There is nothing better than a Shake Shack Burger Recipe! Now you can make this iconic burger in your air fryer, in the comfort of your own home, in less than 20 minutes!

Homemade Shake Shack burger with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted bun.
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Craving a Shake Shack burger but don’t want to wait in line? This easy copycat Shake Shack Burger recipe brings the iconic flavor right to your kitchen. With juicy smashed patties, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and that signature ShackSauce—all stacked on a toasted potato bun—it’s the ultimate homemade burger experience.

If you love a great burger, try my recipe for Copycat Wendy’s Dave’s Single Recipe, Copycat Hardee’s Mushroom Swiss Burger Recipe or The Best Homemade Big Mac Recipe.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Tastes just like the original – Get all the flavor of a real Shake Shack burger without leaving your house.
  • Easy to make at home – Simple ingredients and quick steps make this perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.
  • That signature ShackSauce – The creamy, tangy sauce takes this burger to the next level.
  • Perfectly juicy patties – Smash-style burgers cook fast and stay incredibly flavorful.
  • Customizable for the whole family – Add your favorite toppings or double it up for a true Shake Shack-style feast.

Ingredients Needed For Shake Shack Burger Recipe

Ingredients needed for Shake Shack Burger Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Ground beef (80/20 blend) – Juicy, flavorful patties with perfect fat balance.
  • Potato hamburger buns – Soft, slightly sweet buns for authentic texture.
  • American cheese slices – Melts beautifully over hot patties for creaminess.
  • Green leaf lettuce – Crisp and fresh for added crunch.
  • Tomato slices – Juicy, ripe tomato for a fresh bite.
  • Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances beef flavor.
  • Butter – For toasting buns to golden, buttery perfection.
  • Mayonnaise – Creamy base for the signature ShackSauce.
  • Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang to the sauce.
  • Yellow mustard – Sharp flavor that balances the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic powder – Adds depth and savoriness to the sauce.
  • Paprika – Mild spice and color in Shack-style sauce.

How To Make Air Fryer Shake Shack Burger Recipe

Shake Shack Burger Recipe sauce in a small mixing bowl.

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well and set aside.

Place the meat into the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 4 equal balls. Flatten each into thin patties, slightly wider than your bun, and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Flatten burgers in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes. Place the patties into the air fryer basket (in a single layer) and set cook time for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. In the last minute, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cook until melted.

Cooked burgers in the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Lightly butter the inside of the potato buns and air fry them for a minute or until golden and warm.

Step 5: Spread ShackSauce on the top and bottom buns. Add lettuce, tomato, and the cheesy burger patty. Top with the other bun and serve hot!

Shake Shack Burger on kitchen table.

Shake Shack Burger Recipe Tips

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties that stay tender in the air fryer.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed to allow proper airflow and even browning.
  • Smash the patties thin before cooking for that signature Shake Shack look and texture.
  • Toast the buns with a little butter for a soft, golden finish just like the original.
  • Prep the ShackSauce ahead of time to let the flavors meld—store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Use American cheese for the classic creamy melt that defines the Shake Shack burger.
  • Stack in the right order: sauce, lettuce, tomato, patty—this keeps everything together and flavorful.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the patties in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes, then assemble with fresh buns and toppings.

Plate of Shake Shake Burgers with onion rings and French Fries on cutting board.

What To Serve With Shake Shack Burger Recipe

Serve your Shake Shack burger with traditional sides: crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. For a lighter option, consider a simple green salad, coleslaw, or Air Fryer Copycat Terra Vegetable Chips. Don’t forget a milkshake or lemonade for that full Shake Shack experience!

Shake Shack Burger Recipe Faqs

What’s the best beef to use for this burger? We recommend using an 80/20 ground beef mixture; it makes for a good balance of flavor and juiciness.

Can I cook the patties on the grill in place of the air fryer? Yes! Grilling is a wonderful way to prepare, as it adds smoky flavor.

How do I make the ShackSauce? Oh, it’s just that delightful concoction of mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and paprika—so easy to make in a snap.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, just trade out the potato buns for your favorite gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

What’s the best way to store extra burgers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Shake Shack Burger Recipe in hands showing a juicy burger.

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Shake Shack Burger Recipe

Shake Shack Burger Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

There is nothing better than a Shake Shack Burger Recipe! Now you can make this iconic burger in your air fryer, in the comfort of your own home, in less than 20 minutes!

Ingredients 

Shack Shake Sauce Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Shake Shake Burger Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 4 potato hamburger buns
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
  • 4 slices tomato
  • 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well and set aside.
  • Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 4 equal balls. Flatten each into thin patties, slightly wider than your bun, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat your air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes. Place the patties into the air fryer basket (in a single layer) and set cook time for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. In the last minute, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cook until melted.
  • Lightly butter the inside of the potato buns and air fry them for a minute or until golden and warm.
  • Spread ShackSauce on the top and bottom buns. Add lettuce, tomato, and the cheesy burger patty. Top with the other bun and serve hot!

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray, optional
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 33gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 799mgPotassium: 557mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 615IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 298mgIron: 4mg

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