Cheese-Stuffed Air Fryer Burgers

Cheese-Stuffed Air Fryer Burgers are my go-to when I want something crazy satisfying but do not feel like fussing with the grill. These burgers turn out extra juicy and every bite melts in your mouth thanks to that cheesy center. The air fryer does all the work so you have dinner prepped and cooked in just twenty minutes.

My family absolutely flipped over the first batch I made My husband could not believe how gooey the cheese was and now these are a regular Saturday treat for us

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose a blend with a bit of fat like eighty five to ninety percent lean so burgers stay moist Look for freshly ground beef with a bright color and no off smell for best results
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds deep umami flavor Opt for a brand with fewer artificial ingredients for cleaner taste
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance flavor Try garlic salt if you prefer extra punch
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor and gives a pleasant savory note Use fresh onion powder for maximum aroma
• Shredded cheese: Any good melter like cheddar gouda or pepper jack works Freshly shredded cheese melts best
• For serving: Burger buns lettuce tomato onion pickles or any toppings you enjoy Choose fresh bakery buns for a nice soft base

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Beef:

In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef Worcestershire sauce salt pepper and onion powder Using your hands or a fork gently work the seasonings through the beef but stop as soon as everything looks evenly combined to keep the burgers tender

Shape and Stuff the Patties:

Divide the meat mixture into four even balls Flatten each ball into a wide thin disk Place a small mound of shredded cheese in the center of each disk Gently fold the beef edges around the cheese pressing the seams to fully seal the cheese inside so it does not ooze out during cooking Form each one back into a thick even patty for even cooking

Arrange in the Air Fryer:

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil Arrange the patties in a single layer with a little space between them Work in batches if needed so air can circulate all around for proper browning

Air Fry and Flip:

Cook the burgers at three hundred eighty five degrees Fahrenheit for seven minutes on the first side When time is up open the basket and use a spatula to gently flip the patties Cook for another three to four minutes or until the beef is fully cooked to one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit in the center

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the cheese-stuffed patties and let them rest a minute or two so the cheese sets up slightly Pile on soft buns and add your favorite toppings for a restaurant feel at home

Bookmark

My favorite part is slicing into that first patty and watching the cheese spill out My kids love creating their own with different cheeses and it has become a fun hands on dinner project for us

Storage Tips

Refrigerate any leftover burgers in an airtight container after cooling They keep well for up to four days and make great quick lunches the next day To reheat pop them back into the air fryer at three hundred sixty degrees for two minutes so the cheese melts again and the patty heats through

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer turkey or chicken you can swap ground beef for ground poultry Try mixing cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella or go bold with bleu cheese for a grown up twist Even plant based ground options work well stuffed the same way

Serving Suggestions

Pile these burgers high with your favorite fresh produce Lettuce tomato red onion pickles and a swipe of barbecue sauce give loads of flavor On the side crispy air fryer fries coleslaw or a big green salad round out the meal beautifully

Bookmark

Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed burgers also called juicy lucy in Minnesota have roots in midwestern diner tradition This homemade version skips the pan frying for a lighter texture while keeping that same gooey cheese surprise in every bite

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which cheeses work best for stuffing burgers?

Popular choices are cheddar, gouda, colby jack, or pepper jack. Each melts well and brings its own flavor. Try brie for a creamy twist.

→ How long do you cook stuffed burgers in the air fryer?

Cook at 370°F for about 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 3–4 minutes more, or until the patties are cooked through.

→ Can you prepare these burgers in advance?

Yes, assemble the burgers and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook. Just thaw frozen patties before air frying.

→ How do you keep burger patties juicy?

Don’t overmix the beef; shape gently. The cheese center helps lock in moisture for extra-juicy burgers.

→ What toppings pair well?

Classic fixings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your favorite sauces all work wonderfully with these burgers.

→ How do you reheat leftovers for best results?

Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for about 2 minutes or until the center is hot and the cheese is melted again.