Air Frying Ground Beef: Safe Or Not?

Ground beef in the air fryer? It works! And it's better than cooking it on the stove for a few reasons. First, it's very hands-off. You put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, close it up, and let it cook. Second, the fat gets drained away as it cooks, leaving you with leaner meat. Finally, cleanup is a breeze because all the fat is left behind in the air fryer basket. The only drawback is that the meat can turn out a bit dry, so you may want to add a sauce if you're not using the beef in a sauce-based dish.

How to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef (thawed)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, taco seasoning)
• Cooking spray/oil (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer-safe baking pan (optional)
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Slotted spoon/spatula/wooden spoon

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the ground beef into the air fryer basket or a baking pan. If using a baking pan, coat it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
• Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon or spatula.
• Season the beef with salt and pepper, as well as any other desired seasonings.
• Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, stir the beef and break it up further.
• Air fry at 400°F for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked.
• Check the internal temperature of the beef with a meat thermometer; it should be at least 160°F.
• Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Drain the excess fat from the air fryer basket or pan.

Tips

• Choose the right fat content for your dish. For example, use extra lean meat for tacos and sauces, and higher fat content for burgers and meatloaf.
• Season the beef generously to enhance its natural taste.
• Preheat your air fryer to sear the meat and lock in juices and flavour.
• Let the beef rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
• Drain excess fat, especially when using higher-fat ground beef, to avoid oily dishes.

Benefits of cooking ground beef in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to cooking ground beef on the stove, and they come with several benefits. Here are some reasons why you may want to cook ground beef in an air fryer:

Hands-off cooking

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a hands-off process. All you need to do is put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, and let it cook. This is a significant difference from cooking ground beef on the stove, where you usually have to stir it more often and keep a close eye on it. With an air fryer, you can set it and forget it, making it a more convenient option.

Fat drainage

The perforations in the air fryer basket allow the fat to drain away from the meat as it cooks. This means that the meat isn't cooking in its fat, resulting in leaner meat. Additionally, when the meat is finished cooking, you can simply lift out the basket, leaving the fat behind. This makes for an easier clean-up process compared to cooking on the stove, where you have to strain or scoop out the fat.

Fast and easy

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. It typically takes around 10 minutes to cook a pound of ground beef in an air fryer. The simple steps involved in the cooking process make it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.

Even cooking

Air fryers circulate air around the food, resulting in even cooking. This means you don't have to worry about constantly stirring the meat or checking on it to ensure it's cooking evenly.

Versatility

Ground beef cooked in an air fryer can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, pastas, sandwiches, breakfast dishes, and more. The versatility of ground beef, along with the ease and speed of cooking it in an air fryer, makes it a great option for busy families or anyone looking for a quick and tasty meal.

Seasoning and ingredient tips

Choosing your beef

When selecting your ground beef, opt for a mixture with a fat content that suits your recipe. For example, if you're aiming for a healthier dish, go for leaner beef, but if you want a juicier outcome, choose a higher fat content.

Basic seasonings

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning your ground beef and will enhance its natural flavours. Don't skimp on the seasoning! Ground beef absorbs flavours well, so be generous with your salt and pepper to boost its taste.

Aromatics

Add aromatics like garlic powder and onion powder to your ground beef for depth and richness. Start with around half a teaspoon of each per pound of beef, and adjust to your taste.

Herbs

For a fresh herbal note, mix in dried or fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil. Remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use them sparingly.

Spices for heat

If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to your ground beef. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance.

Specialty seasonings

Don't be afraid to experiment with specialty blends like taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavour.

Marinating

If you have time, let the seasoned ground beef sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its flavours even more.

Cooking spray/oil

Use a light coating of cooking spray or a little olive oil on the pan to prevent sticking and help achieve a more even crust on the meat.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

First, make sure you have thawed ground beef. If your ground beef is frozen, make sure to defrost it before cooking.

Step 2: Place the Ground Beef in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the ground beef into the basket of the air fryer. It is recommended to use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and stir in the seasonings. Try not to cover the air fryer basket completely, as this will restrict airflow.

Step 3: Season the Ground Beef

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, paprika, or your favorite spice blend to give the ground beef a unique flavor profile.

Step 4: Air Fry the Ground Beef

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3-5 minutes. Then, air fry the ground beef for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, stir the beef and break it up into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked. The total cooking time will depend on the amount of ground beef you are cooking and the specific model of your air fryer.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Rest the Meat

To ensure the ground beef is fully cooked, check that it is browned and there are no pink spots visible. The internal temperature of the ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C). After the ground beef is fully cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist bite.

Step 6: Drain Excess Fat

Drain the excess fat from the air fryer after cooking. This is especially important for higher-fat ground beef to avoid oily dishes.

Step 7: Serve or Store the Ground Beef

Use the cooked ground beef in your favorite recipes, such as tacos, pastas, sandwiches, or appetizers. If you have any leftovers, allow the meat to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked ground beef for up to two months.

Recipes using air-fried ground beef

Air-fried ground beef is a great option for those looking for a quick, easy, and versatile meal. Here are some delicious recipes you can make using an air fryer and ground beef:

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Add a tangy sauce on top of a mixture of ground beef and seasonings, and you've got yourself a nostalgic and delicious meal. This recipe requires only about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Cheeseburger Pockets

If you don't have the time to form burger patties, this recipe is perfect for you. Simply spoon loose ground beef filling into canned biscuits, seal with egg wash, and bake until golden and fluffy. You can also add chopped bacon or diced pickles for extra flavor.

Air Fryer Hamburgers

On a cold day, you might not want to turn on the grill or heat up the stove, and frying burgers on the stovetop can be messy. So, the air fryer is the best option! Your burgers will be ready in no time, and they'll have a delicious crust on the outside.

Air Fryer Taco Pizza

Combine two favorites, pizza and tacos, with this tasty recipe. You can use store-bought pizza dough or naan bread as the base. Top it with taco-seasoned ground beef, cheese, and chopped tomatoes for a quick and easy meal.

Air Fryer Beef and Bean Taquitos

Taquitos are like mini tacos, but they're rolled up tight and deep-fried until crispy. This recipe uses ground beef, beans, and cheese as the filling. Simply wrap the tortillas, spray with cooking spray, and air fry until golden brown.

Air Fryer Kofta Kebabs

This Middle Eastern dish is typically cooked over an open flame, but the air fryer is a great alternative. The ground beef will cook perfectly in just 12 minutes, and you can add a dash of liquid smoke for a more authentic flavor.

Frequently asked questions