Craving a classic burger without the carbs? These Air Fryer Burger Patties deliver all the satisfaction of a juicy, flavour-packed burger, minus the bun and excess carbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and the air fryer to achieve a beautifully browned crust and succulent centre every time.
Air frying locks in moisture while creating a deliciously crisp exterior, making these patties ideal for keto eaters who want maximum flavour with minimal fuss. Simply mix, shape, and air fry—no flipping required! Serve them with your favourite low-carb toppings or alongside a crisp salad for a meal that feels indulgent yet keeps you on track.
Ready in under 20 minutes, these burger patties are a versatile staple you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family or batch-cooking for the week, this recipe guarantees juicy, satisfying results with every bite.
At a glance
- Time: 18 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Energy: 320 kcal
Ingredients
- 500g Beef mince (80/20) (Look for higher fat for juicier patties)
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind the patties)
- 60g Cheddar cheese, grated (Adds flavour and fat)
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Baking parchment
- Kitchen scales
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince, egg, grated cheddar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with a fork until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 125g each). Shape each into a patty roughly 2cm thick, pressing a small indent in the centre with your thumb to prevent puffing.
- Line the air fryer basket with a piece of baking parchment (pierced with a few holes for airflow).
- Arrange the patties in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each. Air fry at 200°C for 8 minutes.
- Check for doneness: patties should be deeply browned on the outside and cooked through (internal temp 70°C). For extra crisp edges, air fry 1–2 minutes more.
- Rest the patties for 2 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: eggs, dairy
Potential swaps:
- Cheddar cheese → Dairy-free cheese alternative — For dairy-free, use a meltable vegan cheese
- Egg → 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water — Mix and let sit 5 min for an egg-free binder
- Beef mince → Turkey or chicken mince — For a lighter option, but reduce cook time by 1–2 min
Serving Ideas
- Topped with a fried egg and avocado: Adds creaminess and extra protein.
- Served over a crisp green salad: Light, fresh, and perfect for lunch.
- Wrapped in lettuce leaves with tomato and pickles: Classic burger taste, no bun needed.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Don’t press the patties while cooking—this keeps them juicy.
- For extra flavour, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mix.
- Let the patties rest before serving to keep them moist.
Variations
- Add chopped jalapeños or chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a herby twist.
- Swap beef for lamb mince for a richer flavour.
Troubleshooting
- If patties stick to the basket, use parchment with holes for airflow.
- If patties are too dry, check your beef fat content and reduce cook time slightly.
- If patties fall apart, ensure the mixture is well combined and not too loose.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3–4 minutes until hot.
Ingredient Spotlight
Beef mince: Opt for 80/20 beef mince for the best balance of flavour and juiciness in your patties.
Cheddar cheese: Adds richness and helps keep the patties moist; mature cheddar gives extra depth.
FAQs
Can I freeze these air fryer burger patties?
Yes, you can freeze cooked or uncooked patties. Layer with parchment and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent the patties from drying out?
Use beef with at least 20% fat and avoid overcooking. Resting the patties after air frying also helps retain juices.
Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The patties will still hold together well.
What toppings work best for keto burgers?
Try fried eggs, avocado, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or leafy greens for extra flavour and healthy fats.
Do I need to flip the patties in the air fryer?
No flipping is needed—air circulation cooks both sides evenly.
Air Fryer Burger Patties with Juicy Centre and Crispy Edges
Ingredients
- 500g Beef mince (80/20) (Look for higher fat for juicier patties)
- 1 large Egg (Helps bind the patties)
- 60g Cheddar cheese, grated (Adds flavour and fat)
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince, egg, grated cheddar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with a fork until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 125g each). Shape each into a patty roughly 2cm thick, pressing a small indent in the centre with your thumb to prevent puffing.
- Line the air fryer basket with a piece of baking parchment (pierced with a few holes for airflow).
- Arrange the patties in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each. Air fry at 200°C for 8 minutes.
- Check for doneness: patties should be deeply browned on the outside and cooked through (internal temp 70°C). For extra crisp edges, air fry 1–2 minutes more.
- Rest the patties for 2 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: eggs, dairy
- Cheddar cheese → Dairy-free cheese alternative — For dairy-free, use a meltable vegan cheese
- Egg → 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water — Mix and let sit 5 min for an egg-free binder
- Beef mince → Turkey or chicken mince — For a lighter option, but reduce cook time by 1–2 min
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Energy: 320 kcal
