Burgers cooking times
How long to cook burgers: 4–5 min per side pan-fried, 5–6 min per side under the grill, 4–5 min per side on the barbecue and 10–12 min in an air fryer at 180°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook burgers
Times are for beef burgers about 2 cm thick (quarter-pounders, 113 g).
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry | 4–5 min per side | over a medium-high heat | In a little oil; turn once. Add cheese for the last minute, with a lid on. |
| Grill | 5–6 min per side | under a hot grill | – |
| Barbecue | 4–5 min per side | over hot direct heat | Don’t press them down: the juices drip out. |
| Air fryer | 10–12 min | 180°C (350°F) | Turn halfway. From frozen, 12–15 minutes. |
| Oven | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a rack over a tray; turn halfway. |
Before you start
Press a dimple into the middle of homemade burgers so they don’t dome. Season just before cooking. Frozen burgers can cook from frozen; add a few minutes.
How to tell it’s done
No pink in the middle and the juices run clear.
Food safety: Cook mince, burgers and sausages all the way through, to 71°C (160°F), with no pink left in the middle.
Questions
How long to pan-fry burgers?
4–5 min per side over a medium-high heat. In a little oil; turn once. Add cheese for the last minute, with a lid on.
How long to grill burgers?
5–6 min per side under a hot grill.
How long to barbecue burgers?
4–5 min per side over hot direct heat. Don’t press them down: the juices drip out.
How long to cook burgers in an air fryer?
10–12 min at 180°C (350°F). Turn halfway. From frozen, 12–15 minutes.
How long to cook burgers in the oven?
15–20 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. On a rack over a tray; turn halfway.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.