Air Fryer Smash Burgers
Make the best air fryer smash burgers—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor! Learn the step-by-step recipe, tips, and variations for perfection.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Burger Press or Heavy Spatula
- Meat Thermometer
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend for best juiciness
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Burger Assembly
- 4 burger buns buttered for toasting
- 4 slices cheese cheddar, American, or preference
- lettuce for topping
- tomato slices for topping
- pickles for topping
- burger sauce mayo, ketchup, or aioli
Instructions
- Form the ground beef into 2-3 oz balls (about golf ball-sized). Avoid overworking the meat.
- Season each patty ball generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Refrigerate the beef balls for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the beef balls in the air fryer basket and press them down with a spatula or burger press.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- During the last 30 seconds, place a slice of cheese on each patty and let it melt.
- Butter the inside of the burger buns and toast them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and burger sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure the air fryer is fully preheated before cooking. Try different cheese varieties for unique flavors!