If you love juicy, flavorful burgers but hate the mess of stovetop cooking, the Ninja Air Fryer is your new best friend. Air frying burgers is a game-changer—fast, crispy, and healthier than pan-frying or grilling. But how long do you need to cook burgers in a Ninja Air Fryer? The answer depends on whether you’re cooking fresh or frozen patties.
In this guide, we’ll break down the perfect cooking time, temperature, and tips to ensure your air fryer burgers come out juicy and delicious every time.
Choosing the Right Burger Patties
Fresh vs. Frozen Patties
You can cook both fresh and frozen burgers in a Ninja Air Fryer. Fresh patties cook a little faster and allow for better seasoning, while frozen patties are convenient for a quick meal.
Best Meat for Juicy Burgers
For the best air fryer burgers, choose ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio. This ensures a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef, such as 90/10, may result in a drier burger.
Recommended Burger Thickness
A ½-inch to ¾-inch thick patty works best in an air fryer. Anything thicker may not cook evenly, while thinner patties may dry out too quickly.
Prepping the Ninja Air Fryer for Cooking
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating your Ninja Air Fryer for 3–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Oil or No Oil?
One of the perks of air frying is that you don’t need oil for cooking burgers. However, a light spray of oil on the basket can help prevent sticking.
Setting the Right Temperature
For best results, set your Ninja Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for cooking fresh burgers and 370°F (188°C) for frozen ones.
Cooking Fresh Burgers in a Ninja Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 5–6 minute mark.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer:
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
- Medium-well: 150–155°F (65–68°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C) or higher
If you want juicier burgers, remove them 2–3 degrees before reaching your desired doneness since they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer.
Cooking Frozen Burgers in a Ninja Air Fryer
- No need to thaw! Place frozen patties directly in the air fryer.
- Set the temperature to 370°F (188°C).
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping at 6–7 minutes.
- Check internal temperature and cook longer if needed.
Preventing Dryness
To prevent frozen burgers from drying out, add a small cube of butter or a splash of Worcestershire sauce on top before cooking.
Adding Cheese and Other Toppings
- For cheese: Add a slice during the last 1–2 minutes and close the air fryer to let it melt.
- Air fryer-safe toppings: Precooked bacon, grilled onions, or mushrooms can be added on top for extra flavor.
Toasting the Buns in the Ninja Air Fryer
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast buns for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Brush with butter for extra flavor.
Tips for the Juiciest Ninja Air Fryer Burgers
- Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Let burgers rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping preheating – leads to uneven cooking.
❌ Overcrowding the basket – prevents airflow, making burgers less crispy.
❌ Using too lean beef – results in dry burgers.
Serving Your Air Fryer Burgers
Best sides:
- Air fryer fries
- Onion rings
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
Cleaning and Maintenance of Your Ninja Air Fryer
- Let it cool before cleaning.
- Use warm, soapy water to clean the basket and tray.
- Avoid abrasive sponges to prevent scratching.
Conclusion
Cooking burgers in a Ninja Air Fryer is quick, easy, and mess-free. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen patties, following the right temperature, time, and flipping technique ensures a juicy, delicious burger every time.
FAQs
Can I cook turkey or veggie burgers in a Ninja Air Fryer?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time:
- Turkey burgers: 12–14 minutes at 375°F
- Veggie burgers: 8–10 minutes at 375°F
How do I prevent my burger from drying out?
Use 80/20 ground beef, avoid overcooking, and let burgers rest before serving.
Can I use aluminum foil in my Ninja Air Fryer?
Yes, but ensure airflow by poking small holes in the foil.
Do I need to flip burgers in the air fryer?
Yes! Flipping ensures even cooking and prevents one side from getting too crispy.
What is the best air fryer temperature for well-done burgers?
Set the Ninja Air Fryer to 375°F and cook for 12–14 minutes.
