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.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 197kcal
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: 1g | Calories: 197kcal | Protein: 21g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 67mg