You want a great burger fast, and your air fryer is the perfect tool. This guide shows you exactly how to cook frozen smash burgers in air fryer for a quick, satisfying meal.
Frozen smash burgers are a fantastic shortcut. They come pre-formed and thin, designed for maximum crispy edges. Using an air fryer gets them hot and crispy with minimal effort and less mess than a skillet. It’s a method that delivers a reliable result every single time.
How To Cook Frozen Smash Burgers In Air Fryer
This is the core method you’ll follow. It’s straightforward, but a few key steps make all the difference between a good burger and a great one.
What You’ll Need
- Frozen smash burger patties (any brand you like)
- An air fryer
- Cooking oil spray (optional, but recommended)
- Tongs or a spatula
- An instant-read meat thermometer (highly advised for perfect doneness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Preheating is crucial. It ensures the burgers start cooking immediately, creating that desirable sear and preventing them from drying out.
2. Prepare the Patties
Take your frozen smash burgers straight from the freezer. There’s no need to thaw them. If you want extra crispiness, you can lightly spray both sides of the frozen patties with a little cooking oil. This helps with browning, but it’s not always necessary as the patties often contain enough fat.
3. Arrange in the Basket
Place the frozen patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap them. They need space for the hot air to circulate all around. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Crowding will lead to steamed, soggy burgers.
4. Cook the First Side
Cook the burgers at 400°F for 6-7 minutes. After this time, open the basket. You should see the tops starting to brown and the edges getting crispy. The burgers will likely have released some fat into the basket.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip each patty using tongs. Continue to cook for another 4-6 minutes. The total cooking time will range from 10 to 13 minutes, depending on the thickness of your specific patties and your air fryer model.
6. Check for Doneness
This is the most important step. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the patty.
- For medium-rare: 130-135°F
- For medium: 140-145°F
- For well-done: 160°F+
Since they are thin, they cook fast. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut to check that the meat is no longer pink in the center.
7. Rest and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, so they don’t all run out on the first bite. Meanwhile, you can quickly toast your buns in the warm air fryer for about 1-2 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Shake the Basket? Usually no. Flipping once is better for forming a proper crust. Shaking can break the sear.
- Add Cheese: In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Close the air fryer to let it melt perfectly.
- Bun Toasting: For buttered buns, place them in the basket after removing the burgers. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Clean-Up: To make cleaning easier, you can place a piece of parchment paper designed for air fryers in the basket. Just make sure it has holes for air flow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Everyone makes mistakes, but avoiding these will up your burger game.
- Thawing the Patties: This is a common error. Cooking from frozen is key. It protects the interior while the outside gets crispy.
- Overcrowding: We mentioned it, but it’s worth repeating. Give those patties room to breathe.
- Skipping the Preheating: It really does make a difference in texture and cooking time.
- Constant Checking: Every time you open the basket, you let out heat and slow down cooking. Trust the timing and only open to flip or check doneness near the end.
Customizing Your Air Fryer Smash Burgers
The basic burger is great, but you can easily customize it. Here’s a few ideas to try next time.
Seasoning Variations
Even though the patties are pre-seasoned, you can add a sprinkle before cooking. Try garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a simple burger seasoning blend. Add it right after you spray with oil so it sticks.
Sauce Ideas
- Classic Special Sauce: Mix mayo, ketchup, relish, a dash of vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Spicy Mayo: Combine mayo with your favorite hot sauce or sriracha.
- BBQ Burger: Brush the patties with BBQ sauce in the last minute of cooking, then top with crispy onions.
Topping Combinations
Think beyond lettuce and tomato. Here are some winning combos:
- Pepper jack cheese, sautéed jalapeños, and avocado.
- Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a garlic aioli.
- Cheddar, crispy bacon, and a fried egg (cook the egg separately).
- Blue cheese crumbles, caramelized onions, and arugula.
Why This Method Works So Well
You might wonder why the air fryer is such a good fit for frozen smash burgers. The reason is simple physics.
