6 Shares

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).

If you’re looking for the easiest way to cook frozen smashed burgers, the air fryer is your best friend! These juicy patties go straight from freezer to air fryer—no thawing needed—and come out perfectly browned and delicious every time. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or craving a low-carb meal, this air fryer frozen smashed burger recipe is a game-changer for fast, flavorful results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Smashed Burgers

No thawing is required. You can cook these burgers straight from frozen, saving you tons of time. Just pop them into the air fryer, and you’re done in under 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate shortcut for busy days. No mess, no fuss—just juicy burgers fast!
Perfectly browned every time. The air fryer gives the smashed patties that gorgeous golden-brown crust. You don’t need to flip or babysit them while they cook. They come out evenly cooked with deliciously crispy edges. Every bite is full of flavor and texture.
Customizable for everyone. Serve them plain, make cheeseburgers, or go bun-less for a low-carb option. You can easily adapt them with different toppings, sauces, and buns. Great for picky eaters or when everyone wants something different. One base, endless possibilities!
Quick and easy cleanup. Since there’s no oil splatter or stovetop mess, cleanup is a breeze. The air fryer basket just needs a quick rinse or wipe-down. You don’t even need extra pans or tools. More time to eat and relax!
Perfect for low-carb and keto diets. Skip the bun and enjoy the juicy patties on their own or with lettuce wraps. They’re satisfying and packed with protein. Ideal for anyone watching carbs or looking for a simple high-protein meal. Still delicious without the bread!

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Smashed Burgers

Frozen smashed burger patties – The star of the recipe! These cook up beautifully in the air fryer without any need to defrost.
Slice of cheese (optional) – Want to make it a cheeseburger? Just add a slice of your favorite cheese after cooking.
Burger bun and toppings (optional) – Go classic with a bun, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sauces—or keep it simple.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Frozen Smashed Burgers

Air fryer – This is the key tool that cooks the burgers straight from frozen with perfect browning and juiciness.
Spatula – Helps you lift and remove the burger patties easily from the air fryer basket without breaking them.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Smashed Burgers

Take the frozen smashed burgers out of the package—no need to defrost!
Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 9 minutes.
When they’re done, they’ll be nicely browned and fully cooked.
Want to make it a cheeseburger? Just place a slice of cheese on top, then put the basket back in the air fryer (turned off) for a minute so the cheese melts from the residual heat.
Serve your burger on a bun with toppings or enjoy it low-carb style without the bun!

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a classic hamburger bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite homemade BBQ sauce.
For a low-carb or keto option, skip the bun and wrap the burger in roasted lettuce, or enjoy it plain.
Pair with air fryer crispy french fries or homemade sweet potato fries for a fun diner-style meal.
Add a simple fresh garden salad on the side to keep things light and fresh.
Serve with creamy coleslaw, roasted mixed veggies, or even cauliflower rice for a balanced plate.

Tips For Success

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the patties are placed in a single layer without overlapping. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice browned crust. If you try to squeeze too many in at once, they may steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed!
Use the right temperature and time. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the frozen smashed burgers for 9 minutes. This setting gives you juicy burgers with a crispy exterior. There’s no need to flip them—just set it and let the air fryer do all the work. Always check doneness if you’re unsure, especially with thicker patties.
Let the residual heat melt the cheese. If you’re adding cheese, don’t run the air fryer again. Just place the slice of cheese on the hot burger once cooking is finished. Pop the basket back into the air fryer (turned off) for about a minute. The residual heat melts the cheese perfectly without overcooking the burger.
Customize your burger how you like it. This recipe is a blank canvas—dress it up or keep it simple. Add your favorite sauces, toppings, or even a fried egg! Want something lighter? Skip the bun and enjoy it low-carb style.
Clean your air fryer basket while it’s warm. After your meal, give the basket a quick clean while it’s still warm (but not hot). The grease and bits come off much easier this way. It makes cleanup fast and painless. Keeping your air fryer clean helps it cook more evenly too!

