Leftover burgers get a second chance with this easy method! Learn how to reheat burgers in an air fryer to restore the juicy texture, melty cheese, and crispy edges – without drying it out like the microwave. It’s quick, mess-free, and works whether you’re reviving a homemade patty or yesterday’s takeout.
Reheating a burger with the help of an air fryer is one of my favorite kitchen hacks. It breathes new life into hamburger leftovers with a better texture than using the microwave or oven. With a crispy outside and juicy inside, it feels like a fresh-off-the-grill meal – no soggy buns, no weird chewiness. I’ve even used this reheating process for a Burger King Whopper and it turned out great.
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❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Microwave-free: Say goodbye to soggy buns and sad reheats.
- Quick & easy: No need to fire up the oven – just toss it in and go.
- Great texture: Crispy edges, juicy center, perfectly melty cheese.
- Zero waste: Turns leftover burgers into something you actually want to eat.
- Versatile: Works for beef, chicken, or even veggie patties.
- Fast food fix: McDonald’s burger or a Whopper? Yup, it works on those too.
🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions
- Leftover burger patties: Use 1 to 4 cooked hamburger patties – beef, chicken, or veggie all work. Either refrigerated or frozen is fine.
- Spray oil (optional): A light mist of spray oil helps prevent sticking and boosts crispiness. Olive oil or avocado oil spray both work well.
- Cheese slices (optional): Add a slice of cheddar, American, Swiss, or any melt-friendly cheese during the last minute for ooey-gooey results. Vegan cheese slices also work if you’re dairy-free!
🥣 How to Reheat Burger in Air Fryer
- Preheating the air fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes. Spray a little oil if you like things extra crisp.
- Unwrap and prep: Take your leftover burger patties out of the fridge or freezer and remove any wrappings.
- Single layer only: Place patties in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer – no stacking! Airflow = even heating.
- Air fry time: Heat refrigerated patties for 3-4 minutes, or frozen ones for 5-6 minutes.
- Flip halfway: Use tongs or a spatula to flip the patties halfway through so they heat evenly.
- Check temperature: Burgers should hit 165°F (74°C) internally – use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- Add cheese (optional): In the last minute, add a slice of cheese and let it melt to perfection.
- Remove and rest: Take them out with tongs and let rest for a few minutes – this keeps all that juicy flavor locked in.
🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips
- Juicy boost: Brush the patty with a little oil or melted butter before reheating to help lock in moisture.
- Watch the time: Overcooking dries it out fast – check early and adjust if needed.
- Flip for even heat: Flipping halfway helps avoid a hot top and cold bottom situation.
- Use a thermometer: It’s the best way to make sure your burger is hot and safe without overdoing it.
- Cheese trick: Add cheese at the very end – any earlier and it’ll slide right off or burn.
- Skip the bun (for now): Reheat patties alone, then toast your bun separately for the perfect texture.
🧊 Storage instructions
- Fridge life: Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer option: Freeze patties individually in freezer bags or foil for longer storage – label them with the date!
- No soggy buns: Always separate buns and toppings before storing to avoid the dreaded sog factor.
- Reheat from frozen: No need to thaw – just add an extra couple of minutes in the air fryer.
✨ Variations
- Fast food burgers: Works on McDonald’s, Burger King Whopper, or any takeout burger – just remove the bun and toppings first.
- Cheeseburger upgrade: Add cheese and let it melt during the last minute for an instant cheeseburger revival.
- Chicken burgers: Reheat cooked chicken patties the same way – crispy and juicy every time.
- Veggie patties: Plant-based burgers reheat beautifully in the air fryer too.
- Double-decker style: Stack two reheated patties on one bun for a homemade Big Mac moment.
- Mini sliders: Use the same method for smaller burger patties – just reduce the cook time slightly.
- Burger bowl: Skip the bun and serve reheated patties over lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions for a low-carb dish.
🍽️ What to serve with leftover hamburgers
- Toppings: Add sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles, jalapeños, cheese, or your favorite condiments like spicy mayo, ketchup, or BBQ sauce.
- Sides: Pair with air fryer french fries, sweet potato fries, or crunchy onion rings for the classic combo.
- Salads: Try a tangy pickled beet salad, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for something lighter.
- Dessert: Use the hot air fryer to bake a batch of air fryer chocolate chip cookies right after – no wasted heat!
- Extras: Serve with pizza, chicken wings, or even fried chicken if you’re going full comfort mode.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I reheat a burger with the bun in the air fryer?
It’s better to reheat the patty and bun separately. Toss the bun in during the last minute or use a toaster oven to avoid sogginess.
Is it safe to reheat burgers more than once?
It’s not recommended. For the best juiciness, taste, and food safety, only reheat your burger once.
Can I reheat a burger with toppings like lettuce and tomato?
Nope! Remove fresh toppings before reheating. Add them back afterward so they stay crisp and fresh.
How long do I reheat a burger that has cheese already on it?
Start with the regular time (3-4 minutes refrigerated, 5-6 frozen), but check often – cheese melts fast!
Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer?
Yes, but only if your air fryer manual allows it, and don’t block airflow. A small sheet under the burger patty is fine.
😋 More air fryer recipes you will love
- Air Fryer Canadian Bacon
- Baked Camembert with Bacon (Air Fryer or Oven)
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Toast
- Air Fryer Hazelnuts
- 6 Air Fryer Chicken Recipes (+ Reheating Tips)
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📖 Recipe
How to Reheat a Burger in the Air Fryer
Leftover burgers get a second chance with this easy method! Learn how to reheat burgers in an air fryer to restore the juicy texture, melty cheese, and crispy edges – without drying it out like the microwave. It's quick, mess-free, and works whether you're reviving a homemade patty or yesterday's takeout.
Ingredients
- 1-4 leftover burger patties refrigerated or frozen
- Spray oil optional
- Cheese slices optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes, and spray a little oil if necessary.
- Take the leftover hamburger patties out of the refrigerator or freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the hamburger patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper airflow.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes for refrigerated burgers or 5-6 minutes for frozen burgers. Note: These times are approximate and may vary based on the size and thickness of the burger.
- Halfway through the cooking time, flip the burger over in the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula.
- Continue to reheat burger patties for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Check the internal temperature of the burger patties with an instant-read thermometer. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your air fryer model and personal preference. See more tips in the notes section.
- (Optional) Add a slice of cheese to each of the burger patties and allow it to cook for one more minute until it melts.
- Carefully remove the cooked beef burgers from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
- Allow the burger(s) to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute. This keeps the air fryer burger patty nice and juicy.
Notes
- Juicy boost: Brush the patty with a little oil or melted butter before reheating to help lock in moisture.
- Watch the time: Overcooking dries it out fast – check early and adjust if needed.
- Flip for even heat: Flipping halfway helps avoid a hot top and cold bottom situation.
- Use a thermometer: It’s the best way to make sure your burger is hot and safe without overdoing it.
- Cheese trick: Add cheese at the very end – any earlier and it’ll slide right off or burn.
- Skip the bun (for now): Reheat patties alone, then toast your bun separately for the perfect texture.
Storage instructions
- Fridge life: Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer option: Freeze patties individually in freezer bags or foil for longer storage – label them with the date!
- No soggy buns: Always separate buns and toppings before storing to avoid the dreaded sog factor.
- Reheat from frozen: No need to thaw – just add an extra couple of minutes in the air fryer.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 197kcalProtein: 21gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 67mg
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