These Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer are juicy, perfectly cooked, and ready in under 15 minutes—no thawing required! Just pop your patties straight into the air fryer, toast up some buttery brioche buns, and melt on a slice of cheese for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a diner classic with minimal effort.
If you don’t own an air fryer and prefer homemade burgers, you’ll love my Homemade Hamburger Patty. This recipe is seriously so easy and packed with flavor. No fancy ingredients or grilling required—just good quality ground beef, a few pantry spices, and a hot skillet.
If you need some ideas on what toppings take your plain burger to the next level, check out my blog post on The Best Burger Toppings Ideas.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Thawing Needed: Toss the patties in straight from the freezer.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes, start to finish.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a juicy, well-done center.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and sauces!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Burgers: If the beef patties are larger than 1/4 pound, they will require additional cooking time. If the burgers are not already seasoned, season with salt and pepper. You can also use frozen turkey burgers. These are usually 1/3 pound each. Air fry at 390 degrees for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
- Salt & Pepper: Most frozen burgers are pre-seasoned, so this is optional. Use if your patties are plain.
- Cheese: Classic cheddar or American melts beautifully, but you can sub in Swiss, pepper jack, provolone, or even a plant-based slice.
- Brioche Buns: These add a buttery, slightly sweet flavor. Swap for sesame seed, pretzel buns, or gluten-free options if needed.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Frozen Hamburger Patties in the Air Fryer
Quick Overview
- Air fry the frozen burgers.
- Flip & air fry again.
- Melt cheese.
- Toast buns.
Step by Step Instructions
Quick Tip From Bri
Flip the burgers for even cooking.
- Prep Burgers in Air Fryer: Place the frozen patties in the air fryer basket. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Air Fry First Side: Air fry the frozen patties for 5-6 minutes at 390 degrees.
Quick Tip From Bri
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees before serving.
- Flip & Finish: Flip the patties. Air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Frozen burgers should be served well done.
- Melt the Cheese: To melt the cheese, place the slices of cheese on top of the patties. Place the basket immediately back in the air fryer with it OFF. There will be enough heat to melt the cheese in 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Buns: Spray or butter the inside of the buns.
- Toast the Buns: Toast the buns in the air fryer at 380 degrees for 2-3 minutes after the patties are done.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
I love to pair my burgers with appetizing side dishes. Potato chips or a side of french fries might be the usual, but here are some of my favorites:
- Pesto Orzo Salad: This recipe is loaded with chickpeas, cucumber, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Seasoned Tater Tots: This recipe is a great way to doctor up a frozen bag of tots.
- Smashed Potatoes (Air Fryer): Take a classic roasted potato to the next level.
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: Made with spicy buffalo sauce, melty pepper Jack and cream cheese filling, and a crispy bacon exterior.
If you need more ideas, check out my post on 25 Side Dishes for Hamburgers (Besides French Fries)!
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if needed so the air can circulate evenly around the patties.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that your patties reach 165℉—especially when cooking from frozen.
- Use Residual Heat: The air fryer is still hot enough to melt the cheese with residual heat. This will soften it without overcooking the patty or browning the cheese.
Most Common Mistakes
- Skipping the Flip: Flipping halfway ensures even cooking and a crispier crust.
- Leaving Cheese in Too Long: With the air fryer off, the cheese will melt quickly—2–3 minutes is plenty. Any longer and it might overcook or slide off.
Additions & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños, chipotle mayo, or pepper jack cheese.
- Double Decker: Stack two patties with extra cheese for a hearty double burger.
- Toppings Galore: Add sautéed onions, lettuce, pickles, or tomato to customize your burger.
- Bunless Option: Serve over a salad or in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb version.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. There is no need to thaw the patties. The air fryer cooks them quickly to perfection from frozen.
I find 390 degrees is the perfect temperature to cook the frozen burger patty at.
Yes, but you often do not need to. The foil does not allow the air to circulate as well. Foil slows down the cooking process and prevents food from cooking evenly in the air fryer.
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Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2-4 frozen beef burger patties, 1/4 pound each*
- salt & pepper, if needed
- 4 pieces sliced cheddar or american cheese
- 2 brioche hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prep Burgers in Air Fryer: Place the frozen patties in the air fryer basket. Season with salt and pepper if needed.2-4 frozen beef burger patties,, salt & pepper,
- Air Fry First Side: Air fry the frozen patties for 5-6 minutes at 390 degrees.
- Flip & Finish: Flip the patties. Air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Frozen burgers should be served well done.
- Melt the Cheese: To melt the cheese, place the slices of cheese on top of the patties. Place the basket immediately back in the air fryer with it OFF. There will be enough heat to melt the cheese in 2-3 minutes.4 pieces sliced cheddar or american cheese
- Prep Buns: Spray or butter the inside of the buns.2 brioche hamburger buns
- Toast the Buns: Toast the buns in the air fryer at 380 degrees for 2-3 minutes after the patties are done.
Video
Notes
- Burgers: If the beef patties are larger than 1/4 pound, they will require additional cooking time. If the burgers are not already seasoned, season with salt and pepper. You can also use frozen turkey burgers. These are usually 1/3 pound each. Air fry at 390 degrees for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that your patties reach 165℉—especially when cooking from frozen.
- Know Your Air Fryer: Since air fryer temperatures can vary, always use a meat thermometer to ensure frozen burgers are fully cooked.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
