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Busy night? Air frying bison burgers is a fast and easy way to get weeknight meals on the table. Just air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–13 minutes, flipping after 8 minutes and adjusting the time as needed. (This timing is for 6-ounce burgers — if you’re using 4-ounce burgers, they’ll cook a little faster.) You can use this simple method for bison burgers, Bubba burgers, Trader Joe’s Grass-Fed Angus Beef Burgers, and more!

🍔 How to Make Air Fryer Bison Burgers
Ingredients needed:
- Bison burger patties — that’s it!
No oil, no extra ingredients required. I used ½-inch thick, 6-ounce 100% bison patties without seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Place burgers in a single layer in your air fryer basket or oven. (My small air fryer fits 1 burger, while my air fryer oven fits 2–3 on the top rack.)
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the burgers and air fry 3–5 minutes more (if needed), until done.
You may need to make slight adjustments to the cooking times depending on the air fryer you use. If your air fryer tends to smoke with fatty foods, add a little water to the drip pan to help.
Add Cheese or Toast Buns:
- For cheeseburgers, lay a slice of cheese on the cooked burger, then leave it in the hot air fryer (turned off) for 1 minute to melt.
- For toasted buns, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and toast cut side up for 2 minutes.
Then pile on the toppings — lettuce, tomato, ketchup, pickles, mustard — whatever you love!
How to Know Burgers are Done
Use a meat thermometer to check. Whether burgers are fresh or frozen, they’re ready when they reach 160°F (71°C) internally. No guessing needed for juicy, safe burgers!
How to Season Hamburger Patties (Optional)
You don’t need to season premade hamburger patties to make them delicious! But if you want extra flavor, sprinkle your favorite seasonings after flipping the burgers. Try:
Steak seasoning
BBQ seasoning
Cajun spice
Salt & black pepper
Garlic powder
A touch of liquid smoke
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover burgers? No problem!
Fridge: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually, place in a freezer bag, and freeze.
Ideas for leftovers: Crumble cooked burgers into tacos, burritos, casseroles, soups, stews, or salads.
Here are easy air fryer directions for how to reheat burgers. Alternatively, reheat burgers in the microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, then add buns and toppings after.
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fryer Bison Burgers (Works for Beef Patties Too!)
Ingredients
- 1 bison burger 6 ounces (170g) per patty
- hamburger buns and hamburger toppings (as desired)
Instructions
- Place burgers in a single layer in your air fryer basket or oven. (My small air fryer fits 1 burger, while my air fryer oven fits 2–3 on the top rack.)
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the burgers and air fry 3–5 minutes more (if needed), until done.
- The safe minimum internal temperature for ground bison is 160°F (71°C). Check your burgers with a meat thermometer and add more cooking time if needed.
- For cheeseburgers, top with a cheese slice after cooking, and leave in the hot air fryer for one minute. Add buns and other toppings as desired, and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 2 recipe (transition and weight maintenance). Bison burgers are a nutritious whole food that is packed with high-quality protein and highly bioavailable iron and zinc. They’re delicious and can fit easily into many healthy eating patterns. The bison burgers I’m using in this recipe are about 280 calories each. You can find leaner beef hamburger patties that are only 130 calories per 4 ounces (113 g). Choosing lean proteins is a smart move if you’re aiming for weight loss or lowering saturated fat. To make it low calorie, serve your burger without a bun, in a burger bowl loaded with veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Skip the bun or use a low-carb hamburger bun for a low carb and keto friendly option. Use these gluten free hamburger buns to make your hamburger gluten free. You could also use a lettuce wrap instead of a GF bun. Nutrition information is for one 6-ounce bison burger (170g) without a bun or toppings. Exact numbers will vary depending on burger size, leanness, and what toppings you choose.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
👩🏻🍳 More Air Fryer Recipes
- Frozen Raw Meatballs in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Stuffed Burgers with Cheese
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Healthy Sweet Potato Fries (one of my favorite side dishes for burgers)
- Frozen Vegetables in the Air Fryer
- Ore Ida Tater Tots (Air Fryer Recipe)
- Keto Onion Rings (Air Fryer Recipe)
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Salmon Patties
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
What’s your must-have topping for the ultimate bison burger?