Frozen burgers in the air fryer are perfect for those nights when you want a proper burger but haven’t remembered to defrost anything. The patties cook straight from the freezer, require almost no preparation, and leave you with far less mess than frying them on the stovetop.
For the 4-ounce frozen Beyond Burger patties shown in this recipe, I air fry them at 375°F for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. Different brands, thicker patties, and meat-based burgers can take longer, so always check the center before serving.
Quick answer: Place frozen burger patties in a single layer and air fry at 375°F, flipping after 4 minutes. The plant-based patties I tested were ready in 7-9 minutes. Frozen beef burgers commonly need around 10-15 minutes, depending on their size and thickness.
Jump to:
- 🍔 Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Burgers
- ⏱️ How Long to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
- 🧊 Can You Cook Burgers From Frozen?
- 🛒 Ingredients and Notes
- 🔥 How to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
- 🌡️ How to Know When Frozen Burgers Are Done
- 🧀 How to Make Frozen Cheeseburgers
- 🥒 Toppings and Serving Ideas
- 💡 Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
- 📦 Storage and Reheating
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- 🔗 More Air Fryer Recipes
- 📖 Recipe Card
🍔 Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Burgers
- No thawing needed: The patties go directly from the freezer into the air fryer.
- Quick to prepare: My frozen plant-based burgers are ready in under 10 minutes.
- Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks neatly inside the air fryer basket.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite seasoning, cheese, sauce, and burger toppings.
- Useful for any number of servings: Cook one burger or prepare several in batches.
This recipe is tested with frozen plant-based patties, but the same basic method can also be used for frozen beef, turkey, and chicken burgers. The cooking time and safe internal temperature will vary depending on the type of patty.
📌 If you love Pinterest you can pin any of the images to your boards!
⏱️ How Long to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
The exact cooking time depends on the burger’s ingredients, size, thickness, and your air fryer model.
| Frozen burger type | Approximate time at 375°F | How to check |
| 4-ounce plant-based patties | 7-9 minutes | Follow the package instructions |
| 4-ounce beef patties | Approximately 10-15 minutes | Cook to 160°F |
| Turkey or chicken patties | Follow the package timing and begin checking early | Cook to 165°F |
| Extra-thick patties | Add time in 2-minute intervals | Check the center with a thermometer |
The 7-9 minute timing is based specifically on the Beyond Burger patties pictured here. Treat the other times as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F, while ground turkey and chicken should reach 165°F. Insert the thermometer through the side of the patty so the tip reaches the center.
Hi, I'm Romy 👋
I'm a vegan recipe developer & food photographer. I test recipes weekly and share what actually works (and what doesn't).
🧊 Can You Cook Burgers From Frozen?
Yes - you do not need to thaw frozen burger patties before placing them in the air fryer.
Cooking them from frozen is convenient and helps the patties maintain their shape. Simply separate the burgers, remove any packaging or paper dividers, and place them directly into the preheated basket.
If two patties have frozen together, do not force them apart with a sharp knife. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes until you can separate them safely.
🛒 Ingredients and Notes
You only need a couple of ingredients for the basic recipe.
Frozen burger patties
I tested this method using 4-ounce frozen Beyond Burger patties. You can use another brand of plant-based burger, but check the package because thickness and cooking instructions vary.
Frozen beef, chicken, turkey, and vegetable patties can also be air fried, but they may require a different cooking time.
Cooking oil spray
Oil is usually unnecessary, especially for patties that already contain a reasonable amount of fat.
When using a very lean or low-fat patty that tends to stick, lightly brush or spray the basket before adding the burgers.
Check your air fryer instructions before using aerosol cooking sprays, as some manufacturers recommend avoiding them on nonstick coatings.
Optional seasoning
Many frozen burgers are already seasoned, so taste or check the packaging before adding more salt.
For extra flavor, try:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Montreal-style steak seasoning
The seasoning will stick more easily after the burgers have cooked for a few minutes and the surface has begun to thaw.
