Discover a mouthwatering twist on classic hamburgers with these air fryer patties stuffed with a luscious ricotta cheese filling. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of juicy, savory beef paired with a creamy, cheesy center that elevates your burger experience.
The quick and simple air frying method guarantees a tender, caramelized crust while locking in moisture, making these burgers an irresistible choice for any day of the week. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a casual lunch, this recipe offers an effortless way to impress everyone at the table.
- Innovative ricotta filling creates a creamy surprise inside every juicy burger.
- Air fryer cooking delivers quick, healthier results with perfectly browned patties.
- Customizable toppings and sauces let you tailor each burger to your liking.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20, 500g / ≈ 1 lb): Provides savory, juicy protein essential for flavorful burger patties with just the right fat content for moisture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances natural meat flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly throughout the patties.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle, warm heat that complements the beef without overpowering it.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds aromatic depth and savory richness to the seasoning blend.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Brings sweetness and umami to the meat mixture for a well-rounded taste.
- Ricotta cheese (¾ cup): Creates a creamy, mild cheese filling that melts inside the patties for luscious texture contrast.
- Grated Parmesan (2 tablespoons): Imparts a nutty, sharp flavor that elevates the ricotta filling complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous lift and a pop of color to the creamy filling.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Season the ricotta filling lightly to balance flavors.
- Burger buns (4): Soft, fresh buns to hold and complement the juicy, cheesy burgers.
- Favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles): Adds crunch, freshness, and acidity to balance richness.
- Optional sauces (mayo, ketchup, mustard, aioli): Customize your burgers with sauces that add creaminess, tang, or heat.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling
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In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will help it melt perfectly inside the burger patties, enhancing every bite with rich, cheesy flavor.
- Shape the Patties
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Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions for even-sized patties. Flatten each portion gently into thin discs; this thinness allows for stuffing. On 4 patties, spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the ricotta filling onto the center, leaving a small border around the edges so you can seal them properly.
Place the remaining 4 patties on top of the filled ones, then gently pinch and press around the edges to seal in the cheese mixture tightly. This ensures the filling stays inside during cooking and creates a juicy, flavorful center.
- Preheat and Air Fry the Burgers
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Start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) to ensure even cooking and a perfectly crisp exterior. Place the stuffed burgers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; if necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry them for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown evenly on both sides, until they reach your desired doneness.
- Toast the Buns (Optional)
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If you like toasted buns, place them cut-side up in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes after the patties finish cooking. This step adds a warm, crisp texture that pairs beautifully with the tender burgers and melts any sauce you might use.
- Assemble and Serve
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Place each juicy, cheese-stuffed burger on a toasted bun and add your preferred toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. Finish with your favorite sauces such as mayo, ketchup, mustard, or aioli to customize your perfect burger. Serve hot alongside fries, chips, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Avoid overworking the ground beef when forming patties to keep burgers tender and juicy.
- Ensure you leave a sufficient border around the ricotta filling when sealing patties to prevent leaks during cooking.
- Cooking times might vary slightly depending on burger thickness and your air fryer model.
Storage Tips
Store any uncooked, assembled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before air frying. Leftover cooked burgers can be refrigerated for 2–3 days, best reheated gently to preserve juiciness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these ricotta-stuffed burgers with crispy oven fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a satisfying meal. For a twist, serve alongside roasted vegetables or sweet potato wedges.
- Mix mozzarella or tangy goat cheese into the ricotta for a richer, more complex filling.
- Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the ricotta filling for a flavorful spicy kick.
- Use a kitchen scale when portioning meat for consistent patty size and even cooking.
FAQs
- Can I use other meats besides ground beef?
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Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but results may be less juicy. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Is it possible to prepare these burgers ahead of time?
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Absolutely—assemble filled patties and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before air frying.
- How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
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Cook until internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F) for ground beef; the patties should be browned and firm.
- Can I freeze the prepared stuffed patties?
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Freezing is not recommended for filled patties as the filling texture may change after thawing.
- What buns work best with these ricotta-stuffed burgers?
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Soft, slightly sweet buns like brioche or potato buns complement the creamy filling beautifully.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
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Omitting the ricotta filling would be necessary, but you could substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives if desired.
Air Fryer Ricotta Filled Hamburgers
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- lettuce tomato, onion, pickles (optional)
- mayo ketchup, mustard, aioli (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ricotta, Parmesan, parsley if using, and salt and pepper in a bowl; mix until smooth and set aside.
- Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions and flatten each into thin patties.
- Place ricotta filling on 4 patties, leaving edges clear, then top each with another patty; pinch edges to seal.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place stuffed burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked and browned.
- Optionally, toast buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes before assembling the burgers.
- Serve burgers on buns with favorite toppings and sauces while hot.
Notes
- Avoid overworking the beef to keep burgers tender.
- Swap mozzarella or goat cheese for ricotta for different flavors.
- Add chili flakes or paprika to ricotta for spice.
- Assemble and refrigerate patties up to 4 hours ahead.
