Frying Raw Hamburgers: Air Fryer Magic

Yes, you can fry a raw hamburger in an air fryer. In fact, many people prefer this method of cooking burgers as it is faster, less messy, and healthier than pan-frying or grilling. Air fryers also allow you to cook burgers indoors, which is especially useful when the weather is bad.

To cook a raw hamburger in an air fryer, simply shape your beef into patties, season, and place in the air fryer basket. Cook for around 6-10 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your burger, and enjoy!

How long to cook a hamburger in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry a raw hamburger in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how long to cook a hamburger in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, make sure you are using meat with a little bit of fat, such as an 80/20 blend of ground beef, to keep the patties juicy. For seasoning, add salt and pepper, with a dash of onion and garlic powder. Fresh onion and garlic won't have enough time to cook, so it is best to opt for powders. You can also add barbecue sauce, which is optional but helps with caramelization and gives the patties a nice flavour.

Cooking:

Place the prepared patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the thickness of your patties, you will need to air fry them for about 8-12 minutes. If you want to add cheese, do so in the last minute of cooking.

Temperature:

The ideal temperature for cooking hamburgers in an air fryer is around 350-400°F.

Doneness:

To check if your hamburgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a kitchen thermometer. Insert it into the centre of the burger and it should read at least 160°F for ground beef to ensure they are safe to eat. For a medium-rare burger, you are looking at an internal temperature of 130-135°F, while a medium-well burger would be 150-155°F.

Tips:

• For perfectly evenly cooked burgers, press your thumb into the centre of each patty before cooking so it doesn't swell in the middle.
• If you are cooking frozen patties, you will need to add about 5 minutes to the cooking time.
• If you are cooking in batches, make sure to leave some space around each patty and cook them in a single layer.
• Don't forget to add water to the bottom of your air fryer basket to catch all the fat that drips off the meat and prevent smoking.

What temperature to cook a hamburger in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry a raw hamburger in the air fryer. Here is a guide on how to cook a hamburger in an air fryer, with some extra tips and tricks included.

Temperature and Timing

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking hamburgers at around 370°F/190°C, with one outlier suggesting 400°F/195°C. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your air fryer, the thickness of your patties, and your desired level of doneness. As a general guide, cook your burgers for around 6 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. If you want your burgers to be well done, you can air fry for an extra 2 minutes.

Preparing the Meat

When preparing the meat, it is recommended to use ground beef with an 80/20 blend of muscle and fat. This will ensure your burgers remain juicy without too much grease. Form the meat into patties that are about 1/2-inch thick, making them slightly bigger than your buns to allow for shrinkage. It is also suggested to make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from bulging during cooking.

Seasoning

You can season your burgers with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce. You can also brush the patties with a mixture of melted butter and beef soup base for extra flavour and a grilled colour.

Cooking and Serving

Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is some space around each patty. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches. After cooking, let the burgers rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to settle.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F/71°C.
• If you want to add cheese to your burgers, do so during the last minute of cooking so it melts.
• If you are serving your burgers with fries, cook the fries first and set them aside. Then, add the fries back to the basket for the last 3-4 minutes while you top your burger.
• You can also use your air fryer to toast your hamburger buns and cook other toppings like bacon and mushrooms.

How to stop an air fryer from smoking when cooking a hamburger

Yes, you can fry a raw hamburger in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that hamburgers are a greasy food and can cause your air fryer to smoke. Here are some tips to prevent and manage smoke when cooking hamburgers in your air fryer:

Preventative Measures

Before cooking hamburgers in your air fryer, there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of smoking:

• Use leaner cuts of meat or trim any excess fat from the meat before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave enough space between the patties to allow proper air circulation.
• Regularly clean your air fryer to prevent the buildup of food particles and grease, which can burn and cause smoke.
• Use oils with higher smoke points, such as avocado or grapeseed oil.
• Pat dry moist foods before air frying to reduce excess moisture.
• Do not add oil directly into the basket. Instead, use a light coating of oil on the food.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

During Cooking

If your air fryer starts smoking while cooking hamburgers, here are some things you can do:

• Add a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer to prevent grease from overheating and smoking.
• Place a slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer to absorb excess grease.
• Turn off and unplug the air fryer.
• Open windows and turn on fans to ventilate the area.
• Once cool, inspect the air fryer for any visible food debris or excess oil and clean it thoroughly.

After Cooking

To maintain the performance of your air fryer and prevent smoking in the future, it is important to clean it after each use:

• Wipe down the exterior and interior with a damp cloth.
• Clean the basket and tray with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.
• Remove and clean any crumbs from the bottom of the air fryer.
• Clean the heating element by gently wiping it with a dry cloth or brush to remove any food particles.
• Inspect the air fryer for any food residue or grease buildup and clean it promptly.

How to stop hamburger patties from puffing up in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook raw hamburgers in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent your hamburger patties from puffing up in the air fryer:

Firstly, when shaping your patties, create a small indentation in the centre of each patty. This will help to prevent the patties from puffing up during cooking. You can use a burger press or your hands to make this indentation. Avoid overhandling the meat as this can result in dense and tough patties.

Secondly, ensure you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave ample space between the patties for proper airflow. This will help to ensure even cooking and prevent the patties from puffing up.

Lastly, do not overcook the patties as this can make them dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties and remove them from the air fryer when they reach the desired doneness. For a medium-rare patty, the internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C), for medium, it should be 160°F (71°C), and for well-done, it should be 170°F (77°C).

How to stop hamburgers from drying out in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry a raw hamburger in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure your hamburgers stay juicy and don't dry out:

Choosing the Right Meat

Use ground beef with a higher fat content, preferably an 80/20 blend. This fat content helps keep the patties moist and juicy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken, but these are leaner meats and may result in drier burgers.

Seasoning

Add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour of your patties. Don't be afraid to add a little extra seasoning, as the air fryer tends to mellow out flavours.

Shaping the Patties

When shaping your patties, avoid overhandling the meat as it can result in dense and tough burgers. Create a small indentation in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Preheat and Grease the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 360°F to 400°F (182°C to 204°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a brush dipped in oil to prevent sticking.

Placement and Timing

Place the seasoned patties into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each patty for proper air circulation. As a general guideline, start with around 8-12 minutes of cooking time for medium-sized patties. Flip the patties halfway through for even cooking.

Check for Doneness

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your burgers. For medium-well, aim for 150°F to 155°F (65°C to 68°C). For well-done, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or higher.

Resting

Once your hamburgers are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and juicy burgers.

Frequently asked questions