Cooking gourmet burgers in an air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve juicy, perfectly cooked patties with minimal fuss. The air fryer’s high heat ensures a delicious sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Here’s how to make gourmet hamburger patties and cook them to perfection in your air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Using an air fryer for burgers allows for quick, even cooking with a crispy exterior, all without the mess of pan-frying or the need to fire up a grill. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger every time. Plus, you can customize the toppings to create your own gourmet experience.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
For the Gourmet Toppings:
- Sliced cheese (cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese, or your favorite)
- Caramelized onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Avocado slices
- Crispy bacon strips
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles
- Special sauces (aioli, chipotle mayo, etc.)
- Toasted brioche buns or pretzel buns