If you live in the Western world, burgers are a fan favorite for many people. Burger patties come frozen, as this is the best way to preserve the meat and ensure its flavor remains intact.
If you’re in the mood for a burger meal, then you will need to defrost beef patties before you can get started.
But, what’s the best way to go about thawing burger patties?
Continue reading as we explore this below.
In a Hurry? Here’s How to Thaw Frozen Burger Patties Fast
When dinner’s closing in, you don’t need theory, you need results.
Here are four safe and fast methods I’ve used that always work.
| Method | How to Do It | Time Needed |
| Cold Water Method (Best Overall) | Seal patties in a leakproof zip bag → Submerge in cold tap water → Flip halfway through for even thawing. 💡 If your patties are stuck together, see my guide on how to separate frozen burger patties safely | ~1 hour per pound |
| Defrosting Tray (Hands-Off Option) | Place sealed patties flat on an aluminum defrosting tray → Flip every 15–20 minutes for even thawing. | 45–60 minutes |
| Microwave (Fastest, but Risky) | Use Defrost setting or 30% power → Microwave in 15–20 second bursts, flipping each time → Stop when patties are soft but still cool to the touch → Cook immediately. | 7–8 minutes per pound |
| Cook from Frozen (Still Works) | Cook straight from frozen on medium heat → Add 5–7 minutes per side → Make sure internal temp hits 160°F. | +10–15 minutes total |
Why These Methods Work (and Why the Countertop Doesn’t)
Thawing patties isn’t about speed, it’s about control. When you thaw meat, you’re managing how heat moves through it.
Air (like your countertop) is a slow conductor, which means the outer layer warms up long before the center thaws. That’s how you end up in the “danger zone”, between 40°F and 140°F, where bacteria multiply fast.
Water, on the other hand, moves heat faster than air. That’s why cold-water thawing works safely and efficiently without cooking the surface.
And metal, like an aluminum defrosting tray, is a steady conductor that pulls warmth from the air and transfers it evenly through the packaging.
Bottom line: the goal is to bring your patties from 0°F to just below 40°F evenly and safely. Any warmer, and bacteria start to throw a party.
How to Thaw Frozen Burger Patties (Step-by-Step Options That work)
There is nothing more disappointing than being in the mood for a burger, only to realize that your patties are still frozen.
If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t worry, as there are a couple ways that you can use to defrost your hamburger meat quickly.
The three most effective thawing methods are:
- In the refrigerator, preferably overnight
- In cold water
- Microwave
How Long Does It Take to Defrost Frozen Burger Meat/Patties?
A quick look at the table below should give you a better idea as to how long each defrosting method takes.
Please note: This is just an estimate, as the time will also depend on how thick your burger patties are, along with the size and number of patties.
| Method | Defrosting Time | Storage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight in the Refrigerator | 8-12 hours | Defrosted salmon can be stored up to 48 Hours in the refrigerator. |
| Cold-water Method | 15-60 Mins | Defrosted salmon can be stored up to 48 Hours in the refrigerator. |
| Microwave | 5-10 Mins | Cook Immediately. |
Please note: This is just an estimate. How long you should let your burgers thaw using the methods above will depend on how thick your patties are, along with the size and number of patties.
1. Cold Water Method (Best for Texture and Safety)
Cold water is one of the quickest and safest ways to thaw frozen burger patties. It works fast while keeping the meat at a safe temperature, giving you juicy, evenly cooked burgers.
Steps:
- Remove the frozen patties from the freezer and place them in airtight plastic or zip-top bags. Make sure they’re fully sealed to prevent water from getting in.
- Fill your sink or a large bowl with cold (not warm) tap water.
- Submerge the patties completely, weighing them down with a plate if needed.
- Change the water every 10–15 minutes to keep it cold and speed up the thawing process.
- Once the patties are soft and bend easily, they’re ready to cook.
💡 If your patties are stuck together, check out my guide on [how to separate frozen burger patties safely](#link: separate frozen burger patties).
