These Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer are the easiest way to cook frozen hamburger patties without thawing first. Air fry them until juicy and cooked through, melt the cheese with residual heat, and dinner is ready in about 15 minutes.
If you are starting with fresh ground beef instead, try my Hamburger Patty Recipe for stovetop burgers or my Grilled Hamburger Recipe for burgers on the grill.
The biggest trick is not just tossing frozen patties in the air fryer and hoping for the best. In testing, the burgers turned out better when I seasoned them after the outside softened slightly, checked the internal temperature instead of guessing by time, and added cheese after cooking so it melted gently instead of sliding off or blowing around.
🔍 At a Glance
- ⏱️ Ready in: 12-17 minutes ( 2 min. prep, 10-15 min. cook)
- 👥 Serves: 4
- 📌 Main Ingredients: Frozen burger patties, salt, pepper, cheese, buns
- 🔥 Cook Method: Air Fryer
- 😋 Flavor Profile: Savory, juicy, beefy, simple
- 📝 Great For: Busy weeknights, no-thaw dinners, burger night, frozen patties
Table of Contents
- 🔍 At a Glance
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients & Why They Matter
- Frozen Burger Patties in the Air Fryer Step by Step
- Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
- Common Mistakes
- Swap It Up: Variations to Try
- What To Serve With This Recipe
- Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer Recipe
- Recipe FAQs
- More Burger Related Recipes
Why This Recipe Works
- No thawing needed: The frozen patties go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, making this perfect for busy nights when you forgot to defrost dinner.
- Seasoning after a few minutes works better: Salt and pepper do not stick well to rock-solid frozen patties. In testing, they stuck better once the surface softened and looked slightly moist.
- A thermometer prevents dry or undercooked burgers: Frozen patties vary by brand, size, thickness, and air fryer model, so cook time is only a guide. Internal temperature is the best way to know they are done.
Ingredients & Why They Matter
- Frozen Burger Patties: This recipe is for raw frozen beef burger patties. Quarter-pound patties are the easiest to time, but thicker 1/3-pound patties also work with a few extra minutes. Do not thaw the patties first.
- Morton Kosher Salt: Salt brings out the flavor of the beef. I like to add it after the patties have cooked for a few minutes so it sticks better. If using Diamond Crystal kosher salt, use about 2x Morton by volume. If using fine sea salt or table salt, use about 1/2 Morton by volume, then adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds simple savory flavor without overpowering the burgers.
- Cheese Slices: Optional, but great for cheeseburgers. American, cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone all work well. Add cheese after cooking and let the residual heat melt it.
- Buns: Toasted buns make a simple frozen burger taste much better. Brioche, sesame, potato, or classic hamburger buns all work. For help choosing the best option, see my guide to the Best Burger Buns.
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mustard, ketchup, Burger Sauce, or Caramelized Onions all add flavor and texture.
Find the full ingredient list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Frozen Burger Patties in the Air Fryer Step by Step
Quick Answer
Cook frozen beef burgers in the air fryer at 390°F/200°C for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the center reaches 160°F. Thin patties may be done closer to 10 minutes, while thicker patties may need 15 minutes or more.
At 400°F, frozen burger patties usually take about 9-12 minutes. Start checking early so the outside does not overcook before the center is done. For frozen turkey or chicken burgers, cook to 165°F.
Timing Guide for Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
Cook time will vary based on the patty thickness, air fryer model, and how many patties are in the basket. Use this as a guide, but always check the center with a meat thermometer.
| Patty Type | Air Fryer Temperature | Approx. Cook Time | Safe Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin frozen beef patty | 390°F/200°C | 8-10 minutes | 160°F |
| 1/4-pound frozen beef patty | 390°F/200°C | 10-13 minutes | 160°F |
| 1/3-pound frozen beef patty | 390°F/200°C | 12-15 minutes | 160°F |
| Frozen beef patty at 400°F | 400°F | 9-12 minutes | 160°F |
| Frozen turkey or chicken burger | 390°F/200°C | 12-16 minutes | 165°F |
| Fully cooked frozen burger | 390°F/200°C | 6-8 minutes | Heat through according to package |
- Add the frozen patties: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Place the frozen burger patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack or overlap them. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the surface begins to soften and look slightly moist.
- Season and flip: Sprinkle the tops with Morton kosher salt and black pepper. Flip the patties with tongs, then season the second side. Continue air frying so both sides cook evenly.
- Cook until done: Air fry the burgers for 10-15 minutes total, depending on thickness. The patties should be browned on the outside and cooked through in the center. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Beef burgers should reach 160°F; turkey or chicken burgers should reach 165°F.
- Melt the cheese: Turn the air fryer off. Place a slice of cheese on each hot patty, then slide the basket back into the warm air fryer for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
💡Bri’s Best Tip
Air fry the frozen burger patties for a few minutes before seasoning. Once the surface softens and looks slightly moist, the salt and pepper will stick much better and season the burgers more evenly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
- Start with frozen patties: This timing is designed for patties cooked straight from frozen, not thawed patties.
