The Best Homemade Big Mac Recipe

Make the iconic Big Mac right at home with this easy recipe! Enjoy all the layers of juicy beef, special sauce, and fresh toppings, just like the fast-food favorite.

The Best Homemade Big Mac Recipe brings the iconic fast-food favorite right to your kitchen with ease. By layering two juicy beef patties, fresh lettuce, tangy pickles, melty cheese, and a generous helping of special sauce between soft sesame seed buns, you’ll recreate the delicious Big Mac experience at home.

With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a classic burger that’s packed with flavor and customizable to your taste. Perfect for a casual dinner or weekend treat, this homemade Big Mac is sure to impress!

And of course, nothing makes a Big Mac better than the air fryer!

Why you’ll love this recipe!

• Quick and Easy: This Air Fryer Big Mac recipe cuts down on cooking time without compromising on flavor.
• Crispy Patties: The air fryer gives the beef patties a perfect crispy texture, just like the original.
• Perfect for Customization: Add your favorite toppings to make the burger even more delicious and tailored to your taste.
• No Need to Grill: Skip the hassle of grilling, and still enjoy a delicious Big Mac from the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

• Mayonnaise: Or use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for a tangy, creamy base.
• Sweet pickle relish: Swap with dill relish for a less sweet, more savory flavor.
• White vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used for a milder, fruity note.
• Salt: Sea salt can replace regular salt for a more nuanced flavor.
• French Dressing: Use Thousand Island dressing as a similar, tangy alternative.
• Minced onion: Shallots or chives can be used for a milder onion flavor.
• Granulated sugar: You can substitute with honey or agave syrup for a more natural sweetener.
• Hamburger buns: Use whole wheat buns or a lettuce wrap for a low-carb alternative.
• Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey or veggie patties for a lighter option.
• White onions: Red onions can be used for a sharper taste.
• Lettuce: Romaine or spinach can replace iceberg lettuce for more texture.
• American Cheese: Cheddar or Swiss cheese can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Dill pickles: Bread and butter pickles can be substituted for a sweeter crunch.

How To Make A Big Mac At Home

Step One: Divide the ground beef into eight equal portions, shaping each into a thin patty weighing approximately 2 ounces. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Patties in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If necessary, cook in batches. Set cook time for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Toast the Buns: After removing the cooked patties, place the hamburger buns in the air fryer basket. Lightly toast the buns at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 2 minutes.

Assemble the Big Mac: Spread a layer of the prepared Big Mac sauce on the bottom bun. Add shredded lettuce, a slice of American cheese, and one beef patty on top of the sauce. Place the middle bun layer (the bottom half of the second bun) on top of the first patty. Spread another layer of Big Mac sauce on the middle bun, followed by more shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickle slices, and the second beef patty. Complete the assembly by placing the top bun over the second patty.

Copycat Big Mac Recipe Tips

• Special Sauce: The key to a Big Mac is its special sauce. To replicate it, mix mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Adjust quantities to taste.
• Buns: Big Macs use sesame seed buns. Toast them lightly to add texture and flavor.
• Patties: Use ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. Shape them into thin patties, as Big Mac patties are typically thinner than regular burgers.
• Lettuce and Onions: Use shredded iceberg lettuce and finely diced onions. These add crunch and freshness to the burger.
• Cheese: Big Macs traditionally use American cheese slices. Place them on the patties towards the end of cooking to melt.
• Assembly: Stack the burger with the bottom bun, special sauce, lettuce, cheese patty, middle bun, more special sauce, pickles, onions, another cheese patty, more lettuce, top bun. Press gently to hold everything together.
• Presentation: Serve with fries and a drink for the full Big Mac experience!

Storing

• Storing: To store a Big Mac, wrap the assembled burger in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. For best results, store the sauce and toppings (lettuce, pickles, onions) separately to avoid sogginess.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked beef patties, buns, and special sauce separately for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the patties individually, and store the buns and sauce in airtight freezer bags or containers.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave the frozen patties for 30-45 seconds or warm them in a skillet. Reheat buns in the microwave or oven, then assemble the burger, adding fresh toppings after reheating.

What to Serve With A Homemade Air-Fried Big Mac

When serving a homemade air fryer Big Mac, you can complement its delicious flavors with a variety of tasty sides. Crispy French fries or golden onion rings add a satisfying crunch, while a creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast. For a tangy twist, pickle chips pair perfectly with the richness of the burger, and a light green salad provides a fresh balance. If you’re in the mood for something slightly sweeter, try serving air-fried sweet potato fries, which add a delicious, healthier touch. To round off the meal, a cold milkshake or your favorite soft drink makes for the ultimate indulgent pairing.

Alternative Cooking Methods

How do I cook a Big Mac on a skillet? To cook a Big Mac on a skillet, heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Shape your ground beef into thin patties and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly to ensure even cooking. Add a slice of American cheese to the patty during the last minute of cooking to melt it. Toast the buns in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

How do I cook a Big Mac in the oven? To cook a Big Mac in the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the beef patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toast the buns in the oven for the last 3-4 minutes of baking. Assemble the burger with your special sauce, lettuce, pickles, onions, and melted cheese.

How do I cook a Big Mac on a Blackstone griddle? To cook a Big Mac on a Blackstone griddle, preheat the surface over medium heat. Shape the beef into thin patties and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You can toast the buns on the griddle while the patties cook, ensuring they’re golden and crispy. Assemble the Big Mac by layering the patties, sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Big Mac Recipe Faqs

What is the special sauce in a Big Mac? The special sauce is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. It’s similar to Thousand Island dressing but with a slightly tangy twist.

How do I make Big Mac patties? Big Mac patties are thin and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Use ground beef and shape it into small, thin rounds slightly larger than the buns. Cook on high heat for a few minutes per side until fully cooked through.

Can I make a Big Mac without sesame seed buns? Yes, you can use regular hamburger buns or any other type of buns you prefer, but traditional Big Macs use sesame seed buns for that authentic touch.

Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time? Yes, the Big Mac sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

How do I make a healthier Big Mac?
To make a healthier version, you can use lean ground beef or substitute with turkey or a plant-based protein. Opt for whole-wheat buns and use less sauce or a lighter version of the Big Mac sauce. You can also air-fry the patties for a lower-fat option.

How do I toast the buns? You can toast the buns in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, or on a griddle until they’re golden brown and crispy. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your Big Mac.

Can I add extra toppings to my Big Mac? Yes, feel free to customize your Big Mac by adding extra toppings like bacon, tomatoes, or avocado. However, keep in mind that these additions will change the classic flavor of the Big Mac.

More Copycat Air Fryer McDonald’s Recipes

• Air Fryer McDonald’s Breakfast Burritos
• Air Fryer Sausage Burrito
• Copycat Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Copycat Air Fryer McDonald’s French Fries

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