Home → Recipes → Dinner → Beef → Air Fryer Bourbon BBQ Burgers

Air Fryer Bourbon BBQ Burgers

Name: Air Fryer Bourbon BBQ Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup bourbon BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 burger buns

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: January 21, 2021

Jump to recipe

Today, lunch for my kids, was Air Fryer Bourbon BBQ Burgers, so good and easy with the air fryer’s help.

I love a great burger, and since we had some flurries while I was making these, I decided to reach for my air fryer, and you know what, they came out fabulous! Easy and absolutely delicious.

If you have not tried burgers in the air fryer, they are quick and absolutely delicious, today I served my kids a side of Sweet Potato French Fries, but you can serve this with anything. However, my kids prefer either Air Fryer Steak Fries or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.

Easy Bourbon Burgers

Today, I made a simple air fryer hamburger patty, added some great flavors, and mixed them all in. To create a truly great BBQ Burger, I topped it off with some Colby Jack Cheese and some toppings.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Bourbon BBQ Burgers

Here are the simple ingredients, to make a bourbon BBQ burgers in air fryer.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, juicy base for the burgers, delivering a rich, beefy flavor.
Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor with a hint of bourbon that elevates the burger to a gourmet level.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly over the burger, adding a creamy, savory layer of flavor.
Onion: Sautéed with the ground beef or used as a topping, it adds a sweet and slightly sharp flavor.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle hint of garlic that complements the bourbon BBQ sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef and other ingredients.
Burger Buns: The soft and slightly sweet buns hold all the delicious components together, providing the perfect vessel for the burger.
Bacon (optional): Adds a crispy, smoky layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the bourbon BBQ sauce.
Lettuce and Tomato (optional): Fresh lettuce and juicy tomato slices add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich, savory burger.

How To Air Fryer Bourbon BBQ Burgers

Here are the step-by-step directions, to make BBQ Bourbon Burgers In Air Fryer:

Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of bourbon BBQ sauce. Mix until well combined but avoid over-mixing to keep the burgers tender.

Form the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into burger patties. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a nice sear on the burgers.

Air Fry the Burgers:
- Place the burger patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers.
Add Cheese:
- In the last minute of cooking, place a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on each patty. Close the air fryer and cook for another minute or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Toast the Buns (Optional):
- For extra flavor and texture, lightly toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until golden brown.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread a layer of bourbon BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place the cooked burger patties on top, followed by any additional toppings such as bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices. Finish with the top half of the bun.

Pro Tips Air-Fried Bourbon Burgers

Choose the Right Ground Beef: Use ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20, for juicier and more flavorful burgers. Leaner beef can result in drier patties.
Mix Ingredients Gently: Combine the ground beef, seasonings, and bourbon BBQ sauce gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the burgers tough.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the burger patties.
Form Even Patties: Shape the patties evenly and press a small indentation in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
Use an Internal Thermometer: Check the doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
Add Cheese at the End: Add the shredded cheddar cheese in the last minute of cooking to ensure it melts perfectly without burning.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for added texture and flavor.
Let the Burgers Rest: Allow the cooked patties to rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers. This helps retain the juices and enhances the overall flavor.
Customize Your Toppings: Elevate your bourbon BBQ burgers with a variety of toppings like crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, pickles, or grilled onions.
Experiment with Sauces: While bourbon BBQ sauce is a fantastic choice, feel free to experiment with other sauces like spicy mayo, chipotle aioli, or garlic aioli for different flavor profiles.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Ensure there is space between the patties in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the burgers as cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the patties and the specific air fryer model.

Faq’s Air Fryer Bourbon Burgers

Can I use different types of meat for bourbon burgers? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives. Adjust cooking times as leaner meats may cook faster.

How long do I cook bourbon burgers in the air fryer? Cook the burgers at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Yes, preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) helps ensure even cooking and a good sear on the burgers.

How do I keep the burgers from drying out? Use ground beef with higher fat content (like 80/20) and avoid overcooking. Incorporating ingredients like chopped onions or a bit of BBQ sauce in the meat mixture can also help retain moisture.

Can I add the bourbon BBQ sauce directly to the meat mixture? Yes, mixing a small amount of bourbon BBQ sauce into the ground beef can enhance the flavor. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the patties too soft.

Should I use a meat thermometer? Yes, using a meat thermometer ensures the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Can I cook the bacon in the air fryer as well? Yes, you can cook bacon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until crispy. Drain on paper towels before adding to the burgers.

How do I prevent the burgers from sticking to the air fryer basket? Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before placing the patties inside.

Can I freeze the patties? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What toppings go well with bourbon burgers? Classic toppings like cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and additional bourbon BBQ sauce work wonderfully. You can also experiment with grilled onions, avocado, or spicy mayo.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Equipment Used

INSTANT VORTEX AIR FRYER 4 IN 1, BEST FRIES EVER, ROAST, BAKE, REHEAT, 6 QT, 1700W

Don’t Forget To Pin!