Air Fryer Pitmaster Pepperoni Burger Melts

AF-200 Crew BBQ Recipe

Air Fryer Pitmaster Pepperoni Burger Melts

This is what happens when a cheeseburger and a BBQ pizza have a very good idea. Juicy beef burgers are topped with smoky pepperoni, bubbling mozzarella, mature cheddar, and a rich BBQ pizza glaze before being tucked into toasted brioche buns. Smoky, cheesy, slightly spicy, and guaranteed to become one of the most talked-about burgers on the barbecue.

Air Fryer Pitmaster Pepperoni Burger Melts
Air Fryer Pitmaster Pepperoni Burger Melts preparation stage

You’ll Need

500g beef mince (20% fat)
4 brioche burger buns
16 slices pepperoni
100g mozzarella, grated
100g mature cheddar, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp cracked black pepper

For The BBQ Pizza Glaze
3 tbsp smoky BBQ sauce
2 tbsp pizza sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey

Optional But Dangerous
Sliced jalapeños
Pickles
Crispy fried onions
Garlic mayo

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.

Mix the beef mince with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and cracked black

pepper.

Shape into four evenly sized burger patties, making a small thumbprint in the centre of each.

Place the burgers into the air fryer basket.

Cook for 5–6 minutes.

Turn the burgers over and cook for another 4–5 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the BBQ sauce, pizza sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey.

Brush each burger generously with the glaze.

Top with four slices of pepperoni, followed by the mozzarella and mature cheddar.

Return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the pepperoni edges begin to crisp.

Warm the brioche buns for the final minute.

Build the burgers with the cheesy pepperoni beef patties and any optional toppings you fancy.

Serve immediately while the cheese is stretching and the glaze is gloriously sticky.

Lad Tip: Keep the pepperoni on top of the cheese for the final blast. The edges crisp beautifully, the oils run into the melted cheese, and every bite tastes like a proper smokehouse pizza burger.

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