These air fryer cheeseburgers make a simple family meal without firing up a grill. Seasoned beef patties cook in the basket, then a slice of Cheddar melts over each one before you tuck it into a toasted bun.
At a Glance
Makes 4 burgers | Prep 10 minutes | Cook approximately 10–15 minutes | 190°C.
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince, approximately 15–20% fat
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices mature Cheddar
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, gherkins and preferred sauce, to serve
Method
- Gently combine the mince, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Divide into four and shape into patties approximately 1.5–2cm thick. Press a shallow dent in each centre to limit puffing.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C if needed. Place patties in a single layer without overlapping; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for approximately 10–15 minutes, turning halfway. Check the centre of each burger with a food thermometer: minced beef should reach 75°C. Thickness and appliance size affect timing.
- Add a slice of Cheddar to each cooked patty and return to the switched-off, still-warm basket briefly until melted, or cook for another 30–60 seconds while watching carefully. Secure the cheese so the fan does not blow it off.
- Serve in buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, gherkins and your chosen sauce.
How to Keep Burgers Juicy
Do not overwork or compress the mince. Choose mince with some fat, keep patties similar in size and avoid pressing on them as they cook. Unlike whole steaks, burgers made with mince need thorough cooking because bacteria can be mixed throughout.
Serving Ideas
Serve with air fryer sweet potato fries, slaw or a green salad. Browse our air fryer recipes for more easy sides.
Add Burgers to Your Family Meal Plan
For a flexible family dinner, include these burgers in our £40 weekly meal plan or budget meal plan for a family of four. Explore more affordable ideas in the Budget Family Meals UK hub.
Storage and Variations
Refrigerate cooked burgers promptly for up to two days and reheat until piping hot. Keep salad and buns separate. Swap Cheddar for another melting cheese, or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the mince. Worcestershire sauce may contain fish; check the label for allergens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen burgers?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for frozen patties and always check the centre reaches 75°C.
Will I need oil?
Usually not for mince with some fat, but follow your basket’s care instructions.