Variations And Substitutions

Make it a cheeseburger. Simply add a slice of your favorite cheese—like American, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack—after cooking. Let the residual heat melt it in about a minute. It’s an easy way to switch things up and add even more flavor. You can even try flavored cheese slices like jalapeño cheddar for a kick!
Try different toppings. Go beyond the basics and load your burger with extras like sautéed onions, mushrooms, or avocado slices. Add some BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo, or sriracha for a flavor twist. You can make it gourmet or keep it classic. The possibilities are endless and easy to adjust to your taste.
Go bun-free. For a low-carb or keto option, ditch the bun and wrap your burger in lettuce or collard greens. You can also serve it on a low-carb wrap or alongside a salad. This keeps the meal light while still being filling and protein-packed. Perfect if you’re watching carbs but still want something satisfying.
Use different types of patties. While this recipe uses frozen smashed burgers, you can try turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties the same way. Just follow the same instructions and check that the patties are cooked through. It’s a great way to accommodate different diets or preferences. Just be sure they’re thin-style frozen patties for best results.
Add a breakfast twist. Top your burger with a fried egg and a slice of bacon for a morning meal with serious flavor. Swap the bun for an English muffin or just go without. This makes a delicious high-protein breakfast or brunch option. Who says burgers are just for lunch and dinner?

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers. Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool slightly before sealing them up.
Reheat in the air fryer. To bring back that crispy texture, pop the burger patty back into the air fryer at 370°F for 3–4 minutes. This helps it warm through without drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the burger rubbery.
Freeze for later. If you’ve cooked extra patties, you can freeze them again once fully cooled. Wrap individually and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5–6 minutes.
Don’t reheat with toppings. If you’ve already added cheese or other toppings, remove them before reheating and add fresh after. This keeps everything tasting and looking fresh. Especially helpful if you used lettuce or sauces that don’t reheat well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook more than one smashed burger at a time in the air fryer?

Yes, as long as they fit in a single layer without overlapping. Air fryers need space around the food for the hot air to circulate and cook evenly. If you try to stack or crowd the basket, the burgers may not brown properly or cook through. For the best results, cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small.

Do I need to flip the burgers while they cook?

No flipping needed! The air fryer circulates heat all around the patty, so it cooks evenly without turning. This is one of the things that makes the air fryer so convenient. Just set the timer and let it do the work—perfectly browned and cooked burgers every time.

Can I use homemade frozen smashed burgers instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you’ve prepped and frozen your own smashed patties, they’ll work just as well. Just make sure they’re similar in thickness to store-bought versions so they cook evenly in the same amount of time. If they’re thicker or have added ingredients, you may need to adjust the cook time slightly.

What kind of cheese works best for air fryer cheeseburgers?

Any cheese that melts well will work great—American, cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack are all delicious options. Avoid hard cheeses that don’t melt easily. For best results, add the cheese after cooking and let it melt in the residual heat of the air fryer. This way you get perfectly gooey cheese without overcooking the patty.

How do I know the burger is fully cooked?

The patty should be browned on the outside and cooked through in the center. If you’re unsure, you can cut it open to check. For extra peace of mind, you can use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 160°F for beef burgers. With smashed patties, though, it’s usually easy to see when they’re done.

Can I cook other frozen burger styles the same way?

Yes, but adjust the time if the patties are thicker. This recipe is based on thin-style smashed burgers. For thicker frozen patties, you may need to cook for 12–15 minutes at 400°F, checking halfway through. Always confirm they’re cooked through before serving.

Are these burgers good for meal prep?

Yes! You can cook several patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. They reheat well in the air fryer and stay juicy. Just wait to add toppings or buns until you’re ready to serve.

Other Easy Burger Recipes

Best Healthy Turkey Burger Patties – These juicy turkey burger patties are packed with flavor and made with simple, wholesome ingredients—perfect for a healthy dinner.

Easy Black Bean Burger with Cheese – This black bean burger is hearty, cheesy, and comes together fast for a delicious vegetarian meal everyone will love.

BBQ Frozen Salmon Burgers on the Grill – Grill up frozen salmon burgers in minutes for a quick, healthy BBQ option that’s full of smoky flavor and omega-3s.

How to Grill Frozen Hamburgers – Learn the best way to grill frozen burgers without thawing—perfectly juicy and char-grilled every time.

Pressure Cooker Hamburgers – These Instant Pot hamburgers are tender, juicy, and ready in minutes with no flipping or grilling required.

Crispy Air Fryer Veggie Burger Patties – Make crispy, golden-brown veggie burgers straight from frozen in the air fryer for a quick and easy meatless meal.

Air Fryer White Castle Sliders – Cheeseburger Bites – These mini White Castle cheeseburgers come out hot, melty, and delicious in just minutes using the air fryer.

Click Here To Pin This Recipe

Cooked frozen smashed burger patty in air fryer basket after 9 minutes at 400°F, ready to be served.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

No ratings yet