Ground beef: The heart of any great burger, ground beef is chosen for its rich flavor and ability to remain juicy when cooked. Opt for a blend with about 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the most succulent results. The fat renders during air frying, contributing significantly to the burger’s moisture and taste.

Burger buns: The ideal vessel for your cheeseburger, a good bun should be soft enough to compress around the patty and toppings, yet sturdy enough not to fall apart. Brioche buns offer a slightly sweet, rich flavor, while classic sesame seed buns provide a familiar, comforting texture. Consider lightly toasting them for added structural integrity and warmth.

Cheddar or American cheese: These varieties are chosen for their exceptional melting properties, creating that irresistible gooey layer over your hot patty. Cheddar offers a sharper, more complex flavor, while American cheese is known for its smooth, creamy melt. Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like provolone or Swiss.

Salt: A crucial flavor enhancer, salt brings out the natural savoriness of the beef. Use a good quality sea salt or kosher salt for the best results, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the patty mixture.

Black pepper: Adding a gentle warmth and aromatic depth, freshly ground black pepper is essential for seasoning the patties. Its subtle kick complements the rich beef flavor without overpowering it.

Achieving a perfectly cooked burger patty in the air fryer is simpler than you might think, especially with a few smart techniques. When forming your patties, a key tip is to make a small, shallow indentation in the center of each one with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This clever trick helps prevent the burgers from puffing up into a dome shape during cooking, ensuring they cook more evenly and remain flat for easy topping assembly on your bun. This indentation allows the hot air to circulate more effectively around the entire surface of the patty, leading to consistent doneness.

For an extra burst of savory depth and umami flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce with the ground beef before forming the patties. This simple addition infuses the meat with a rich, complex taste that elevates the overall burger experience. Remember not to overmix the meat, as this can lead to tough burgers; gently combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated. Additionally, ensure your patties are of uniform thickness for even cooking. Typically, a patty thickness of about ¾ to 1 inch works best in the air fryer. For food safety and desired doneness, a meat thermometer is a valuable tool, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for well-done beef.

• Ground beef – Substitute with ground turkey: If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey is an excellent substitute. It provides a similar texture but with a milder flavor profile and lower fat content. To keep turkey burgers juicy, consider adding a bit of finely minced onion, an egg, or a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to the mixture before forming patties.

• Ground beef – Substitute with black bean patties: For a delicious vegetarian option, black bean patties offer a hearty, fiber-rich alternative. They deliver a satisfying texture and a robust, earthy flavor that can be seasoned to mimic traditional burgers or spiced up with Mexican-inspired flavors. Many pre-made black bean burgers are available, or you can craft your own from scratch.

• Burger buns – Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb, gluten-free, or simply refreshing twist, lettuce wraps are a fantastic choice. Large, crisp lettuce leaves like iceberg or romaine provide a fresh, crunchy enclosure for your burger, adding a clean taste that highlights the patty and toppings. They are perfect for those seeking a lighter meal.

• Burger buns – Substitute with whole wheat buns: If you’re aiming for increased fiber and nutritional value, whole wheat buns are a straightforward swap. They offer a denser texture and a slightly nutty flavor compared to regular white burger buns, making your meal more substantial and wholesome.

• Cheddar cheese – Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and brings a distinctive, mild, and nutty flavor to your burger. Its unique taste pairs exceptionally well with beef and offers a sophisticated alternative to the classic cheddar or American. Provolone or Havarti are also excellent melting cheeses.

• Cheddar cheese – Substitute with vegan cheese: For those following a dairy-free diet, a good quality vegan cheese slice can provide a similar melty texture and savory taste. Modern vegan cheese alternatives have significantly improved and often melt just as well as their dairy counterparts, ensuring everyone can enjoy a cheesy burger.

• Salt – Substitute with soy sauce: Instead of traditional salt, a splash of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) can add a rich, savory umami flavor to your ground beef mixture. It not only provides salinity but also a depth of flavor that can reduce the need for additional salt and other seasonings.

• Salt – Substitute with garlic salt: For an extra layer of flavor, replace regular salt with garlic salt. This simple switch infuses your patties with a delightful garlicky aroma and taste, enhancing the overall savoriness of the burger without adding another ingredient.

• Black pepper – Substitute with cayenne pepper: If you enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper is an excellent substitute for black pepper. It adds a spicy kick that can awaken your palate and provide a bold contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese. Start with a small pinch and adjust to your spice preference.

• Black pepper – Substitute with paprika: For a milder, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor, paprika can replace or complement black pepper. Smoked paprika, in particular, will lend a wonderful depth to your burger patties, reminiscent of outdoor grilling, even when cooking indoors in your air fryer.

• Allow your cooked burger patties to cool completely to room temperature before storing them. This crucial step prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy burgers and create an environment for bacterial growth.
• For refrigeration, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This individual wrapping ensures maximum freshness, prevents them from sticking together, and protects against flavor transfer from other foods in your fridge. Store wrapped patties in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the cheeseburgers, tightly wrap each individual patty in a double layer of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or place them in a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This technique is vital for preventing freezer burn, which can compromise texture and flavor.
• Always label the container or bag with the date of freezing to easily track freshness. Frozen patties can be stored safely for up to 3 months, offering a convenient option for quick meals.
• Store the burger buns separately to maintain their soft texture. Place them in a sealed zip-top bag or an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze them wrapped for longer storage.
• To reheat frozen patties, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the patties for 3-5 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through to a safe internal temperature.
• For an even quicker option, you can reheat frozen patties directly in the air fryer without thawing. Place them in the preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, ensuring they reach 160°F (71°C) internally.
• Once reheated, assemble your patties with fresh burger buns and your favorite toppings like crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, tangy pickles, and savory onions for a perfectly fresh-tasting meal.

• Air Fryer Method: To restore your leftover cheeseburger to its nearly-fresh state, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled cheeseburger (without the cold toppings like lettuce and tomato, but with the cheese) directly in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method ensures the burger patty remains wonderfully juicy, the exterior gets a slight crispness, and the cheese melts perfectly, creating that desirable gooey texture.

• Stovetop Method: For a reliable method that keeps your burger moist, use a non-stick skillet. Heat it over medium heat, then place the cheeseburger in the pan (again, remove fresh toppings). Add a small splash of water to the pan (about a tablespoon), and immediately cover it with a lid. The steam created will gently reheat the burger patty without drying it out. Heat for approximately 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed to your satisfaction and the cheese is soft.

• Oven Method: If you’re reheating multiple cheeseburgers or prefer a hands-off approach, the oven works well. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each cheeseburger (excluding cold toppings) individually in aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and prevents the burger from drying out. Place the wrapped burgers on a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through. The foil also ensures even heating.

• Microwave Option (Quickest): For the fastest reheat, the microwave can be used, though it’s important to manage expectations regarding texture. Place the cheeseburger on a microwave-safe plate (remove cold toppings). Cover it with a damp paper towel; this helps to generate steam and prevents the patty from becoming rubbery or dry. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through and adjusting time as needed to ensure even heating. This method is best for speed, not necessarily for optimal crispness.

• Reheating Burger Buns: Don’t forget the buns! To revive their soft texture and add a slight crispness, lightly toast them in a toaster, on a dry skillet, or even in the air fryer for just a minute or two until they are warm and slightly golden. This makes a significant difference to the overall burger experience.

• Air fryer: The star appliance for this recipe, an air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food, yielding deliciously crispy exteriors and juicy interiors for your cheeseburgers. Its efficiency and minimal oil requirement make it ideal for quick, healthy meals.

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is indispensable for combining the ground beef with your chosen seasonings. Choose one large enough to comfortably mix without spilling, allowing for even distribution of salt, pepper, and any other flavor enhancers.

• Spatula: A reliable, heat-resistant spatula is essential for flipping the burger patties safely and effectively halfway through their cooking time in the air fryer. A wide, flat spatula works best to avoid breaking the patties.

• Meat thermometer: While optional, a meat thermometer is highly recommended for food safety and to ensure your burgers are cooked to your preferred level of doneness. For ground beef, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for well-done.

• Tongs: Tongs are incredibly useful for carefully placing the raw patties into the air fryer basket and for safely removing the hot, cooked burgers. They offer precision and keep your hands away from the heat.

• Knife: A sharp kitchen knife is necessary for slicing any additional toppings you might wish to add to your burgers, such as tomatoes, onions, pickles, or lettuce. A well-sharpened blade ensures clean cuts.

• Cutting board: A clean and stable cutting board provides a safe surface for preparing and assembling your burger toppings. Using a separate board for raw meat preparation and vegetable slicing is crucial for food hygiene.

• Plate: Simple yet essential, plates are needed for serving the perfectly cooked patties and assembling your delicious cheeseburgers, ready for enjoyment.

• Basting brush: An optional but handy tool, a basting brush can be used to apply a thin layer of oil to the patties (if not already coated) or to brush melted butter or sauces onto the burger buns before toasting, adding extra flavor and moisture.

Pre-mix the seasoning: A fantastic way to cut down on prep time is to combine the salt and black pepper with the ground beef well ahead of time. You can do this in the morning or even the night before, then store the seasoned meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to form the patties. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you a step when it’s crunch time.

Preheat the air fryer: Don’t underestimate the power of preheating! Start preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature as soon as you begin gathering your ingredients or forming the patties. A preheated air fryer ensures an immediate sear on the burgers, locking in juices and cooking them more efficiently, ultimately shaving off valuable minutes from your total cooking time.

Use parchment paper liners: For the ultimate easy cleanup and quicker transition between batches (if you’re cooking more than a few burgers), line your air fryer basket with air fryer-specific parchment paper liners. These perforated liners prevent food from sticking, minimize grease buildup in the basket, and make cleaning a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal rather than scrubbing the appliance.

Prep toppings in advance: The final assembly of a burger can take time if you’re slicing and dicing on the spot. Save precious minutes by preparing all your desired toppings beforehand. Slice your cheese, wash and tear lettuce, slice tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and get your condiments ready. Having everything prepped and organized (mise en place) ensures a smooth, rapid assembly process once your burger patties are cooked.