Air-Fryer Burgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious?

Yes, you can make a burger in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to prepare juicy patties with a deliciously crispy outside. Simply mix ground beef with seasoning, shape the mixture into patties, and cook in the air fryer. Top with cheese and your desired toppings for a perfectly cooked burger in less time than traditional methods.

Air fryer vs. grill: which is best for burgers?

There are many ways to cook a burger, but two of the most popular methods are using an air fryer or a grill. Both have their pros and cons, and both can produce a delicious, juicy burger. But which is the best method? Let's take a closer look at both options and find out.

Air Fryer Burgers

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook a variety of foods, including burgers. One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the speed and convenience it offers. Air fryer burgers are fast to cook, taking around 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the patty. This makes them a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Cleanup is also a breeze with an air fryer. There are no grease splatters on the stovetop, and the air fryer basket is usually easy to wipe down. This is a significant advantage over traditional frying methods, which can be very messy.

Air fryer burgers are also less likely to be overcooked, as it's easier to control the cooking time and temperature. This results in a juicy patty that is evenly cooked without the need for flipping. You can also add cheese to your burger and let it melt in the residual heat of the air fryer, creating a perfectly melted cheese topping without the risk of burning.

However, one downside of the air fryer is the limited capacity. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to cook a few burgers at once, making it less suitable for larger gatherings or BBQs.

Grill Burgers

Grilling is a classic way to cook burgers, especially during the summer months when cooking outdoors is an enjoyable option. One of the biggest advantages of grilling is the ability to add a smoky flavor to your burgers that is difficult to replicate with other cooking methods. If you're a fan of chargrilled marks and that distinctive grilled taste, then grilling is the way to go.

Grilling is also a great option when cooking for a larger group, as most grills can accommodate multiple burgers at once. It's also a relatively hands-off cooking method, as you don't need to stand over the grill constantly, allowing you to socialize or prepare other dishes.

Cleanup is usually minimal with a grill, as any drippings or excess fat will simply melt away, leaving very little mess behind.

However, grilling may not be as convenient during colder months or inclement weather, and it can be more challenging to control the temperature and cooking time, increasing the risk of overcooking or undercooking your burgers.

So, which is the best method for cooking burgers? It really depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you're looking for a quick, convenient, and easy way to cook juicy burgers with minimal cleanup, the air fryer is a great option. However, if you prefer the classic chargrilled taste and don't mind the potential mess and challenges of temperature control, grilling may be the better choice. Ultimately, both methods can produce delicious burgers, so why not give both a try and decide for yourself?

How to make a burger in an air fryer

Making burgers in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare juicy patties with a deliciously crispy outside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious burgers in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Start by mixing your choice of ground beef with your preferred seasonings in a large bowl. For the best results, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef to keep the patties juicy without too much grease. You can also add other ingredients like bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, or a panade (a mixture of bread and milk) to enhance the flavour and texture of the meat.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the seasoned ground beef into equal portions and shape them into flat patties. A typical recipe will yield around 3-4 patties, depending on your preference. Make the patties slightly larger than your buns to allow for shrinkage during cooking. Use your thumb to make a small indent in the centre of each patty to prevent them from swelling during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking burgers is between 350°F to 400°F. Please refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific preheating instructions.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

Place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked or crowded. For even cooking, leave some space between the patties. Cook the burgers for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patties and your desired doneness. There is no need to flip the burgers during cooking, as the air fryer will cook them evenly on both sides.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you want to add cheese to your burgers, do so during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Place the cheese slices on top of the burgers and close the air fryer for the remaining cooking time. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking it.

Step 6: Toast the Buns (Optional)

If desired, you can also toast your burger buns in the air fryer. Place the buns cut-side up in the air fryer and air fry for about 1 minute, or until they are lightly toasted.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Once the burgers and buns are cooked to your liking, it's time to assemble your masterpiece! Place the patties on the toasted buns and add your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, or sauces. Serve immediately and enjoy your juicy, perfectly cooked air fryer burgers!

How to prevent overcooking

To prevent overcooking, there are several steps you can take when making burgers in an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of meat. Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as an 80/20 or 85/15 blend, as the fat helps keep the patties moist and juicy.

When shaping your patties, make them slightly larger than your bun, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. Also, create a small indentation in the centre of each patty; this will prevent the patties from bulging or puffing up in the middle as they cook. Avoid overworking or overhandling the meat, as this can result in dense, tough, and dry burgers.

Preheat your air fryer to around 360-375°F (182-190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Place the patties in the basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. For a medium-rare burger, cook quarter-pound (113g) patties for 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For larger, half-pound (227g) patties, cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping after the first 7-8 minutes.

To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and resulting in a more tender and juicy bite.

Additionally, adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help catch the dripping fat and prevent smoking.

What to serve with your air-fried burger

There are several side dishes that you can serve with your air-fried burgers. Here are some ideas:

Salads

You could make a macaroni salad, or opt for something lighter like a caprese corn salad or a watermelon and feta salad.

Fries

If you want to serve fries with your burgers, you can cook them in the air fryer, too. Cook the fries first and set them aside, then add them back to the basket to cook at 400°F for about 3-4 minutes while you top your burger. Alternatively, oven fries are a great option, too.

DIY Burger Bar

Arrange lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles on a serving platter so everyone can help themselves. You could also include some zesty toppings, like jalapenos, green chilies, sauerkraut, chipotle aioli, or a homemade garlic aioli. Or, for more savory toppings, try roasted red bell peppers, a fried egg, bacon, or sautéed or air-fried mushrooms.

How to prevent smoke when cooking

Yes, you can make burgers in an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to prevent smoke when cooking with an air fryer:

Use Water

If you need to stop your air fryer from smoking immediately, place a few tablespoons of water at the bottom of the appliance. The water will quickly turn into steam and prevent the grease from creating more smoke as the food finishes cooking. This is a good idea when cooking meat with a high fat content, such as burgers, as the water will catch the fat that drips off the meat and keep it from smoking.

Use Bread

If you are planning to cook something that is known to have a lot of grease, you can place a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer. The bread will absorb any grease that drips through the basket, preventing it from falling to the bottom of the appliance and burning up as smoke.

Use Parchment Paper

Lining your air fryer with parchment paper can also prevent smoke. The heat-resistant material will catch the grease and food particles, stopping them from burning on the hot surface. If you have an oven-style air fryer, place the paper on a baking sheet and pop it on a rack below the tray that you put the food on. For basket-style air fryers, line the parchment paper on the bottom of the basket and place the food on top. Then, curl the edges of the paper upwards to create a wall, which will help hold in the grease and prevent it from dripping.

Other Tips

• Reduce the amount of oil you use when cooking as this may be another cause of smoke.
• Reduce the heat setting as cooking at too high a temperature for the food can cause smoke.
• Cook foods that are lower in fat as fatty foods can spit and smoke inside the air fryer.
• Make sure your air fryer is clean as a buildup of grease and food particles can cause smoke.
• Avoid over-crowding the basket as this can prevent air from circulating properly, causing some food to burn and smoke.

Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions