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Air Fryer Bison Burgers

When I went to the grocery, l could not find ground beef. Ground bison was the last package on the shelf, so it went home with me. I made the family bison burgers in the air fryer, and they were better than burgers on the grill! Juicy, full of flavor, and the liquid smoke adds just the hint of a grill flavor. With a slice of Gouda and toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, everyone commented on the burgers, and only I know they were bison, and not beef!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 1662.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Spatula or Tongs For turning patties
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound ground bison
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke or to taste
  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns

Instructions
 

  • Preheat an air fryer to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Combine ground bison, onion, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 4 equal-sized patties.
  • Carefully place in bottom of the preheated air fryer. Air fry for 8 minutes; carefully turn patties, and continue air frying until juices run clear, 4 to 5 minutes more. Serve patties on buns.

Notes

Bison is significantly leaner than ground beef, making it prone to drying out if overcooked. Monitor cooking closely and aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium-well, ensuring juicy results. The liquid smoke provides a subtle char flavor; adjust to your preference. For an enhanced experience, lightly toast the hamburger buns in the air fryer during the last minute of patty cooking, or separately. Adding a slice of Gouda, as mentioned in the original summary, during the final minute of air frying will allow it to melt beautifully onto the burger, elevating the flavor profile.