Air Fryer Ground Beef: Quick, Easy Browning?

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from casseroles and tacos to sloppy joes and chili. Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is an easy and convenient method that yields perfectly browned and flavorful meat. This technique offers several advantages over traditional stovetop cooking, including less time and effort, even cooking, and easier cleanup.

One of the key benefits of using an air fryer is that the fat drains to the bottom of the basket, eliminating the need for manual draining and reducing the amount of grease in the final dish. Additionally, the circulating air in the air fryer cooks the meat evenly, resulting in a juicy and tender texture.

To cook ground beef in an air fryer, simply preheat the appliance, season the meat, and spread it evenly in the basket. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the meat is browned and cooked through. This method works well with various seasonings, making it a versatile option for different recipes.

Benefits of cooking ground beef in an air fryer

There are several benefits to cooking ground beef in an air fryer. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider using an air fryer the next time you cook ground beef:

Hands-off cooking

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a hands-off process. You simply need to put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, and let it cook. This is in contrast to cooking ground beef on a stovetop, which usually requires constant stirring and attention. With an air fryer, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your meal is being prepared.

Fat drainage

The air fryer basket has perforations that allow the fat to drain away from the meat as it cooks. This means that the meat is not cooking in its own fat, resulting in leaner meat. Additionally, when the meat is finished cooking, you can simply lift out the basket, leaving the fat behind. This eliminates the need for straining or scooping out the fat, making for an easier and less messy cleanup process.

Even cooking

Air fryers circulate air around the food, resulting in even cooking. This means that your ground beef will be perfectly browned without any undercooked or overcooked spots. No more constantly stirring and monitoring your meat to ensure even cooking.

Fast and convenient

Air fryers cook ground beef quickly and efficiently. You can have perfectly cooked ground beef in as little as 10 minutes. This makes air fryers ideal for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. Additionally, air fryers are versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, from tacos to casseroles to pasta dishes.

Easy cleanup

As mentioned earlier, the fat drainage system of air fryers makes cleanup a breeze. You won't have to deal with greasy pans or splatters on your stovetop. Simply wash the air fryer basket and you're done. This makes air fryers a low-maintenance option for cooking ground beef.

How to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Ground mustard
• Smoked paprika

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the ground beef into the air fryer basket. If you're using frozen ground beef, it's best to thaw it first. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or meat chopper.
• Season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, paprika, or a spice blend. Mix the seasonings into the meat with a wooden spoon.
• Air fry the meat at 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, remove the basket and break up the meat into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix it up to ensure even cooking.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked.
• Once the meat is cooked, remove the basket and drain off any excess fat and liquid.
• Use the cooked ground beef in your favourite recipes, such as tacos, pasta dishes, or burgers.

Tips:

• Choose the right fat content for your dish. For example, extra lean meat is great for tacos and sauces, while higher fat content is ideal for juicier dishes like burgers and meatloaf.
• Season the meat generously to enhance its flavour.
• Preheat your air fryer to get a good sear on the meat and ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meat has reached 160°F/71°C.
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Drain off any excess fat, especially if using higher-fat ground beef.

Tips for cooking ground beef in an air fryer

Choosing the right fat content

The fat content of your ground beef will depend on what you're cooking. For tacos and sauces, opt for extra lean meat (90/10). For burgers and meatloaf, a higher fat content (80/20) will make them juicier.

Seasoning

Be generous with your seasoning. Ground beef absorbs flavours well, so season with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices. If you're making taco meat, add some taco seasoning and mix well. If you have time, let the seasoned ground beef sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavours.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. This will help sear the meat and lock in the juices and flavour.

Use a meat thermometer

To avoid undercooked or overcooked beef, use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.

Let it rest

After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes, especially if it's a larger patty. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist bite.

Drain the excess fat

If you're making a dish where extra grease isn't desired, drain the fat off after cooking. This is important for higher-fat ground beef to avoid oily dishes.

Clean your air fryer

Let the air fryer cool down, then remove the basket and pan to wash with hot, soapy water. For tough residue, soaking may be necessary. Some air fryer parts are also dishwasher-safe.

Storing and reheating ground beef cooked in an air fryer

Storing Ground Beef

If you plan to use the cooked ground beef within a few days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Allow the cooked ground beef to cool completely at room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Frozen ground beef can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ground Beef

You can easily reheat your cooked ground beef in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (170°C). Place the ground beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, then shake the basket and finish reheating for another 2-3 minutes.

It is important to note that the recommended safe internal temperature for reheated foods is 165°F (73.8°C). To ensure your food reaches this temperature, it is helpful to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Additionally, you can spritz the ground beef with a little oil to help it regain crispiness, although this step is optional.

Air fryer ground beef recipes

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, casseroles, chilli, and burgers. Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is an easy and convenient method that yields tasty results. Here are some tips and recipes to help you get started with air fryer ground beef cooking.

Benefits of Air Frying Ground Beef

• Hands-off cooking: You can season the ground beef, put it in the air fryer, and let it cook without constant stirring or monitoring.
• Fat drainage: The air fryer basket's perforations allow fat to drain away from the meat, resulting in leaner ground beef.
• Easy clean-up: Since the fat drips away from the meat, there's no need to strain or scoop out excess fat, making clean-up a breeze.

Air Fryer Ground Beef Tacos

This recipe is perfect for taco lovers. It's quick, easy, and versatile, allowing you to customise the seasoning to your preference.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (choose a fat content that suits your taste and recipe)
• Salt and pepper
• Taco seasoning (or a blend of your choice)
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Mix gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
• Place the seasoned beef in an oven/air fryer-safe baking pan in a single layer.
• Air fry for 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to break up the meat into smaller pieces halfway through.
• Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Let the cooked beef rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Cheesy Beef Burger

This recipe puts a twist on the classic burger by adding a generous amount of cheese. It's a juicy, flavourful option that's perfect for a quick meal.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (80/20 fat content for juicier burgers)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently.
• Form the seasoned beef into patties.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes.
• Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness.
• Top the burgers with shredded cheddar cheese and cook for an additional minute, or until the cheese is melted.
• Serve on burger buns with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Tips for Cooking Ground Beef in an Air Fryer:

• Choose the right fat content: Opt for extra lean meat (90/10) for dishes like tacos and sauces, and higher fat content (80/20) for juicier options like burgers and meatloaf.
• Season generously: Ground beef absorbs flavours well, so don't hold back on the seasonings. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and blends to create unique flavour profiles.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and helps sear the meat, locking in juices and flavour.
• Use a meat thermometer: To avoid undercooked or overcooked beef, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F for safe consumption.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes, especially if it's a larger patty. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and juicy bite.
• Drain excess fat: If you're using higher-fat ground beef, be sure to drain off the excess grease after cooking to avoid oily dishes.

With these tips and recipes, you're now ready to explore the world of air fryer ground beef cooking! Enjoy experimenting, and feel free to adapt these recipes to your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions