-FRIED BURGERS?

Air-fried burgers can be served in numerous simple and delicious ways. 

For a low-carb option, try a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, or for something heartier, opt for brioche buns. Top them with traditional items like lettuce, tomato, and onion, or get creative with ingredients like blue cheese or pepper jack for a flavor kick.

CAN I MAKE SMALLER PATTIES OR STUFFED CHEESEBURGERS IN THE AIR FRYER?

Yes, making smaller patties or even stuffed cheeseburgers in the air fryer is entirely possible and a great way to cater to personal preference or a whole family’s tastes. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as smaller or thicker patties might cook quicker or slower. 

For stuffed burgers, ensure the center is well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking.

WHY ARE AIR-FRIED BURGERS CONSIDERED A MINIMAL EFFORT COOKING METHOD?

Air-fried burgers are seen as a minimal effort cooking method because they require less active cooking time, less monitoring compared to grilling or pan-frying, and minimal cleanup. This makes them a convenient choice for a quick and easy recipe that still delivers the best burgers with great taste and tender texture.

Other Air Fryer Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Precooked Shrimp In The Air Fryer
• Frozen Curly Fries In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Tater Tots
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Air Fryer Bacon
• Tortilla Pizza In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Steak French Fries
• Frozen Pickles In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Crispy Buffalo Tofu In The Air Fryer
• Crispy Calamari
• Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders

IF YOU TRIED THESE AIR FRYER CHEESEBURGERS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS BURGER RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails