Discover the art of crafting delectable air fryer stuffed cheeseburgers with gooey, melted cheese in this easy-to-follow Juicy Lucy recipe. Uncover the simplicity of air frying hamburgers and bid farewell to the grill this season! Dive into a main course bursting with flavor that elevates your typical burger experience.

In the realm of air fryer recipes, this air-fried burger recipe takes center stage as a flavor-packed main course. What sets these burgers apart is their unique twist – a delightful surprise of melted cheese tucked inside. No more tales of shredded cheese disasters in the air fryer; here, we put the cheese where it belongs – inside the burger. Say goodbye to messy clean-ups and wasted cheese!

Forgetting to stuff your air fryer burgers? No worries! Simply add the cheese right after cooking, allowing the warmth of the burger to achieve that perfect melt.

Now, let’s address the common pitfalls of traditional beef burgers – shrinkage and bulging. These stuffed cheeseburgers offer a solution with tips for creating inside-out burgers that turn out flawlessly every time. Whether you’re making substantial burgers or want to prevent bulging, shaping each patty flatter and wider than desired and adding a small indentation in the center (“dimple”) does the trick.

Worried about the mess and shrinkage associated with beef burgers? Fret not. This air fryer recipe for cheese-stuffed burgers provides tips to ensure your burgers remain flat and succulent. The incorporation of cheese works wonders, acting as a stabilizer and preventing the dreaded burger bulge. The end result? A burger that becomes even flatter as it cooks, offering a perfect canvas for your favourite toppings.

Beyond taste, beef brings valuable nutrients such as heme iron, high-quality protein, zinc, and vitamin B12 to the table. Especially beneficial for premenopausal women with elevated iron needs, beef serves as an excellent dietary choice.

Fast and efficient, these air fryer burgers also provide a lower-calorie option as excess oil drips off during cooking. The result? Delicious, healthier burgers that are a breeze to prepare.

Let’s delve into the essentials of crafting these air fryer hamburgers stuffed with cheese. The key ingredients include lean ground beef (preferably 90/10), steak seasoning for that perfect flavour profile, sliced cheese of your choice, and a cooking oil spray to ensure a non-stick cooking process.

For that classic melt, American cheese is a top pick, but feel free to experiment with Cheddar, Muenster, Blue cheese, pepper jack, Monterey jack, or provolone slices. Not a cheese fan? Consider sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions as alternative fillings.

Making a statement with size, create three giant Juicy Lucys to fill your burger buns generously. Top with mayo, green leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, ketchup, sliced red onion, pickled jalapenos, or any toppings of your choice. Get creative – add more cheese, pickles, relish, mustard, salsa, or a runny fried egg for an extra flavor punch.

If you’re using specific air fryer brands like Ninja Foodi, Cosori, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Philips, Power Air Fryer, or an Instant Pot air fryer lid, slight adjustments to cooking times may be needed.

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process:

Thoroughly mix ground meat and seasoning.
Divide into six equal pieces.
Form three flat patties and three balls.
Stack four pieces of cheese on each flat patty.
Use the balls to cover the cheese, sealing the edges.
Mist the air fryer rack with cooking spray.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Ensure a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Let the burgers rest before topping and savoring, bearing in mind that the cheese inside can be piping hot!

For stovetop enthusiasts, cook Juicy Lucys in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side or longer for well-done burgers.

Air Fryer Stuffed Cheeseburgers with Juicy Lucy

Recipe by Naveed

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Air Fryer RecipesCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Learn to make awesome air fryer stuffed burgers with delicious, melty cheese! You’ll LOVE this easy air fryer Juicy Lucy recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)

• 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning (or your preferred burger seasoning)

• 3 slices Muenster cheese (or your favorite cheese slices)

• Cooking oil spray

Directions

• Begin by thoroughly mixing the steak seasoning with the ground beef, using clean hands for optimal blending.
• Divide the beef mixture into six equal pieces, with three pieces shaped into large, flat patties measuring approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Ensure there are no holes in the patties to prevent cheese leakage. Form the remaining three pieces into balls.
• Cut each slice of Muenster cheese into four pieces, creating stacks of four cut pieces (equivalent to one slice) for each flattened patty.
• Take the burger pieces shaped into balls and flatten them, covering the cheese on the other patties. Seal the edges of the burgers, ensuring the cheese is fully encased within the meat.
• Mist an air fryer rack with cooking oil spray. Arrange the burgers on the rack in a single layer, placing it in the top position of your air fryer oven.
• Air fry the stuffed burgers at 375°F (190°C) for a total of 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time (after 5 minutes). Adjust the cooking time if you prefer your burgers to reach a higher internal temperature.
• After allowing the burgers to rest for a few minutes, top them as desired. Exercise caution when taking a bite, as the melted cheese can be piping hot. Remember, the internal temperature is the true indicator of doneness, not the color.

Notes

• For those preferring stovetop cooking, these Juicy Lucys can also be prepared in a skillet over medium heat, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side or longer for well-done burgers.
• Store leftover stuffed burgers (without toppings) in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, use the stovetop, microwave, or even the air fryer for a quick and convenient meal addition.

Additional Expert Tips and FAQs:

Toasting for Texture: If you’re aiming for a high-energy meal and choose to keep the bun, toasting is key. The Juicy Lucy’s succulence can quickly make an untoasted bun soggy. Toast the buns cut-side up in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes, adjusting to personal preference.

Gluten-Free Options: For those with gluten sensitivities, rest assured that these stuffed burger patties are gluten-free, provided the steak seasoning used is also gluten-free. Complement the dish with gluten-free hamburger buns and condiments for a fully gluten-free experience.

FAQs:

1. How to prevent stuffed burgers from falling apart?
   Ensure the cheese is completely sealed within the meat before cooking. Large-diameter burgers provide more surface area for covering the cheese.
2. Do you need to flip burgers in the air fryer?
   Yes, flip burgers halfway through cooking for even results, whether in an air fryer or oven.
3. Can you make cheese-stuffed burgers in the oven?
   Certainly! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes.
4. Can you make air fryer stuffed turkey burgers?
   Yes, substitute ground turkey (preferably thighs) with adjusted air frying times.
5. How to make air fryer stuffed burgers gluten-free? Use gluten-free steak seasoning, hamburger buns, and condiments for a gluten-free option.