Prepare the meat mixture by combining the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – overmixing will make your burgers tough.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This step ensures proper searing of the burgers from the moment they hit the basket.
Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Cook for 4 minutes, then carefully flip the burgers and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes for medium doneness. For well-done burgers, add 1-2 minutes more.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – 160°F (71°C) is the safe temperature for ground beef.
Add cheese slices to the patties during the last minute of cooking if desired, allowing just enough time to melt.
Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before assembling.
Toast the buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes if desired.
Assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments, and serve immediately while hot.