⏱ Time: 30–60 minutes
2. Defrosting Tray Method (Hands-Off and Clean)
This is my go-to when I’ve got other things going on in the kitchen. A defrosting tray uses metal’s natural ability to conduct heat to thaw patties evenly, no babysitting required.
Steps:
- Keep the burger patties sealed in their packaging or transfer them to a thin plastic bag.
- Lay the patties flat on an aluminum defrosting tray, making sure they’re in full contact with the metal surface.
- Flip them every 15–20 minutes so both sides warm evenly.
- Once the patties are flexible and no longer icy, they’re ready to cook.
My tip: If you don’t own a defrosting tray, use a metal baking sheet. It works on the same principle, just a little slower.
⏱ Time: 45–60 minutes.
3. Microwave Method (Fastest, but Needs Care)
This is the quickest method you can use, but it requires attention. Microwaves thaw unevenly, so if you leave the patties too long, the edges may start to cook before the center softens.
Steps:
- Remove the patties from any store packaging, it’s not microwave-safe.
- Place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or paper towel to catch moisture.
- Use the Defrost setting or set the microwave to 30% power.
- Heat in 15–20 second bursts, flipping the patties between each round.
- Stop when the patties are soft and cool to the touch. If they start to feel warm or cook at the edges, stop immediately.
- Cook right away. Never let microwaved meat sit at room temperature.
⏱ Time: About 7–8 minutes per pound.
I only do this when I’m desperate, like when it’s 6:30 and I promised burgers by 7.
For safety guidelines, see Michigan State University’s guide to microwave defrosting
4. Cook from Frozen (Still Works When You’re Out of Time)
Sometimes there’s no time to thaw, and that’s okay. You can safely cook frozen burger patties straight from the freezer as long as you adjust the heat and timing.
Steps:
- Preheat your pan, grill, or skillet over medium heat.
- Place the frozen patties on the surface, don’t crank the heat high, or the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Let them cook a bit longer than usual, about 5–7 extra minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Once cooked, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep the juices in.
⏱ Time: +10–15 minutes total
Bonus. Refrigerator Method (When You Actually Plan Ahead)
Letting beef patties thaw overnight in the refrigerator is the safest and most reliable way to defrost them, it just takes time. This slow, steady thaw keeps the meat at a safe temperature the entire time and preserves its texture.
Steps:
- Remove the patties from the freezer and place them on a plate or in a shallow container to catch any juices.
- If the packaging is torn or open, transfer the patties to a resealable plastic bag to prevent leaks.
- Set the plate or container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, this prevents raw meat juices from dripping onto other foods and cross-contaminating them.
- Let the patties thaw overnight (8–12 hours). If you’re short on time, five to six hours will soften them enough for most recipes.
- Once thawed, cook within two days for the best flavor and food safety.
Pro move: Next time you freeze patties, press them flat in a single layer. They’ll thaw faster and stack neatly in your freezer.
Source: USDA Safe Defrosting Methods
Things to Know Before Thawing Frozen Burgers
Why Thawing Matters for Better Burgers
You can cook burgers from frozen, but you’ll never get that same even sear or juicy bite.
When the outer layer cooks before the center thaws, the edges overbrown while the inside stays cold.
Thawing first means:
- A proper Maillard reaction (that golden crust).
- Juicier texture, less steam, more sizzle.
- Even seasoning and faster cooking.
The best burgers start below 40°F, not straight from the freezer.
Food Safety: The Rules Don’t Change
No matter which method you use, keep it safe:
- Keep patties below 40°F while thawing.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (safe temperature guide)
- Don’t refreeze unless thawed in the fridge.
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw beef.
Next Time You Forget to Thaw Dinner…
Don’t panic, you’ve got options. Whether you’ve got 10 minutes, an hour, or a plan for tomorrow, you now know how to thaw frozen burger patties quickly and safely.
No mush, no dry edges, just juicy, grill-ready burgers that cook evenly and taste like you planned ahead.
If you liked this, check out my other thawing guides:
