Air Fryer Smash Burgers

My air fryer smash burgers feature juicy beef patties with crispy edges, melty cheese, and a tangy homemade smash sauce. They’re quick, easy, and taste like they came straight from your favorite burger joint.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 4

Cook Time 6

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 590kcal

Author Arman Liew

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

14 ounces ground beef 80/20, 400g
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices American cheese
2 brioche buns toasted
1/2 cup iceberg lettuce shredded
2 pickles thinly sliced
1/4 white onion thinly sliced

Smash burger sauce

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon pickle juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 425°F (220°C). Grease the basket generously.
Divide the ground beef into four equal balls, roughly 3.5 ounces each.
Place the balls of ground beef on parchment paper. Place another sheet on top. Press down hard on each ball of ground beef using the flat bottom of a glass, jar, or rolling pin. Each patty should be 1/4-inch thick.
Season the top of each patty with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Place two patties into the greased air fryer basket. Air fry for 4 minutes.
Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheese on each one. Air fry for a further 2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are dark and crispy. Repeat with the remaining two patties.
While the smash burgers are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle brine, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Build the burgers by spreading smash sauce on both sides, lettuce on the base, two patties stacked, pickles, onion, and the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Leftovers: Keep the cooled patties in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat back in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 minutes, until the patties are sizzling.

Nutrition