Air Fryer Taco Burgers— Who doesn’t love a delicious burger? And who doesn’t love tacos?

This recipe for an air fryer taco burger is the perfect combination of two of your favorite dishes! It’s easy to make and so tasty, that you’ll never want to eat a regular burger again. Give it a try!

Air Fryer Taco Burgers
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Looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy your burger? The air fryer taco burger is the perfect solution! With all the flavors of a traditional taco, this burger is packed with deliciousness. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try today? You won’t be disappointed!

Easy Air Fryer Taco Burger Recipe

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, taco burgers are all the rage. But what exactly are they? They’re just like regular burgers, but with a Mexican twist – namely, the addition of taco toppings like salsa, avocado, and cheese. They’re perfect for summer cookouts or anytime you’re craving something special. Want to try them out yourself?

Why You Will Love Making Taco Burgers In Air Fryer

There’s no denying that tacos are delicious food, but what about when you turn them into a burger? This recipe for taco burgers is sure to please everyone at your next cookout! The combination of ground beef and spices gives the burger a great flavor, and the toppings add even more deliciousness. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Here are the simple ingredients needed for air-fried taco burgers.

Air Fryer Taco Burgers

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: Use 80/20 for some great and flavorful burgers!
  • Ketchup: Gives your ground beef, some great moisture, and flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: GIves the beef some moisture, and flavor.
  • Mustard: Adds some zing to your taco burgers.
  • Cheddar Cheese Slices: Or use your favorite cheese. Mexican cheese would work amazingly here as well.
  • Shredded Lettuce: Either use shredded butter lettuce or shredded iceberg for some great texture.
  • Pickles: Either homemade or store-bought!

How To Cook Taco Burgers In The Air Fryer

Here are the simple steps to make air fryer smash burger tacos:

Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Brown the ground beef and drain. Stir in ketchup, mayo, and mustard. Place into a bowl and set aside. 

Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Use a rolling pin to flatten sesame seed buns. Place onto a metal taco stand. If one is not available, use foil and shape it into a V for the burger bun taco shells to hold their shape. 

Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.

Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Place a slice of cheese onto each taco bun. Scoop ground beef into the center. Place into the air fryer, and set cook time for 3-5 minutes.  Top with shredded lettuce and pickles.

Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef: The juiciness of your burger will be unparalleled when you use 80% lean beef. The higher fat content also means that it won’t dry out as quickly on the grill, which is great for those who love their meat juicy!
  • Avoid Overmixing: To get a light and fluffy burger, don’t mix the ground beef too much.
  • Use The Right Temperature: Cook your burger patties over medium-low to high heat. This will keep them juicy and not dry out too quickly, which is ideal for eating on the go!
Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Pro Tips Air Fryer Taco Burgers

  • Season Generously: Mix taco seasoning into the ground beef to infuse every bite with bold flavors. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
  • Add Moisture: Incorporate a bit of finely chopped onion or a tablespoon of salsa into the ground beef mixture. This helps keep the patties moist and adds extra flavor.
  • Form Even Patties: Shape the burger patties evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up in the middle.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the burgers cook evenly and get a nice sear on the outside.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the patties in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  • Flip Halfway Through: Flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are evenly browned. This also helps achieve a consistent texture throughout the patties.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. They should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Melt Cheese On Top: In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty. Close the air fryer for an additional minute to melt the cheese perfectly.
  • Toast the Buns: For an extra touch, lightly toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Smash Burger Taco Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I use different types of ground meat for taco burgers? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as leaner meats may cook faster.

How long should I cook taco burgers in the air fryer? Cook the taco 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.

How do I keep the taco burgers from drying out? Add moisture-rich ingredients like finely chopped onions or a tablespoon of salsa to the meat mixture. Avoid overcooking by checking the temperature with a meat thermometer.

Can I make the patties ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld and can make meal prep easier.

Can I freeze the patties? Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What toppings go well with taco burgers? Traditional taco toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa pair wonderfully with taco burgers.

How can I make the burgers spicier? Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicier taco seasoning in the meat mixture. You can also top the cooked burgers with spicy salsa or hot sauce.

How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart? Ensure the patties are well-formed and not too thin. If the mixture is too loose, add a small amount of breadcrumbs or an egg to help bind the ingredients.

Can I cook the buns in the air fryer? Yes, you can lightly toast the burger buns in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess.

How do I store and reheat leftover taco burgers? 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 warmed through.

Air Fryer Taco Burgers

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Air Fryer Taco Burgers

Air Fryer Taco Burgers

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings

Description

If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to make burgers, you need to try air fryer taco burgers! These burgers are made with ground beef, taco seasoning, and salsa, and they taste amazing.

Ingredients 

  • 5 regular Hamburger Buns, Sesame
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 10 slices Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 15-20 dill pickle slices

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef and drain. Stir in ketchup, mayo, and mustard. Place into a bowl and set aside.
  • Use a rolling pin to flatten sesame seed buns. Place onto a metal taco stand. If one is not available, use foil and shape into a V for the burger bun taco shells to hold their shape.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390* for 5 minutes
  • Place a slice of cheese onto each taco bun. Scoop ground beef into the center. Place into the air fryer for 3 minutes.
  • Top with shredded lettuce and pickles. Enjoy!

Equipment

  • Taco Stand
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 181kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 352mgPotassium: 215mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 262IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 135mgIron: 1mg

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