For serving
Use any combination of:
- Burger buns
- Vegan or dairy cheese slices
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickles
- Red onion
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Vegan mayonnaise
- Barbecue sauce
- Homemade vegan Big Mac sauce
🔥 How to Cook Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for approximately 3 minutes, or use your model’s automatic preheat setting.
Preheating helps make the cooking time more consistent. When your air fryer manufacturer says preheating is unnecessary, you can skip it, but the burgers may need an additional minute or two.
Air fryers vary between models, so check your manufacturer’s instructions or read my beginner’s guide to using an air fryer for more help with preheating and cooking times.
Step 2: Add the frozen patties
Remove the burgers from their packaging and place them in the basket in a single layer.
Leave a little space between each patty so the hot air can circulate. Do not stack or overlap the burgers. Work in batches when your air fryer is too small to hold them comfortably.
For the best browning, place the patties directly on the crisper plate or basket rather than covering it with solid foil.
Step 3: Air fry for 4 minutes
Cook the frozen patties at 375°F for 4 minutes.
Open the basket and flip each burger. This is also a good time to add any garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, or other seasoning, as it will now stick more readily to the surface.
Step 4: Finish cooking
Cook the plant-based patties for another 3-5 minutes, or until browned and hot throughout.
For thicker or meat-based burgers, continue cooking and check them every 2 minutes. Do not rely on appearance alone when cooking beef, turkey, or chicken patties - use a meat thermometer to check the center.
Step 5: Add cheese
For cheeseburgers, place one slice of cheese over each cooked patty during the final 30-60 seconds.
Light cheese slices can move in the circulating air. Another option is to switch off the air fryer, place the cheese onto the hot patties, close the basket, and allow the residual heat to soften it for 1-2 minutes.
Some vegan cheeses need a little longer to melt, so check yours after the first minute.
Step 6: Assemble the burgers
Place the cooked patties inside your chosen buns and add your favorite toppings.
I usually add vegan mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles, vegan cheese, tomato, and ketchup. My homemade vegan burger buns and vegan Big Mac sauce both work brilliantly here too.
🌡️ How to Know When Frozen Burgers Are Done
Time is helpful, but the center of the burger gives you the most reliable answer.
For plant-based patties, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package. Different products use different protein blends and may have their own recommended temperature.
For meat-based patties:
- Ground beef: 160°F
- Ground chicken or turkey: 165°F
Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer. Insert it horizontally through the side so the tip reaches the center rather than only measuring the hot outer surface. Ground beef should reach 160°F, while ground chicken and turkey should reach 165°F, in line with the official safe minimum internal temperature guidance.
If the burger has not reached the required temperature, return it to the basket and cook in 1-2 minute intervals.
🧀 How to Make Frozen Cheeseburgers
Add the cheese only once the burgers are nearly finished. Leaving it in the air fryer for the entire cooking time can cause it to overcook, slide off, or blow around the basket.
Place a slice over each patty for the final minute, or let it soften using the residual heat after switching off the appliance.
Vegan cheese can vary quite dramatically between brands. Some slices melt quickly, while others soften without becoming runny, so adjust the time to suit the cheese you are using.
🥒 Toppings and Serving Ideas
The fun part is loading up your burger!
Try any combination of:
- Crisp lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Pickles
- Red onion
- Caramelized onions
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Vegan mayonnaise
- Barbecue sauce
- Burger sauce
For a creamy, tangy finish, spoon over my homemade vegan Big Mac sauce before adding the top bun.
Serve your frozen air fryer burgers with air fryer tater tots, sweet potato fries, crispy air fryer gnocchi, potato wedges, onion rings, or a simple salad.
💡 Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Cook in a single layer: Leaving space around the patties helps them cook and brown more evenly.
Flip halfway through: The top of an air fryer is usually hotter than the underside, so flipping produces more even results.
