Air Fryer Juicy Bacon Cheeseburgers
Diner-grade sear and steakhouse juiciness in 10 minutes with zero stove splatter.
- Cook temp
- 375°F
- 190°C · preheat
- Total time
- 15 min
- 5 prep · 10 cook · 3 rest
- Flip at
- 6 min
- of 10 min cook
- Pull at
- 160°F
- USDA safe minimum
Air Fryer Burgers That Stay Juicy Every Time! · MOMables - Laura Fuentes
Demonstrates patty dimpling to prevent puffing, spacing patties in the air fryer basket, and topping with cheese under residual heat.
- Target //Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 mins (flip at 6 mins).
- Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 160°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 3 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //Never use lean ground beef for burgers. 80/20 chuck is essential for flavor and juiciness.
- Family Tweak //Serve plain cheeseburgers with ketchup, no onions or pickles.
Ingredients
- 1.3 lbs80/20 Ground Chuck, cold, gently shaped
- 4 slicesSharp Cheddar Cheese
- 8 slicesCooked Thick Bacon
- 4 piecesBrioche Burger Buns
- 1 tspCoarse Kosher Salt
- 1 tspBlack Pepper
- 1/2 tspGarlic Powder
Send to Kroger
Untick anything you already have. One click sends the rest to your own cart.
Adds to your own Kroger cart — you'll sign in with Kroger the first time. Prices and availability depend on your store. Nothing is ordered until you check out at Kroger.
Get to the point
- 1
Form 4 patties (1/3 lb each) from cold 80/20 ground chuck. Press thumb dimple in center.
- 2
Season both sides aggressively with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- 3
Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping with a spatula at the 6-minute mark.
- 4
Top with cheddar in the last 60 seconds with power off to melt. Serve on toasted brioche with bacon.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offForm & Dimple the Cold Patties
Divide 1.33 lbs 80/20 ground chuck into four 1/3-lb balls. Gently shape into 3/4-inch thick patties without overworking the meat. Press a shallow thumb indentation into the center of each patty.
WhyThe center thumbprint prevents the burger from puffing into a rounded meatball as fat renders.
Aggressive Pre-Sear Seasoning
Season both sides generously with 1 tsp coarse kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder right before placing into the basket.
WhyOnly salt meat immediately before cooking; salt draws moisture out of raw beef if left sitting.
Air Fry & Flip
9 minPlace patties in the air fryer basket with at least 1/2-inch space between them. Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes, flip with a spatula, and cook for 3 more minutes.
WhyCirculating convection air browns both sides while rendering fat drains beneath the grate.
Melt Cheese & Assemble
Place a slice of sharp cheddar on each patty. Close basket and let residual heat melt cheese for 1 minute. Transfer patties to warm buttered brioche buns with crispy bacon.
WhyTurn the air fryer OFF when adding cheese; the fan can blow light cheese slices off the patty!
- Dad pro tip
- Never use lean ground beef for burgers. 80/20 chuck is essential for flavor and juiciness.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Serve plain cheeseburgers with ketchup, no onions or pickles.
- Serve with
- Air fryer tater tots · Pickle spears · Corn on the cob
- Reheating
- Reheat burger patties in air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes.
- Calories
- 580
- Protein
- 44 g
- Carbs
- 30 g
- Fat
- 32 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #174032. Cook-time basis: Tested on 80/20 ground chuck 1/3 lb patties at 375°F in basket air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover air fryer juicy bacon cheeseburgers without ruining the texture?
Reheat burger patties in air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?
Confirm internal core temperature reaches 160°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Serve plain cheeseburgers with ketchup, no onions or pickles.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Air fryer tater tots, Pickle spears, Corn on the cob.