Air Fryer Frozen Burgers: Safe Or Not?

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. It's a convenient, quick, and easy way to make juicy burgers with minimal cleanup. There's no need to defrost the patties beforehand, and you can have tasty burgers ready in as little as 15 minutes.

How long to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the burgers, the doneness you prefer, and the type of burger you are cooking.

For a medium-rare burger, cook for 8 to 12 minutes at 390ºF. If you prefer your burger medium, cook for 15 to 17 minutes at 370ºF. For a well-done burger, you are looking at 17 to 20 minutes in the air fryer.

You can cook frozen chicken and turkey burgers in the air fryer, too.

There is no need to preheat the air fryer. Simply place the frozen burger patties in the air fryer, and flip them halfway through for even cooking.

How to season frozen burgers

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. It's convenient, easy, and quick. Here's how to season frozen burgers for your air fryer:

• Take the desired number of frozen burger patties out of the freezer.
• Generously season both sides of the frozen patties with salt and pepper. You can also use other seasonings like garlic salt, onion powder, or taco seasoning.
• If you want the seasoning to stick better, wait to season the burgers halfway through cooking.
• Place the seasoned patties in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or overlapping them, as this will cause uneven cooking.
• Cook according to your desired level of doneness, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
• For cheeseburgers, add the cheese after removing the patties from the air fryer, and cover with a plate to help it melt.

• You can spritz the burgers with cooking spray to help them brown.
• The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your patties, the desired doneness, and the type of burger (beef, turkey, etc.). For medium doneness, cook for around 15-17 minutes.
• You may need to season the burgers again after cooking, as seasoning on frozen meat doesn't penetrate as well.

Enjoy your juicy air-fried burgers!

How to stop an air fryer from smoking

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. There is no need to preheat the air fryer, simply place the frozen burger patties in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 180C/360F, flipping once for even cooking.

Now, here are some tips on how to stop an air fryer from smoking:

Identify the cause of the smoke

Firstly, it's important to identify what is causing the air fryer to smoke. Smoke coming from your air fryer can be attributed to excess grease, food buildup, food being too crowded, or it possibly needs a thorough cleaning. Meats with a higher fat content, such as chicken thighs, sausages, bacon, and hamburgers, can produce a lot of grease as they cook. This grease can splatter and circulate onto the hot heating element, causing it to burn and emit smoke.

Place bread or water in the bottom of the air fryer

If you need to stop the smoking immediately, you can place a couple of tablespoons of water in the bottom of the air fryer. The water will quickly turn into steam and prevent the greasy food from causing more smoke. Alternatively, you can place a slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer to absorb the grease and prevent it from dripping onto the heating element.

Improve ventilation

Make sure your air fryer is set up in an area with adequate ventilation. Avoid placing it in a tight space where air cannot circulate around the vents. A well-ventilated kitchen is also important to prevent smoke buildup.

Adjust the temperature and cooking time

If your air fryer is cooking at a very high temperature, you may need to lower the temperature setting to avoid smoke. Cooking at a lower temperature for a longer period of time can help reduce the amount of smoke produced.

Clean the air fryer regularly

Leftover grease, oils, and food crumbs from previous cooking sessions can cause the air fryer to smoke. It is important to clean the air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy or fatty foods. Check your operating manual for specific cleaning instructions, as some parts may be dishwasher-safe.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your air fryer from smoking and create a safer and more enjoyable cooking experience.

What to serve with frozen burgers

Frozen burgers are a convenient and tasty meal option, especially when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried frozen burgers:

Classic Burger Sides

The classic burger sides are french fries and onion rings. You can cook these in your air fryer as well, making it a convenient and quick option. Serve your burgers with a side of crispy, golden french fries and some crunchy onion rings for a satisfying meal.

Salad

If you're looking for a lighter option, serve your burger with a side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can complement the burger without overwhelming it. You could also add some avocado, bacon, or grilled vegetables to your salad for extra flavour and texture.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic barbecue side dish and go well with burgers. They provide a sweet and savoury contrast to the juicy burger. Look for barbecue-style baked beans with a smoky flavour for an extra punch.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is another classic barbecue side that pairs well with burgers. The crisp, cool texture and slightly tangy flavour of coleslaw can cut through the richness of the burger. You can make your own coleslaw or buy it pre-made from the store.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a hearty and comforting side dish that goes well with burgers. It's a great option if you're looking for something more substantial. You can make your potato salad with a variety of ingredients, such as bacon, green onions, or herbs, to suit your taste.

Chips

Chips are a classic side dish that can be paired with just about anything, including burgers. Opt for plain potato chips or choose a flavoured variety, such as barbecue or sour cream and onion.

Pickles

Pickles are a classic burger condiment, and they can also be served as a side dish. Look for crispy, sour dill pickles or go for something sweeter, like bread and butter pickles.

How to store and reheat leftover frozen burgers

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. No thawing is necessary, and the cleanup is easy. The air fryer's convection technology cooks frozen burgers quickly and evenly, and they taste just as good as grilled burgers.

How to Store Leftover Frozen Burgers

Leftover uncooked burgers should be transferred to a clean, labelled, and dated sealable plastic container and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, place the burgers into snap-lock bags and clearly label and date them. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to Reheat Leftover Frozen Burgers

To reheat frozen burgers, you can use an air fryer, an oven, a toaster oven, or a microwave.

If you are using an air fryer, reheat the burgers at 350° until heated through.

If you are using an oven or toaster oven, preheat to a low temperature and heat the burgers for about 10 minutes.

If you are using a microwave, it is recommended to defrost the burgers halfway using the defrost setting before reheating. This will help to avoid heavy grease splatters and weird textures.

You can also cook frozen burgers in a frying pan, which takes about 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions