Air Fryer Salisbury Steak Burgers

These Air Fryer Salisbury Steak Burgers are juicy, flavorful beef patties seasoned with savory spices and cooked until tender. They are served with a rich onion and mushroom gravy, making them a comforting and delicious meal. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

• Total Time: 30–33 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American

• Cooking Method: Air Fryer

Ingredients

For the Salisbury Steak Burgers

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Onion Mushroom Gravy

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval or round patty about ¾ inch thick. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use a suitable liner that does not block airflow.

Step 4: Air Fry the Burgers

Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7–9 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 7–9 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).

Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patties and your air fryer.

Step 5: Prepare the Gravy

While the patties cook, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the onions and mushrooms. Stir for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously. Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Transfer the cooked Salisbury steak burgers to a serving plate. Spoon the warm onion and mushroom gravy over the patties. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Questions & Answers

Q1: What are Salisbury steak burgers?
They are seasoned ground beef patties traditionally served with a savory onion and mushroom gravy.

Q2: Can I use frozen ground beef patties?
Yes, but thawing them first gives more even cooking and allows the seasoning to be incorporated.

Q3: What temperature should I use?
Cook the patties at 375°F (190°C).

Q4: How long do they take in the air fryer?
Approximately 14–18 minutes, depending on their thickness.

Q5: How do I know when the burgers are done?
Use a food thermometer to check that the center reaches 160°F (71°C).

Q6: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
Yes. You can use crushed crackers or finely ground oats as alternatives.

Q7: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, but cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q8: Why are my patties falling apart?
The mixture may need more binding. Make sure you include the egg and breadcrumbs and avoid making the mixture too wet.

Q9: Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes. Shape them and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q10: Can I make the gravy without mushrooms?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the mushrooms and prepare the gravy with onions.

Q11: Can I use canned mushrooms?
Yes. Drain them well before adding them to the skillet.

Q12: How can I make the gravy thicker?
Simmer it longer or mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy.

Q13: What if the gravy becomes too thick?
Add a little extra beef broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Q14: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to two days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container.

Q15: Can I cook the patties without flipping them?
Flipping helps them brown more evenly, so it is recommended.

Q16: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is recommended for more consistent cooking, although some air fryers do not require it.

Q17: Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, use air-fryer-safe parchment paper and make sure it is secured beneath the food. Never place loose parchment in a preheating air fryer.

Q18: What can I serve with Salisbury steak burgers?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or rice are excellent choices.

Q19: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour alternative for the gravy.

Q20: Can I add cheese to the patties?
Yes. A small amount of shredded cheddar or Parmesan can add extra flavor.

Q21: How should I store leftovers?
Store the cooked patties and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Q22: Can I freeze Salisbury steak burgers?
Yes. Freeze cooked patties and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality.

Q23: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth until heated through, or use the microwave.

Q24: Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Cook the patties in batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Q25: Are Salisbury steak burgers the same as regular hamburgers?
Not exactly. Salisbury steak patties contain seasonings and binders and are usually served with gravy rather than in a burger bun.