An air fryer is a powerful convection oven. It blows super hot air all around the food. For a thin, frozen patty, this means rapid heating from all sides. The fat in the burger renders quickly, helping the exterior become crisp while the inside stays juicy. It mimics the high-heat sear of a flat-top grill or cast-iron skillet, but with less splatter and easier temperature control.
It’s also incredibly consistent. Once you find the perfect time for your air fryer model, you can repeat it endlessly. No more guessing if the pan is hot enough.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve With Your Burgers
A great burger deserves great sides. And your air fryer can handle those too.
- Fries: Frozen fries or even homemade potato wedges cook beautifully in the air fryer. Cook them before or after the burgers, keeping them warm in a low oven.
- Onion Rings: Another frozen favorite that the air fryer makes perfectly crispy.
- Veggies: Try air fryer asparagus, zucchini fries, or even simple cherry tomatoes for a lighter side.
- Salad: A simple, crunchy coleslaw or a green salad cuts through the richness of the burger.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Burger grease can be sticky. Here’s how to clean up fast.
Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely before cleaning. Remove the basket and tray. Wash them in warm, soapy water. For stuck-on grease, let them soak for 10 minutes. The non-stick coating usually makes this easy.
Wipe down the inside of the air fryer unit with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main appliance in water. If you used parchment paper, cleanup is just throwing it away. Regular cleaning prevents smoke and odd smells during your next cook.
FAQ Section
Can I cook frozen smash burgers in the air fryer without preheating?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. Without preheating, the burgers will take longer to cook and are more likely to dry out before getting a nice crust. The initial blast of heat is what gives you that desirable texture.
How long to cook frozen smash burgers in air fryer?
At 400°F, the total time is typically 10-13 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always use a meat thermometer to be sure, as patty thickness and air fryer wattage varies.
Can I put the cheese on the burger while it’s cooking?
Absolutely. Add the cheese slice during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. The residual heat in the patty and the circulating hot air will melt it perfectly without it dripping everywhere.
Why are my air fryer smash burgers dry?
The main culprits are overcooking or using an air fryer temperature that’s too low. Cooking too long or at a lower temp means moisture evaporates. Stick to 400°F and check the temperature early. Also, make sure your not pressing down on the patties after cooking—that squeezes out the juices.
Can I cook multiple frozen smash burgers at once?
Yes, as long as they are in a single layer with space between them. Do not stack or overlap. If your basket is small, cook in batches for the best results. You can keep the first batch warm in a low oven while the second cooks.
Are frozen smash burgers already seasoned?
Most commercially available frozen smash burgers are pre-seasoned with salt and pepper. Check the packaging to be sure. You can always add a little extra seasoning if you want, but often they are flavorful enough on their own.
Troubleshooting Guide
Having a problem? Here’s likely fix.
Burger is Still Pink Inside
Simply cook it for another 1-2 minutes and check again. The thin shape means it cooks quickly, so add time in small increments. Ensure your air fryer was fully preheated.
Burger is Soggy or Not Crispy
This usually means the basket was overcrowded, preventing proper air circulation. Next time, cook fewer patties at once. Also, ensure you’re cooking at a high enough temperature (400°F) and that the patties are truly frozen, not partially thawed.
Air Fryer is Smoking
Smoke is often caused by excess fat dripping and burning. If your burgers are very fatty, there might be more grease. You can place a small amount of water in the bottom drawer (below the basket, if your model has one) to prevent this. Also, ensure you clean your air fryer regularly to avoid old grease burning.
Cooking frozen smash burgers in your air fryer is a legitimately smart way to get a quality burger on the table with minimal fuss. The method leverages the air fryer’s strengths—fast, concentrated heat and convection cooking—to achieve a result that rivals more traditional methods. By following the simple steps of preheating, arranging in a single layer, flipping once, and checking the temperature, you’ll get a consistently crispy, juicy burger. Remember, the key is to start with a frozen patty and trust the process. With a little practice, you’ll have the timing down perfectly for your specific appliance. Now, all that’s left to do is choose your favorite toppings and dig in to a seriously good homemade burger.