I make these air fryer frozen burgers when I need an easy, high protein dinner that works for busy weeknights with almost zero prep.
You'll love this method because there's no thawing required, the burgers cook evenly and juicy, and you can enjoy them with a bun or keep them high protein and low carb without the bun.
Things to Know Before Making Best Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
- Preheating the air fryer helps the burgers brown evenly and cook through
- Seasoning is optional and can be added halfway through cooking
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer size and model
- A digital thermometer ensures burgers reach a safe internal temperature
- For most eating plans, including keto and low-carb, and gluten-free, either skipping the bun or looking for a gluten-free/low-carb alternative will work. For dairy-free eaters, skip the cheese.
I've been creating easy high protein air fryer recipes since 2018, and frozen burgers are one of the fastest no stress meals I make.
Try my Frozen Sausage in Air Fryer, Garlic Herb Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast (from Frozen) next.
Ingredients Overview
- Frozen raw beef burgers: A classic ¼ lb high protein option that cooks evenly straight from frozen
- Burger seasoning: Optional and easy to add after flipping for extra flavor
Note: The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Key equipment: Air fryer, nonstick spatula, and a digital meat thermometer.
How to Cook Best Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Use 3 minutes for a small air fryer and 5 minutes for a larger model like a Cosori air fryer.
Step 2: Place the frozen hamburger patties in the air fryer basket using a nonstick spatula. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each burger.
Step 3: Cook the frozen burgers for 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Add burger seasoning after flipping if desired.
Step 4: If adding cheese, place a slice on each burger during the last minute of cooking and continue air frying until melted.
Step 5: Remove the burgers and serve on buns with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them bunless for a high protein low carb option.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use the same method for air fryer frozen turkey burgers
- Try frozen fish burgers using the same cooking time and temperature
- Skip seasoning for a plain burger or customize to taste
- Serve without a bun for a high protein low carb meal
What to Serve with Best Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Serve these burgers with air fryer frozen sweet potato fries or air fryer frozen tater tots. They also pair well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerate leftover burgers for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F until warmed. Freeze cooked turkey thighs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Are air fryer frozen burgers keto?
Yes, frozen burgers in air fryer are keto-approved as long as you skip the bun or use a low-carb bun alternative, and opt for condiments that don't add sugar. Always check your labels to be sure.
Can you cook frozen burgers in the air fryer?
Yes. Frozen burgers cook well in the air fryer without thawing and stay juicy when cooked properly.
How long do frozen hamburgers take in the air fryer?
Most ¼ lb frozen burgers take about 10 minutes at 370°F, flipping halfway through.
Do I need to add oil to the air fryer basket?
Nonstick baskets usually do not need oil, but aluminum baskets may benefit from a light spray.
What temperature should burgers be cooked to?
Frozen beef burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
More Air Fryer Burger Recipes
More High Protein Air Fryer Frozen Recipes
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
- Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs (Honey Mustard)
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Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 frozen raw beef burgers ¼ lb each
- Burger seasoning optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 370F. 3 mins if you have a small air fryer and 5 minutes for a large air fryer.
- With a non-stick spatula, place the hamburger patties in the air fryer. Whether you can fit 2 or 4 will depend on the capacity of your model.
- Cook the air fryer frozen hamburger for 10 minutes, flipping over after the halfway point. You can add seasoning to one side of the burger after flipping if desired, but this is totally optional.
- If you want to add cheese to the burgers, one minute before the cooking time is done add a slice of cheese and continue cooking until the cheese is melted, which will take about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the burger with a bun and your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pickles, and condiments such as mayo, mustard, and ketchup.
Notes
- Always check doneness with a digital thermometer
- Add seasoning after flipping for best flavor (optional)
- Toast burger buns in the air fryer for 1 minute right after the burgers are done if desired
- Cooking time can vary slightly by air fryer model
- Approximate macros per serving depend on burger brand but burgers are naturally high protein
Rehoboth says
Excellent recipe
Thanks
Jeanne says
When I make hamburgers for the freezer, I add pre-cooked diced bacon, cheese and caramelized onions to my ground beef. I usually make about 3 pounds of quarter pound burgers at a time. So much better than restaurants.
WholeLottaYum says
That sounds amazing Jeanne! Thanks for sharing your ideas