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–+ servings
A crispy pita cheeseburger sliced in half, on a plate, served with a side salad.

Crispy Pita Smash Burgers

Crispy pita stuffed with juicy smash-style beef and melty cheese, air-fried to golden perfection, all the flavor of a cheeseburger in a quick, high-protein homemade fakeaway
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine High-Protein, meal-prep
Servings 4 servings
Calories 522 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g Extra Lean Beef Mince
  • 120 g Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 Small Onion
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder finely chopped
  • 1 ½ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 4 Pitas
  • 4 tbsp Tomato Ketchup
  • Gherkins optional
  • 1 Egg whisked - for egg wash
  • 2 tsp Sesame Seeds optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the beef mince, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and grated cheese. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
  • Gently slice the pitas open to create two thin rounds. You can microwave the pitas for around 30 seconds before slicing so that they soften, and are easier to slice.
  • Press one portion of the mince mixture into each pita half in an even layer, pressing it flat right to the edges. This is what creates the “smash burger” effect inside the pita.
  • Close the pita, then brush the top of each stuffed pita with the whisked egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • Air-fry at 180°C for 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden, crispy and cooked through. If meal-prepping, air-fry only the pitas you are eating now, and store the rest in an air-tight container to air-fry later.
  • Once hot and crispy, remove from the air fryer. Open slightly and add ketchup, and sliced gherkins.
  • Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with a side salad.

Notes

TIPS & NOTES:
• Press the filling right to the edges: This helps create that smash-burger effect and ensures every bite has beef and cheese.
• Soften the pitas before cutting: Microwave them for about 30 seconds to make them puff and soften, which makes slicing them open much easier without tearing.
• Flip halfway for even crisping: Turning the pitas halfway through cooking helps both sides get golden and crispy.
• Adjust for your air fryer: All air fryers differ slightly. If yours runs hot, check them a minute or two early.
• Make them ahead: Stuff the pitas in advance and keep them in the fridge, then air-fry fresh for the best crispy outside and melty centre.
 
MEASUREMENTS:
I always recommend using a kitchen weighing scale and using weighted measurements. This will result in a more accurate process and your Cheeseburger Pitas will come out perfectly.
 
 
MORE INFO:
Read the blog post for a more in-depth explanation of how to make these Smash Burger Pitas and more tips and storage instructions.
 
 
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
These nutritional values are provided as a guide only and may be different depending on your ingredients and measurements.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Crispy Pita Smash Burgers
Serving Size
 
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
522
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15.7
g
24
%
Carbohydrates
 
53.1
g
18
%
Protein
 
48.8
g
98
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Crispy Pita Burgers, Healthy Cheeseburgers, Pita Burgers, Pita Cheeseburgers, Smashburgers
Did you make this?Leave a rating & leave some feedback in the comments section below! You can also tag me on Instagram @Nourishing.Niki and use the #NourishingNiki