Air-Fryer Frozen Burgers: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to make a tasty burger without having to defrost the patty first. The air fryer's convection technology moves hot air around the frozen meat, thawing and browning it without drying it out. You can also cook other types of frozen patties in the air fryer, such as chicken or plant-based alternatives.

How to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the patties

Frozen burger patties are already one of the simplest and fastest proteins to get on the table—and cooking them in an air fryer makes it even easier. Grab your patties straight from the freezer and season them with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like. You can also add seasoning after cooking, as the seasoning on frozen meat doesn't have as much time to penetrate.

Step 2: Place the patties in the air fryer

Place the seasoned patties in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit one patty at a time, especially if you are using a small-sized air fryer. Avoid stacking or overlapping the patties in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Cook the patties

There is no need to preheat the air fryer. Cook the burgers for 15 minutes at 180C/360F, flipping once for even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on how you like your burger, and whether your patties are thick or thin. For a rare burger, cook for 10-13 minutes, and for a well-done burger, cook for 17-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add cheese and toppings

If you would like to add cheese to your burger, add it 30 seconds to one minute before the end of the cooking time. For other toppings, it's best to wait until the air fryer is off before adding them, otherwise, you may end up with a mess inside the basket.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

Carefully remove the cooked burger from the air fryer basket and assemble on a hamburger bun with your desired toppings. Enjoy!

How long to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the patty, the desired level of doneness, and the type of burger.

For a medium-rare burger, you should air fry a frozen patty for around 8 to 13 minutes at 390ºF. If you prefer your burger to be well done, you should cook it for around 15 to 20 minutes at the same temperature.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patty and the desired level of doneness. Thicker patties will take longer to cook, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Additionally, different types of burgers, such as beef, chicken, or veggie burgers, may have slightly different cooking times and temperatures. It is always a good idea to check the instructions on the packaging or a recipe for the specific type of burger you are cooking.

When cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer, it is recommended to avoid overlapping or stacking the patties. This ensures even cooking and allows for proper air circulation. You may need to cook the patties in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer before adding the frozen patties, while others recommend adding the patties to a cold air fryer and then preheating it together. Either way, make sure to season your burgers generously with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning blend.

For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to each patty after cooking and leave it in the residual heat of the air fryer to melt. You can also add other toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments, to your cooked burger.

How to stop your air fryer from smoking

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. It is a convenient, easy, and fast way to cook burgers.

If your air fryer is smoking, it is likely due to excess grease, food buildup, or an overcrowded basket. Here are some tips to prevent and stop your air fryer from smoking:

• Turn down the heat: Lowering the temperature setting can help prevent the air fryer from getting too hot and causing smoke.
• Use foil or parchment paper: Lining the drip pan with foil or parchment paper can catch any grease or food particles that may cause smoking. However, do not preheat the air fryer with parchment paper as it will burn and cause smoking.
• Use bread: Placing slices of bread at the bottom of the air fryer can help absorb the grease and prevent it from splattering and causing smoke.
• Use water: Pouring a couple of tablespoons of water underneath the basket before cooking can help to catch any grease and prevent smoking.
• Clean your air fryer regularly: Leftover grease, oils, and crumbs from previous cooking can cause smoking. Regular cleaning can help prevent this.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket: Ensure there is adequate space between the food items to allow for proper air circulation and prevent burning.
• Ventilate your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-ventilated to help disperse any smoke that may occur.

What to serve with air-fryer frozen burgers

So, you're making air-fryer frozen burgers and want to know what to serve with them? Well, you're in luck! There are plenty of options to choose from.

First, let's start with the classic: fries. Whether they're regular, frozen, or air-fried, fries are always a good choice to accompany a burger. You could also try something different, like halloumi fries or hash browns.

If you're looking for something a little lighter, a salad is always a good option. Try a caprese corn salad or a watermelon and feta salad. Or, if you want to stick to the classic burger salad combination, go for a simple lettuce, tomato, and onion salad.

For something more substantial, why not try mashed potatoes or coleslaw? And, of course, you can't go wrong with a classic burger bar, complete with a variety of toppings like lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles, jalapenos, bacon, and sauces.

And don't forget the bun! Toasting your bun in the air fryer for a minute or two will give it that extra crunch.

There you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to make your air-fryer frozen burger meal complete.

How to store air-fryer frozen burgers

Air-fryer frozen burgers are a convenient, tasty, and quick meal option. They are also easy to store! Here is a detailed guide on how to store your air-fryer frozen burgers:

Storing Cooked Frozen Burgers

Leftover air-fryer burgers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days.

Reheating Frozen Burgers

To reheat your frozen burgers, simply place them back into the air fryer at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave and cook in 10-second bursts until heated.

Freezing Uncooked Burgers

If you are preparing ground beef patties yourself and wish to freeze them, place them in a single layer to ensure they don't stick together. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag to save space. You can also place a piece of parchment paper between each patty before freezing.

Avoiding Freezer Burn

Be sure to store your patties well-wrapped in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freezer burn will not make the patties unsafe to eat, but it will negatively affect their texture and possibly their taste.

You can freeze uncooked burger patties for up to four months.

Storing Buns

For the best experience, warm your buns in the air fryer on the cut side with a little butter.

Frequently asked questions