The Best Juicy Burger Recipe Ever – Grill or Air Fryer
How to Make Juicy Burgers With Mayonnaise
This juicy burger recipe has mayonnaise to make keep it moist! It is incredibly easy and delivers restaurant-quality results every time! The addition of mayonnaise creates burgers that are tender, flavorful, and much more delicious than frozen patties or even most restaurant options.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a weeknight dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, these homemade juicy burgers will impress everyone at the table. The secret ingredient? Mayonnaise! It adds moisture and flavor while helping to bind the ingredients together for the perfect burger texture.
Ingredients and Supplies for this Juicy Burger Recipe
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
- Mayonnaise (Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise recommended)
- Plain dry bread crumbs
- Onion soup mix (Lipton® Recipe Secrets® Onion Soup Mix works great)
- Salt and pepper (optional, as the soup mix contains salt)
- Hamburger buns
- Your favorite burger toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.)
Supplies:
- Large mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Grill or air fryer
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Platter for serving
Variations:
- Cheese-Stuffed Burgers: Form two thin patties, place cheese in the center, and seal the edges for a surprise melty center.
- Seasoning Options: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Leaner Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef (add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to maintain juiciness).
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese and dried oregano to the burger mixture.
- BBQ Flavor: Mix in a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce to the meat mixture.
How to Make Juicy Burgers on the Grill or in the Air Fryer
Preparation
- Mix the Binding Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup plain dry bread crumbs, and 1 envelope of onion soup mix. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add the Meat: Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Gently fold and mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
- Form the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about ½-inch thick and slightly larger than your bun. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from bulging during cooking.
- Chill the Patties: Place the patties on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape and results in juicier burgers.
Cooking Instructions
For Grilling:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F).
- Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef (165°F for turkey).
- Add cheese during the last minute and toast the buns if desired.
For Air Fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Place patties in the basket (cook in batches if needed).
- Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes, flip, then cook 2–3 more minutes.
- Add cheese in the last minute, if desired.
Assembly
- Place each cooked burger on a bun bottom.
- Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments.
- Optional: Mix ¼ cup BBQ sauce with ½ cup mayo for a creamy BBQ sauce.
- Top with the bun and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the secret to juicy burgers?
- Mayonnaise keeps the meat moist and tender.
- 80/20 ground beef offers better fat and flavor.
- Don’t overwork the meat while mixing.
- Indenting the center helps avoid puffing up.
- Can I make the patties ahead?
- Yes! Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
- Wrap in plastic wrap or place on parchment-lined tray.
- Gives the seasoning time to develop.
- How do I know when they’re done?
- Use a meat thermometer — 160°F for beef.
- They continue cooking slightly after removing from heat.
- Why do my burgers shrink or puff up?
- All burgers shrink — indenting helps prevent puffing.
- The dimple disappears as it cooks, leaving a flat patty.
- Can I use different meats?
- Yes! Turkey, chicken, and plant-based options work well.
- Add more mayo to lean meats for moisture.
- Adjust cook times and check doneness with a thermometer.
Final Thoughts
This juicy burger recipe with mayonnaise is a game-changer. It adds moisture and flavor while the soup mix gives bold, savory depth. Grilled or air-fried, these burgers are easy and satisfying.
Handle the meat gently, keep it cold, and never press down on the patties while cooking. You’ll be rewarded with juicy, flavorful perfection!
So next time you want a great burger, skip the frozen stuff — this recipe is fast, easy, and family-approved.
More Delicious Grill Recipes:
- Party Chicken Kabobs with Mediterranean Marinade
- Grilled Steak with Cowboy Butter
- Easy Maryland-Style Grilled Shrimp and Corn
- Grilled Peaches in the Air Fryer
- The Best BBQ Chicken Kebabs
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How to Make Juicy Burgers With Mayonnaise
Ingredients
- ½ cup Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain dry bread crumbs
- 1 envelope Lipton® Recipe Secrets® Onion Soup Mix
- 2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- COMBINE Mayonnaise, bread crumbs and Soup Mix in bowl.
- MIX mayonnaise mixture into ground beef; don't overwork the meat. Shape into 8 equal patties.
- GRILL over medium high heat for about 8 minutes, turning once, or until done. Serve burgers on buns.
- Top with sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, or any other of your favorite fixings!
- BARBECUE TIP: For a delicious creamy barbecue sauce topping, combine 1/4 cup BBQ sauce with 1/2 cup Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise. Spoon on burgers and enjoy!
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
- Place the patties in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380°F/193°C for 4 minutes.
- Flip the patties and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F/71.1°C
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
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