Crispy Air Fryer Smash Burgers Recipe with Special Sauce
Quick and easy crispy smash burgers made in the air fryer with a tangy special sauce, ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes per batch (approximately 12 minutes total)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Dash of garlic powder
- 4 soft burger buns (brioche recommended), toasted
- 4 slices American cheese
- Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (from dill pickles)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: thinly sliced red onions, shredded lettuce, dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Prepare the special sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and roll into loose balls without overworking the meat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Season each beef ball lightly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Place two beef balls in the air fryer basket spaced apart. Using a metal spatula, press each ball down firmly into a ¼-inch thick patty.
- Cook for 6 minutes at 400°F. After 3 minutes, add a slice of American cheese on top of each patty to melt. Flip halfway through if needed. Repeat with remaining balls.
- While the second batch cooks, butter the insides of the buns lightly and toast them in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for about 2 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading special sauce on top and bottom buns, adding cheesy patties, and topping with optional lettuce, pickles, and onions. Close the buns and press gently.
Notes
Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Avoid overcrowding the basket for best crispiness. Add cheese in the last minutes of cooking to melt perfectly. Preheat the air fryer for even crust formation. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun an
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: smash burger, air fryer burger, crispy burger, special sauce, quick dinner, easy burger recipe, comfort food