1. Prepare the Beef:
- Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a ball, but don’t compress too much—these will be smashed down.
- Season: Lightly season each beef ball with salt and pepper. Don’t over-season; you’ll add more flavor as you cook.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps to get a nice sear on the burgers.
3. Cook the Burgers:
- Smash the Patties: Place a piece of parchment paper or foil in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the beef balls in the basket, leaving some space between each. Using a spatula or the back of a large spoon, smash each ball down into a thin patty.
- Cook: Air fry the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and close the air fryer to melt the cheese.
- Check Doneness: The internal temperature of the burgers should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time if necessary based on your air fryer and preferred level of doneness.
4. Toast the Buns:
- Butter the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns.
- Air Fry: Place the buns in the air fryer basket, buttered side up, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
- Prepare Toppings: While the buns are toasting, prepare your burger toppings: wash lettuce leaves, slice tomatoes, and pickles.
- Assemble: Spread your choice of condiments on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf, followed by the cooked burger patty (with melted cheese, if using). Top with tomato slices and pickles. Spread additional condiments on the top bun if desired.
- Top and Serve: Place the top bun over the burger and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Air-Fryer Smash Burgers:
- Fat Content: Use ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20) for juicy burgers. Leaner beef might result in drier patties.
- Seasoning: Season the beef lightly before cooking and adjust with additional seasoning after cooking if needed.
- Cheese: Adding cheese during the last few minutes of cooking allows it to melt perfectly without overcooking the burger.
- Air Fryer Size: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches. Avoid overcrowding the basket for best results.
- Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings to suit your taste. Add sautéed onions, bacon, or avocado for extra flavor.
- Resting Time: Let the burgers rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Air-Fryer Smash Burgers are a delicious and efficient way to make burgers with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. This method is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat. Enjoy these burgers with your favorite sides and condiments!