Air Fryer For Steak And Burgers: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook hamburgers and steaks. You can make juicy hamburgers with ground beef and your choice of seasoning, and you can even use frozen hamburgers in an air fryer. You can also cook steaks in an air fryer, although it's not clear whether you can cook them from frozen.

How to cook hamburgers in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook hamburgers in an air fryer. Here's how:

Firstly, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat. In a medium or large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with your preferred seasoning. Montreal steak seasoning is recommended for a smoky flavour. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender.

Next, divide the meat mixture into three or four equal parts. Form each part into a patty about 3/4 – 1 inch thick by pressing it down with a plate. Using your thumb, make a small indent at the centre of each burger patty. This will prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not stacked.

Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption. Once the burger patties are cooked, add a slice of cheese on top of each burger. With the air fryer turned off, place the patties back in the basket for a couple of minutes to let the residual heat melt the cheese.

You can top your burgers with all of the classic toppings or experiment with some new favourites. You can also use your air fryer to make French fries to serve alongside your burgers.

Seasoning for hamburgers

Yes, you can cook hamburgers and steaks in an air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat. In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with your preferred seasonings. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender. Divide the meat mixture into equal parts and form each part into a patty about 3/4 – 1 inch thick by pressing it down with a plate. Using your thumb, make a small indent at the centre of each burger patty. This will prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking.

There are many different seasonings you can use for hamburgers. The staple seasonings are generous amounts of kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder, but you can also experiment with paprika (smoked and sweet), onion powder, cayenne, dried oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, and basil. You can mix the seasoning directly into the raw meat so that the flavour penetrates all the way through.

How to cook steaks in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook hamburgers and steaks in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to cook steaks in an air fryer:

Firstly, allow the steaks to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Then, pat the steaks dry and season them with oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add a steak rub or a specialty spice mix.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. It should preheat for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and leave some space between the steaks for airflow to cook evenly. If needed, cook the steaks in batches.

Cook the steaks for 10-13 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. The thicker the steak, the longer the cooking time. You can check if the steak is done by using a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. If the steaks are not at the desired temperature, continue air frying and checking the temperature in 2-minute increments.

Finally, let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can add a pat of garlic butter on top.

Seasoning for steaks

Yes, you can cook hamburgers and steaks in an air fryer. For hamburgers, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat. Then, mix ground beef with your preferred seasonings in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into three or four equal-sized patties and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not stacked. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.

For seasoning steaks, you can make your own blend of spices, such as paprika, garlic-herb, or a steak rub. You can also buy pre-made steak seasoning, such as Montreal steak seasoning.

Clean-up after cooking hamburgers and steaks in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook hamburgers and steaks in an air fryer. To clean up after cooking, you should first turn off the air fryer and unplug it from the power source. Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before attempting to clean it.

If you have used parchment liners, remove them and dispose of them. If there are any large pieces of food or debris, use a soft brush or cloth to wipe them away. You can then use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the inside of the air fryer, being careful not to get the electrical components wet.

For more stubborn stains or burnt-on food, you can fill the air fryer with warm water and a mild detergent and let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the air fryer thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely before storing it or using it again.

It is important to note that you should always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your specific air fryer model, as some models may have specific cleaning requirements or restrictions.

Frequently asked questions