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Dinner

Crispy Air Fryer Smash Burgers

Enjoy juicy restaurant style burgers with crispy edges right from your air fryer.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 14, 2026
Crispy Air Fryer Smash Burgers
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
4

There is something so satisfying about a good smash burger. You get those crunchy, lacy edges that are just impossible to resist, and the air fryer makes them so easy to whip up without any grease splatters on your stovetop.

These are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a classic meal fast. My top tip is to make sure your meat is very cold before you start, as this helps the fat stay inside the patty while it smashes and cooks.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef, 80 percent lean
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and burger sauce

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Divide the cold ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently roll them into balls, but do not pack them too tightly.

  3. 3

    Place two balls of meat onto a piece of parchment paper inside the air fryer basket.

  4. 4

    Use a sturdy spatula or a burger press to firmly smash the balls down until they are about 1/2 inch thick.

  5. 5

    Season the tops of the patties with salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip the patties carefully.

  7. 7

    Place a slice of cheese on each patty and cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.

  8. 8

    Remove the burgers and repeat with the remaining meat, then serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

💡 Tips

Serve these right away while the cheese is gooey and the edges are crisp. If you have leftovers, store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two.

#burgers#dinner#easy dinner#beef#comfort food

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