Do not depend on time alone: Burger thickness and air fryer power can vary considerably. Check the center before serving.
Season after the first few minutes: Seasoning sticks more easily once the frozen surface begins to thaw.
Avoid overcooking: Check the burgers early and add more time gradually. This is especially useful for thinner plant-based patties.
Use the package as your starting point: When the manufacturer provides air fryer instructions, follow those first.
Cook directly in the basket: Solid foil or an unperforated liner can restrict airflow beneath the patties and reduce browning. For more information about how pans and solid containers affect airflow, see my guide to using an aluminum pan in an air fryer.
New to the appliance? My air fryer best practices cover basket capacity, airflow, preheating, and other small details that can affect the finished result.
📦 Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover burger patties to cool before placing them in an airtight container.
Store cooked burgers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the patties separate from the buns and fresh toppings so nothing becomes soggy.
To reheat, place the patty in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until hot throughout. Add a fresh cheese slice during the final minute if needed.
FoodSafety.gov recommends refrigerating cooked meat and poultry leftovers for no more than 3-4 days. For plant-based burger patties, also check the manufacturer’s package for any more specific storage instructions.
Avoid repeatedly reheating the same burger.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No. Frozen burger patties can go directly into the air fryer. The cooking time in this recipe is based on patties cooked straight from the freezer.
I recommend 375°F. This allows the center to heat through without the outside becoming too dark before the burger is ready.
Flipping after approximately 4 minutes helps both sides brown and cook more evenly.
Yes. Their cooking time may be longer than the plant-based burgers used in this recipe. Cook frozen ground-beef patties until the center reaches 160°F.
Yes, but follow the package directions and cook ground-poultry patties to 165°F.
No. Place them in a single layer with space around each patty. Cook them in batches when necessary.
Usually not. Many frozen burgers release enough fat or oil while cooking. A very light coating can help when using lean patties that tend to stick.
They were probably cooked for too long. Air fryers and patty thicknesses differ, so begin checking early and use a thermometer rather than adding several extra minutes at once.
🔗 More Air Fryer Recipes
Did you make this recipe? If so, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and star rating & let me know how you liked this recipe? THANK YOU! ❤️
📖 Recipe Card
Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 air fryer I use a Ninja Foodi on the air fryer setting.
- kitchen tongs or spatula
- instant-read thermometer when cooking meat patties
Ingredients
- 2 frozen burger patties e.g. Beyond Meat (4 ounces each)
- cooking oil spray optional
- seasoning of choice optional
- 2 cheese slices optional
- burger buns and toppings for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes, unless your model does not require preheating.
- Remove the frozen patties from their packaging and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 4 minutes, then flip the patties. Add any optional seasoning.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the plant-based patties are browned and hot throughout.
- For cheeseburgers, add one cheese slice to each patty during the final 30-60 seconds.
- Place the patties inside burger buns, add your favorite toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Tested patties: This timing was tested using frozen 4-ounce Beyond Burger patties. Other brands may require a different cooking time.
- Beef burgers: Frozen beef patties commonly take longer. Cook until the center reaches 160°F.
- Turkey and chicken: Follow the package directions and cook to 165°F.
- Cooking time: Air fryer models and patty thicknesses vary. Check early and add time in 1–2 minute intervals.
- No thawing: Cook the patties directly from frozen.
- Oil: Most frozen burgers do not require additional oil. Use a light coating only when necessary to prevent sticking.
- Airflow: Arrange patties in one layer and avoid covering the complete basket with foil.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until hot throughout.
© 2026 Romy London / Romina Callwitz | All images, videos, wordings and content are copyright protected and belong to Romina Callwitz. Please do not use any of my content without prior permission. If you wish to re-publish any (part of my) content, please get in touch via email. Thanks for your support!
*Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links and sponsored links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. You can find more information in my Privacy Policy.
James james says
Lovely and obviously easy