This Easy Sonic Drive-In Sonic Burger Recipe lets you recreate that classic, juicy burger at home. Packed with flavorful toppings and a perfectly seasoned beef patty, it’s a fast-food favorite made fresh in your own kitchen.

Homemade copycat Sonic Drive-In burger with juicy beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and bun
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If you’ve ever craved a classic Sonic Drive-In burger but don’t want to wait in line, this recipe is your answer.

With a juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patty and all the signature toppings, you can recreate that drive-in experience right in your own kitchen.

It’s fast, flavorful, and exactly what burger night has been missing..

If you are looking for some other air fryer recipes, my family’s favorites are Air Fryer Stromboli and Air Fryer Monte Cristo Sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

  • Makes a very juicy burger
  • Great for a quick and easy meal
  • Only takes a few minutes to cook
  • Can be topped with your favorite toppings

Sonic Drive-In Sonic Burger Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Easy Sonic Drive-In Sonic Burger Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Ground Beef: Ideally 15 – 20 percent fat
  • Butter: Cold, grated
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a unique umami flavor and enhances everything.
  • Minced Garlic: Fresh is best but jarred, pasted, or powdered will do in a pinch
  • Optional Cheese: Cheddar is fine, or go with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick
  • Other Ingredients: Onion Powder, Sea Salt, Black Pepper
  • Serving Suggestions: In buns with lettuce, onion, tomato, condiments, and fries, or enjoy in a burger salad bowl for a lighter option!

Equipment:

  • Air fryer: any type, air fryer basket or air fryer oven.
  • Beef
  • Grater
  • Spatula: so you can carefully remove the patties from the hot air fryer basket.

How to Make Sonic Drive-In Sonic Burgers

Large white bowl filled with raw beef mince, grated butter, Worcestershire Sauce, garlic, and onion powder.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to the 370 degrees F air fryer setting, for 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Combine the beef, grated butter, Worcestershire Sauce, garlic, and onion powder in a large bowl.

Top view of four raw burger patties on a white plate with salt and pepper sprinkled over them.

Step 3: Divide the mixture into four equal parts, then form patties. Press a thumb into the center of each patty to create an indentation ‘o’ that the patty holds its shape as it cooks. Salt and pepper on both sides of the patties.

Top view of four raw patties in an air fryer.

Step 4: Place the hamburger patties in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking time.

Top view of four burgers in an air fryer, two of them have a square slice of cheese on top.

Step 5: Turn off the air fryer and open the basket, place a cheese slice on each patty, and then close the basket for about a minute to melt the cheese. Serve hot with your favorite fixing

Close up of a white plate with a burger in a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion rings and cheese on it, and fries on the side.

Easy Sonic Drive-In Sonic Burger Recipe Tips

  • Use freshly ground beef if possible. Fresh beef gives the juiciest, most flavorful patties.
  • Don’t overwork the meat. Overmixing makes the burgers dense instead of tender.
  • Make a slight indentation in the center. This helps the patty cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up.
  • Toast the buns lightly. Adds texture and keeps them from getting soggy with toppings.
  • Season right before cooking. Salt and pepper just before grilling keeps the patties juicy.
  • Cook to medium or medium-well. That ensures a juicy burger without undercooked beef.
  • Layer toppings strategically. Lettuce, tomato, and condiments go on in a way that keeps every bite balanced.

Storing Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store cooked burger patties and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties gently in a skillet, air fryer, or microwave before assembling.
  • Freezer: Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap or parchment and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • Buns: Keep buns in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Toast or warm before serving.
Close up of a white plate with a burger in a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion rings and cheese on it, and fries on the side.

Sonic Drive-In Sonic Burger Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen beef patties? Yes, but fresh or freshly ground beef gives a juicier, more flavorful burger.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time? You can prep the patties in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I freeze these burgers? Yes, uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

What toppings make it taste like Sonic? Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and ketchup or mayo—layered just like the drive-in.

How do I keep the burgers juicy? Don’t overmix the meat, cook to medium or medium-well, and add salt right before cooking.

Can I make this recipe healthier? Yes, use lean ground beef or turkey, whole-grain buns, and load up on fresh veggies.

Are these burgers kid-friendly? Absolutely! Mild flavors and customizable toppings make them perfect for the whole family.

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Easy Sonic Drive-In Sonic Burger Recipe

Easy Sonic Drive-In Sonic Burger Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Make a juicy, flavorful Sonic-style burger at home with this easy copycat recipe. Perfectly seasoned beef and fresh toppings deliver that classic drive-in taste anytime.

Ingredients 

  • 2.25 pounds ground beef, 85/15
  • 1/3 cup butter, cold, grated
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Cheese, Hamburger Buns and other toppings

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F, using Air Fryer Setting, for 3-5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine 2.25 pounds ground beef, grated 1/3 cup butter, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 3 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts, then form patties. Press a thumb into the center of each patty to create an indentation so that the patty holds its shape as it cooks.
  • Use 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper both sides of the patties
  • Place patties in a single layer in the preheated basket.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, then flip.
  • Cook for an additional 5 minutes
  • Optional: Turn off the air fryer, open the basket, and place a slice of cheese on each patty. Close the basket for about a minute to melt the cheese.
  • Add your favorite toppings.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 493kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 55gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 199mgSodium: 637mgPotassium: 936mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 478IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 6mg

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