Reheating a burger in an air fryer is simple: preheat to 160°C (320°F), place the burger in the basket, and cook for 3–4 minutes. This method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the patty juicy inside. Whether you’re reheating a leftover homemade burger or a takeaway, the air fryer brings it back to life better than a microwave. For best results, avoid overcrowding and consider lightly toasting the bun separately. Check out more tips at airfryerrecipe.co.uk/recipes for perfect burger revivals.
Air fryers excel at reheating burgers because they circulate hot air evenly, crisping the exterior without drying out the meat. Unlike microwaves, which can make burgers rubbery, air fryers restore that fresh-cooked texture. The rapid heating also prevents the burger from sitting in its own grease, keeping it lighter. If you’ve ever tried reheating a burger in an oven, you’ll know it takes much longer and often overcooks the edges. The air fryer’s compact size means it reheats faster while using less energy—ideal for quick meals.
Another advantage is versatility: whether you’re reheating a cheeseburger, veggie patty, or even a frozen pre-cooked burger, the air fryer adapts. For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese during the last minute to melt it perfectly. Explore our beef recipe category for more inspiration on burger variations and cooking times.
160°C (320°F) is the sweet spot for reheating burgers in an air fryer. This temperature gently warms the patty without overcooking it, while crisping the exterior. Higher temps risk drying out the meat, especially if it’s lean like turkey or chicken. For thicker burgers, you might increase to 170°C (340°F) but reduce the time slightly. Always preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to ensure even cooking—cold starts can lead to uneven reheating.
Start by preheating your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). If your burger is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to take the chill off. Place the patty in the air fryer basket, leaving space around it for airflow. Avoid stacking burgers—reheat in batches if needed. Cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket. For extra crispiness, spritz the patty lightly with oil before reheating.
If reheating a cheeseburger, add the cheese during the last 30 seconds to prevent burning. Toast the bun separately at 180°C (350°F) for 1–2 minutes to avoid sogginess. Need a visual guide? Check our air fryer conversion chart for timing adjustments based on patty thickness or type. Leftover bacon can also be crisped up alongside the burger for a full revival.
To prevent dryness, brush the patty with a little broth or butter before reheating. This works especially well for lean meats like turkey or plant-based burgers. If the burger was sauced originally, reapply sauces after reheating to avoid burning. For frozen pre-cooked burgers, add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time but check frequently. Keep an eye on thinner patties—they reheat faster and can overcook easily.
Overcrowding the basket is the top mistake—it leads to uneven reheating and steamed rather than crispy burgers. Another pitfall is reheating the bun with the patty, which often results in a soggy mess. Always reheat components separately for the best texture. Using too high a temperature can also ruin your burger, causing the outside to harden before the inside warms. Lastly, skipping the preheat phase means longer, less consistent results.
For cleaning your air fryer after reheating greasy burgers, our air fryer cleaner guide has handy tips. Remember, well-maintained appliances perform better and last longer. If you’re reheating multiple burgers, consider using parchment liners to catch drips and simplify cleanup.
