Copycat A&W Buddy Burger

This Copycat A&W Buddy Burger recipe is everything you love about the original—juicy beef, tangy sauce, and that signature fast-food flavor—made in the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day eats, or when you’re just craving a taste of A&W at home.

If you’ve ever stopped by A&W, chances are you’ve tried their iconic Buddy Burger—a small but mighty burger that’s big on flavor. With its juicy beef patty, signature seasoning, tangy sauce, and crisp toppings, this burger is the perfect quick bite. The best part? You don’t have to head to the drive-thru to enjoy it.

This homemade A&W Buddy Burger copycat recipe lets you recreate the classic right in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.

If you love burgers, you will love these other recipes, perfectly delicious, and all make a quick dinner. try my recipe for Air Fryer Beef Taco Salad, Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, or Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat).

Nothing makes a better A&W Buddy Burger than the air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Buddy Burger Recipe

• Simple ingredients – No complicated sauces or hard-to-find items.
• Budget-friendly – Make a whole batch for less than the cost of a few burgers.
• Customizable – Add extra cheese, bacon, or your favorite toppings.
• Fast and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Restaurant-style taste at home – Just like the original Buddy Burger you know and love.

A&W Buddy Burger Ingredients

• Ground beef – Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for mini patties.
• Burger seasoning – Salt, pepper, and a hint of onion powder.
• Burger buns – Soft and lightly toasted.
• Cheese slices – Optional, but melty goodness takes it up a notch.
• Pickles – Classic tangy crunch.
• Buddy sauce (copycat version) – Mayo, mustard, ketchup, and a dash of relish.

How To Make A&W Buddy Burgers

Step 1: Shape ground beef into small patties, about 2-3 ounces each. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Step Two: In a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Add cheese slices in the last minute of cooking, if desired. Alternatively, you can cook the patties in the air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you a juicy inside with a perfectly crisp outside while keeping cleanup easy.

Step 3: Lightly butter the buns and toast them in a skillet until golden.

Step 4: Spread Buddy Sauce on both the top and bottom bun. Add the cooked patty, a few pickle slices, and top with lettuce if you’d like. Close and serve warm.

Copycat A&W Buddy Burger Recipe Tips

• Use quality beef: Choose an 80/20 ground beef blend for juicy, flavorful patties.
• Don’t overwork the meat: Lightly shape the patties to keep them tender and avoid toughness.
• Melt the cheese properly: Add cheese in the last minute of cooking so it’s perfectly melted.
• Toast the buns: A quick toast in the skillet or air fryer adds flavor and prevents sogginess.
• Balance the sauce: The Buddy Burger sauce is key—taste and adjust sweetness, tanginess, and seasoning.
• Customize toppings: Add extra pickles, onions, or lettuce to suit your taste.
• Air fryer option: Cook patties at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Keep leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store patties separately from buns and toppings to keep everything fresh.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm patties in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Toast buns separately and reassemble with fresh toppings before serving.

Copycat A&W Buddy Burger Recipe Faqs

Can I make the patties ahead of time? Yes! You can shape the patties in advance and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I cook the Buddy Burger patties in the air fryer? Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked. Add cheese in the last minute for melty perfection.

What kind of cheese is best for a Buddy Burger? Classic processed cheddar cheese slices work best, just like A&W, but you can also use American cheese or sharp cheddar.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well, but the texture will be lighter. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure patties are cooked through.

How do I keep the burger buns from getting soggy? Toast the buns before assembling, and layer lettuce or pickles between the patty and bun to create a barrier.

More Copycat A&W Recipes

• A & W Coney Cheese Dog Recipe

• A&W Spicy Chipotle Dipping Sauce Copycat Recipe
• A&W Copycat BBQ Sauce
• A&W Teen Burger (Copycat) Recipe
• Copycat A&W Onion Rings (Extra Crispy)

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