Quick Answer
The recommended cooking time for chicken burgers in an air fryer is 8-12 minutes at 375°F. Thickness of the burger patties and personal preference on doneness will affect total cooking time. Use an instant read thermometer to check internal temp, removing burgers at 165°F for food safety. Air frying yields a crispy exterior and juicy interior when cooked properly.
Detailed Guide
Chicken burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef hamburgers. Using lean ground chicken breast in place of greasy ground beef reduces calories, fat, and cholesterol in the burger patty. Chicken burgers are easy to make at home and cook up quickly in an air fryer for a convenient weeknight meal.
When cooking chicken burgers in an air fryer, follow these guidelines for the best results:
1. Form the Burger Patties
– Use 1/4 to 1/3 pound of ground chicken per burger patty. Pinch off pieces and roll into balls, then gently press into patties about 1/2-inch thick.
– To prevent dry burgers, mix in a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise per pound of ground chicken. This adds moisture and flavor.
– Season the patties with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and other spices of choice. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to help the patties hold their shape better during cooking.
2. Preheat and Grease the Air Fryer Basket
– Set the air fryer to 375°F. This high heat helps the chicken burgers get crispy on the outside while cooking through.
– Lightly brush, spray or drizzle a little oil over the air fryer basket. This prevents sticking. Avocado, olive or canola oil work well.
3. Cook the Chicken Burgers
– Place patties in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Leave about 1/2-inch between burgers for even cooking.
– Cook at 375°F for 4 minutes on the first side. This initial high heat sears the exterior.
– Flip and cook another 4-8 minutes until the internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant read thermometer. cooking time will depend on thickness of patties and desired doneness.
– For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Add Cheese and Toast Buns
– During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, top the chicken burgers with slices of cheese like cheddar, swiss or pepper jack to melt.
– Separately, toast the hamburger buns in the air fryer basket set at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.
5. Assemble and Enjoy!
– Place each cooked chicken burger on the bottom bun and build with desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, mayo or ketchup.
– Add the top bun, secure with a toothpick if needed, and serve while hot off the air fryer!
The air fryer lets you cook juicy chicken burgers in less than 15 minutes without needing to heat up the oven or grill. Adjust cook times based on patty thickness and personal preference. Use an instant read thermometer to confirm safe doneness.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors impact the total time needed to cook chicken burgers to perfection in an air fryer:
Thickness of the Burger Patties
Thinner patties will cook faster while thicker patties require more time. For best results:
– 1/4 pound patties should be about 1/2-inch thick
– 1/3 pound patties can be up to 3/4-inch thick
When forming the ground chicken into patties by hand, use a thinner patty for adults and a thicker one for kids who like well-done burgers.
Doneness Preference
The safe minimum cooking temperature for chicken burgers is 165°F, but personal preference on doneness changes total air fryer cook time:
– 145-150°F for rare to medium-rare chicken burgers
– 160-165°F for medium doneness
– 170°F+ for well done
Use an instant read thermometer to check internal temp and determine preferred doneness. Remove patties promptly when desired temp is reached.
Amount of Burgers
Cooking fewer patties takes less time compared to a maxed out air fryer basket. Monitor closely and remove burgers individually as they reach the target temp.
Stagger cooking if making more burgers than space allows. Pre-cook halfway, remove some patties, add new ones, then finish first batch.
Air Fryer Wattage
Higher wattage air fryers heat up faster and cook quicker than weaker models. Cook times vary based on appliance power:
– 1200-1500W air fryers: 8-10 minutes
– 1600-1800W air fryers: 6-8 minutes
– 2000-2200W air fryers: 4-6 minutes
Refer to your air fryer manual for model-specific guidance. Adjust recipe cook times as needed.
Altitude
Higher altitudes above sea level impact air pressure and temperatures within the air fryer, increasing chicken burger cook times slightly. Add 1-2 minutes if cooking at altitude.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Chicken Burgers
Take steps for optimally cooked chicken burgers in the air fryer:
– Use fresh, lean ground chicken rather than frozen. Thaw frozen patties before air frying.
– Form patties that are an even thickness for consistent cooking. Handle the meat gently.
– Brush both sides with oil for crisping. Try grapeseed, avocado or olive oil.
– Don’t overcrowd. Leave space between patties to allow air flow.
– Use cooking spray on the basket to prevent sticking.
– Flip halfway during cooking for even browning and thorough heating.
– Always verify safe internal temperature using an instant read thermometer.
– Avoid pressing down on patties while they cook in the hot air fryer.
– Allow burgers to rest 2-3 minutes after removing from appliance before assembling and serving.
Recipe and Cooking Time Table
| Burger Size | Cook Time at 375°F |
|---|---|
| 1/4 pound patty, 1/2-inch thick | 8-10 minutes |
| 1/3 pound patty, 3/4-inch thick | 10-12 minutes |
Use these air fryer cook times as a starting point for making juicy, crispy chicken burgers at home. Always verify safe internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. Adjust air fryer temperature and cook times to preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an air fryer good for cooking burgers?
Yes, an air fryer is an excellent way to cook burgers, including chicken burgers. The hot circulating air crisps up and browns the exterior while heating the inside perfectly in less time compared to oven baking.
Do you need oil to air fry burgers?
A small amount of oil helps promote browning and prevents sticking when air frying burgers. Lightly brush patties with oil or spray the basket. Use just 1-2 tsp oil total to keep burgers lower in fat.
How long does it take to cook a burger in air fryer?
Most 1/4 to 1/3 pound burger patties take 8-12 minutes in an air fryer set at 375°F. Cook times vary based on thickness, appliance wattage and doneness preference.
Do you flip chicken burgers in air fryer?
Yes, flipping the burgers halfway during air frying ensures even cooking on both sides. Cook 4 minutes on first side, flip and cook another 4-8 minutes depending on thickness.
Can you put raw burger patties in the air fryer?
It’s safe and effective to put raw burger patties including chicken, turkey and beef directly into a preheated air fryer. The hot circulating high efficiently cooks the burgers through.
Conclusion
Air fried chicken burgers are a quick and convenient meal option with a deliciously crispy exterior and juicy interior. Allow 8-12 minutes when cooking 1/4 to 1/3 pound patties in an air fryer set at 375°F. Monitor thickness, adjust times for doneness preference, and use an instant read thermometer to confirm food safety. With minimal prep, chicken burgers can be on the table in under 15 minutes thanks to the air fryer!