Frozen burgers in air fryer have completely revolutionized our weeknight dinner routine! The perfectly juicy interior with that incredible caramelized exterior is something I never thought possible from a frozen patty. When time is tight but I still want to put a satisfying meal on the table, this has become my ultimate solution especially on nights when I rotate between these burgers and our family favorite Air Fryer London Broil for something a bit more elevated.
Last Tuesday was typical chaos in our household – Emma had volleyball practice, Jake needed help with his science project, and Lily had a playdate. David texted that he’d be working late, and I was staring at a nearly empty fridge. That’s when I remembered the frozen burger patties in the freezer and how quickly they cook up in the air fryer.
Air fry frozen hamburger patties and you’ll be amazed at how they rival restaurant burgers with hardly any effort. I love that they cook in about 10 minutes with zero splatters to clean up a lifesaver for this busy dental hygienist mom! My secret? A light spritz of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasoning before cooking makes all the difference.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
For these frozen burgers in air fryer, you’ll need quality frozen patties (beef, turkey or plant-based all work great), your favorite burger seasonings, and toppings like cheese, lettuce and tomato. I always keep brioche buns in the freezer for that perfect soft-yet-sturdy base. The full list of ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make frozen burgers in air fryer
Making these couldn’t be simpler! Preheat your air fryer, season your frozen patties (even turkey burgers in air fryer frozen cook beautifully), and air fry until they reach your desired doneness. Flip once halfway through, add cheese if desired during the last minute, and you’re done! The result is juicy on the inside, caramelized on the outside – perfection in minutes.
Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer – Easy Family Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
Preparing Your Air Fryer
First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. While it’s heating, take your frozen patties out of the freezer.
Season Your Frozen Patties
Even though the patties are frozen, you can still add flavor! I like to spritz them lightly with olive oil spray and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. For turkey burgers in air fryer frozen, I add a bit of poultry seasoning.
Cooking Process
Place the seasoned frozen patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching or overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. If adding cheese, place it on top during the last minute of cooking.
Temperature Check
For beef burgers, I aim for 160°F internal temperature, and for frozen turkey burgers, make sure they reach 165°F. A quick meat thermometer check guarantees perfect results every time!
Pro Tips for Making This frozen burgers in air fryer
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket! I’ve learned the hard way that too many patties lead to uneven cooking. For my family of five, I cook in two batches rather than trying to squeeze them all in at once.
My Secret Trick: Spritz the frozen burgers with a little olive oil before air frying. This helps the seasonings stick and creates that amazing crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. I always keep a refillable oil sprayer next to my air fryer for this very purpose!
Preheat for Grill-Like Marks
For those perfect grill-like marks, I preheat my air fryer basket before adding the frozen burgers in air fryer. This initial contact with the hot surface creates beautiful caramelization that mimics grilling, even in the middle of Colorado winter!
Add Cheese at the Right Time
If you’re making cheeseburgers, add the cheese during the last minute of cooking rather than after. It melts perfectly without overcooking the burger. Jake (my picky eater) swears this makes “the best cheeseburgers ever” – high praise from an 11-year-old!
Fun Variations for frozen burgers in air fryer
Stuffed Burgers
Take two thinner frozen patties, place cheese or your favorite filling between them, press the edges to seal, and air fry frozen burgers until cooked through. David loves blue cheese stuffed inside, while the kids prefer classic cheddar.
Breakfast Burgers
Top your air fried frozen burger with a fried egg, bacon, and a drizzle of maple syrup for an incredible breakfast sandwich. This has become our Saturday morning tradition after Jake’s soccer games!
International Flavors
Transform your frozen burgers in air fryer into global cuisine! Try topping with guacamole and salsa for Mexican style, tzatziki and feta for Greek, or teriyaki sauce and pineapple for Hawaiian burgers. Lily loves helping create these “world tour” burger nights.
Lettuce Wrap Option
Skip the bun and wrap your air fried burger in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. I started doing this when I was cutting back on bread, and now it’s actually my preferred way to enjoy them during hot summer months!
What to Serve With frozen burgers in air fryer
Crispy Potatoes or Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are our family’s new obsession with these burgers although sweet potato fries still get requested regularly too. They cook at the same temperature, so I make the fries first, then keep them warm while the frozen burgers in air fryer cook. Emma claims this combo is better than any restaurant meal!
Fresh Side Salad
A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and quick vinaigrette brings freshness to balance the heartiness of the burgers. For turkey burgers in air fryer frozen, I especially like adding avocado to both the burger and the salad.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Air fryer potato wedges seasoned with ranch powder are Jake’s absolute favorite side. I’ve started making a double batch because they disappear so quickly! The seasoning complements both beef and turkey burgers perfectly.
Lighter Veggie Options
For a lighter option, try air fried zucchini chips or a quick cucumber and tomato salad – or even pair them with crisp-tender Air Fryer Asparagus Parmesan for a fresh veggie balance. These are particularly good with turkey or plant-based frozen patties for a healthier weeknight dinner that still satisfies.
How to Store Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer
Leftover frozen burgers in air fryer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the patties separately from the buns and toppings to prevent sogginess.
For reheating, the air fryer works beautifully! Just 2-3 minutes at 350°F brings them back to life with that same amazing texture. This is much better than the microwave, which can make them rubbery. If you have extra cooked patties, you can even chop them up and use them in a quick pasta sauce or salad the next day or repurpose them like I sometimes do in this Air Fryer Pulled Beef style for a fast protein packed bowl.
. I often make extra when air frying frozen burgers specifically for this purpose the flavors develop overnight and make for an easy second meal.
For buns, I store them in a separate bag at room temperature if using within a day, or freeze them for longer storage. A quick 30 seconds in the air fryer refreshes them perfectly!
Nutritional Benefits: Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer
These frozen burgers in air fryer offer excellent protein, which is essential for my active kids’ growing bodies. Air frying uses significantly less oil than pan-frying, reducing calories and fat while still delivering that satisfying crispy exterior. For a healthier option, choose lean ground beef patties or turkey burgers, which provide protein without excessive saturated fat.
FAQs: Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer
How long to cook frozen burgers in air fryer?
Cook frozen burgers in air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through. Beef burgers should reach 160°F internally, while turkey burgers need to reach 165°F for food safety. Adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness.
How long to cook hamburgers in an air fryer at 400 degrees?
At 400°F, frozen burgers typically need 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The higher temperature creates a crispier exterior, but watch carefully to prevent burning. I recommend checking with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
How long to cook frozen hamburger patties at 400 degrees?
Frozen hamburger patties need about 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping once at the halfway mark. Thicker patties may need 1-2 minutes more. For cheese, add during the final minute of cooking for perfect melting.
Can you put frozen meat directly in an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can air fry frozen burgers without thawing first. This is what makes them so convenient for busy weeknights. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, cooking frozen meat safely and quickly with excellent results.
Conclusion
Frozen burgers in air fryer have truly been a game changer for our busy household. When time is tight but I still want to serve something delicious that everyone will love, this is my go to solution. The incredible juiciness, perfect caramelization, and quick cooking time make this technique unbeatable for weeknight meals especially when alternating with other quick favorites like our Air Fryer Corned Beef. Plus, the endless variation possibilities keep it exciting! Whether you’re juggling after-school activities like we are or just looking for a simple dinner solution, give these air fryer burgers a try I promise they’ll earn a permanent spot in your family’s dinner rotation!