- Use a single layer: Airflow is what makes the air fryer work. If the patties overlap, they will cook unevenly and can steam instead of brown.
- Season after the patties soften: Salt and pepper slide off frozen-solid patties. Let the outside thaw slightly in the air fryer first.
- Flip halfway through: Flipping helps both sides cook evenly and gives the burgers better texture.
- Use a thermometer: The timer is only a guide. For beef, cook to 160°F. For turkey or chicken, cook to 165°F.
- Melt cheese with the heat off: Residual heat melts the cheese gently without blowing it around the basket.
- Toast the buns: After the burgers are done, place the buns cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly golden and warm. Watch closely because buns can toast quickly. This makes even basic Burger Buns taste better.
Common Mistakes
- Relying only on cook time: Air fryers cook differently, and frozen burger patties vary in thickness. Always check the internal temperature.
- Overcrowding the basket: Too many patties can block airflow and cause uneven cooking.
- Adding cheese while the air fryer is running: The fan can blow the cheese around, or the cheese can melt unevenly and slide off.
- Cooking too hot without checking early: 400°F works, but frozen patties can brown quickly on the outside before the center is fully cooked. Start checking the internal temperature near 9 minutes.
Swap It Up: Variations to Try
- Frozen Turkey or Chicken Burgers: Cook at 390°F/200°C for about 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the center reaches 165°F. Since turkey burgers are leaner, start checking early so they do not dry out.
- Frozen Salmon Burgers: Air fry at 375°F-390°F until cooked through according to the package directions. Salmon patties are more delicate than beef, so flip gently with a spatula.
- Lettuce Wrap Burgers: Skip the bun and wrap the cooked patty in crisp lettuce for a lighter option. Quick, easy, low carb, & high protein.
What To Serve With This Recipe
- Sauces: Spread Burger Sauce Recipe on the buns, or keep it classic with ketchup, mustard, mayo, or barbecue sauce.
- Burger Toppings: Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, onions, avocado, jalapeños, or more ideas from this list of Burger Topping Ideas.
- Flavor Boosters: Make these frozen burgers taste more homemade with Caramelized Onions for Burgers, Sautéed Mushrooms for Burgers, or a sprinkle of Burger Seasoning Recipe.
- Burger Sides: Pair these with classic burger sides like fries, onion rings, coleslaw, potato salad, pasta salad, corn on the cob, or a green salad. For more ideas beyond fries, check out my full list of Side Dishes for Hamburgers.
Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
These Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer cook straight from frozen with no thawing needed. They are juicy, easy, and ready in about 15 minutes with simple timing, temperature, and cheese-melting tips.
Ingredients
- 4 frozen beef burger patties
- Morton kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheese optional
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Add the frozen patties: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Place the frozen burger patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack or overlap them. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the surface begins to soften and look slightly moist.4 frozen beef burger patties
- Season and flip: Sprinkle the tops with Morton kosher salt and black pepper. Flip the patties with tongs, then season the second side. Continue air frying so both sides cook evenly.Morton kosher saltBlack pepper
- Cook until done: Air fry the burgers for 10-15 minutes total, depending on thickness. The patties should be browned on the outside and cooked through in the center. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Beef burgers should reach 160°F; turkey or chicken burgers should reach 165°F.
- Melt the cheese and serve: Turn the air fryer off. Place a slice of cheese on each hot patty, then slide the basket back into the warm air fryer for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.4 slices cheese
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Video
Notes
- Frozen Patties: This recipe is written for raw frozen beef burger patties. Fully cooked frozen patties may need less time.
- Salt: All salt measurements are for Morton kosher salt. Use about 2x Diamond Crystal kosher salt or about 1/2 as much fine sea/table salt by volume, then adjust to taste.
- Patty Size: Cook time depends on thickness. Thin patties cook faster, while 1/3-pound patties may need a few extra minutes.
- Seasoning: Air fry for 3-4 minutes before seasoning so the salt and pepper stick better to the softened surface.
- Cheese: Add cheese after cooking and melt it with the air fryer off so it does not slide off or blow around.
- Food Safety: Cook beef burgers to 160°F and turkey or chicken burgers to 165°F.
- Toasted Buns: After the burgers are done, place the buns cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly golden and warm. Watch closely because buns can toast quickly.
Nutrition
Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 464mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQs
Can you cook frozen burgers in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook raw frozen burger patties straight from frozen in a single layer until they reach a safe internal temperature.
How long do frozen burgers take in the air fryer?
Most frozen beef burgers take 10-15 minutes at 390°F/200°C. At 400°F, they usually take 9-12 minutes.
Do you need to flip frozen burgers in the air fryer?
Yes. Flip halfway through so both sides cook evenly.
What temperature should frozen burgers be cooked to?
Beef burgers should reach 160°F. Turkey or chicken burgers should reach 165°F.
More Burger Related Recipes
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