Air-Fryer Beef Patty: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking beef patties in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, creating a similar effect to deep frying but with less oil. This cooking method helps retain the natural juices of the beef, resulting in a moist and succulent patty.

When preparing the beef patties for the air fryer, it is essential to season the ground beef with a blend of spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form the beef mixture into patties of uniform size and thickness to ensure even cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the patties for around 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the patties and the desired level of doneness.

By using an air fryer, you can enjoy juicy and flavorful beef patties with a golden brown and crispy exterior.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for beef patties in an air fryer depend on the level of doneness you prefer. For a medium-rare patty, cook at 350°F (180°C) for 5-6 minutes. For a medium patty, cook at the same temperature for 7-8 minutes. To achieve a medium-well patty, increase the cooking time to 9-10 minutes, and for a well-done patty, cook for 11-12 minutes. It's important to note that these timings are for a patty thickness of about 3/4-inch, and you may need to adjust the time slightly depending on the thickness of your patties.

When cooking beef patties in an air fryer, preheating the appliance is crucial. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that your patties start cooking immediately and promotes even cooking.

Once preheated, arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. This arrangement ensures proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the patties in batches.

For a single patty, the cooking time will vary between 7 and 12 minutes. Flipping the patty halfway through the cooking process is essential for even browning and cooking. If you're cooking frozen patties, increase the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes, and always ensure they are thoroughly cooked before serving.

To check if your beef patties are done, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For a medium-rare patty, the thermometer should read around 130°F (54°C). Medium doneness is achieved at 140°F (60°C), while well-done patties should reach 160°F (71°C) or higher.

It's worth noting that cooking times may vary slightly between different models of air fryers, so always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, the thickness of your patties will also impact the cooking time, with thicker patties requiring a slightly longer cooking time.

Ingredients and preparation

Ingredients

• Ground beef (fresh or frozen) – opt for an 80/20 blend or 80/25 blend for the perfect balance of fat and juiciness.
• Breadcrumbs (optional) – these help to bind the patty together.
• Egg (optional) – acts as a binder.
• Onion (finely chopped) – adds flavour and moisture.
• Seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and any other herbs or spices of your choice.
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional) – helps to create a crispy exterior and prevent sticking.
• Cheese (optional) – add a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese during the last minute of cooking for a melty topping.
• Hamburger buns and toppings of your choice – lettuce, tomato, cheese, ketchup, mustard, etc.

Preparation

• Combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings and any binding agents (breadcrumbs and egg) in a mixing bowl. You can also add diced onions and garlic for extra flavour and texture.
• Mix the ingredients together until well combined. Use your hands or a spatula, but be careful not to overwork the mixture as it can affect the texture of the patties.
• Divide the mixture into equal portions, depending on your preferred patty size. A standard patty is usually around 4–6 ounces.
• Shape each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it to form a patty shape. Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon to prevent the patties from bulging during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370–400°F (190–200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
• Lightly brush or spray both sides of the patties with olive oil or cooking spray (optional).
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Set the timer for 6–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patties and your desired level of doneness.
• Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
• Check the doneness of the patties with a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare patty, the temperature should be 130–145°F (54–63°C). Medium doneness is 160°F (71°C), and well-done is 165°F (74°C) or higher.
• If adding cheese, place a slice on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Assemble your burger with your choice of toppings and condiments.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve beef patties cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Classic Burger

Place the beef patty in a burger bun with your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, ketchup, mustard, or pickles. You could also serve it with a side of French fries or sweet potato fries.

Lettuce Wrap

For a low-carb option, wrap the beef patty in a large lettuce leaf with sliced avocado, tomato, and a drizzle of sauce.

Salad Topping

Cut the beef patty into bite-sized pieces and use it as a protein topping for your salad.

With Mango Salsa

Pairing the beef patty with mango salsa provides a refreshing and contrasting flavour. The sweetness and tanginess of the mango complement the spice of the patty.

Sides

Some side dish suggestions include coleslaw, Greek salad, or corn on the cob.

Troubleshooting

Sticking Patties

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil before placing the patties. This will help create a non-stick surface and make it easier to remove the patties once cooked. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the patties to stick together.

Uneven Browning

Ensure there is enough space between each patty to allow for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is overcrowded, cook the patties in batches.

Dry Patties

If your patties are dry, try using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content, or reduce the cooking time. You can also brush the patties with a bit of oil before cooking to help retain moisture.

Raw Centers

If the centers of your beef patties are raw, flatten the patties to ensure even cooking and increase the cooking time as needed. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure thorough cooking.

Overcrowding

If you're cooking a large batch of patties, you may need to do so in shifts. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can cause uneven cooking and prevent proper air circulation.

Excessive Smoking

If there is excessive smoking, add water to the bottom of the air fryer to prevent dripping grease from burning.

Recipe variations

Once you've mastered the basic beef patty in the air fryer, you can experiment with different recipe variations and add your own creative twist. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheese-Stuffed Patties

Take your beef patties to the next level by stuffing them with cheese. Simply shape two thin patties, place a small piece of cheese in the centre of one patty, cover it with the other patty, and seal the edges. Cook as usual in the air fryer, and enjoy a melty cheese surprise in the centre.

Spicy Jalapeno Patties

Add some heat to your beef patties by mixing diced jalapenos into the ground beef along with your favourite spices and seasonings. This variation adds a kick of flavour that pairs well with a slice of pepper jack cheese on top.

Mushroom and Swiss Patties

Sauté mushrooms with garlic, onions, and herbs, then cool the mixture before incorporating it into the ground beef. Form patties and top them with Swiss cheese slices before cooking in the air fryer. The result is a savoury and moist patty with a delicious mushroom and Swiss flavour.

BBQ Bacon Patties

Mix cooked and crumbled bacon into the ground beef along with barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Form patties and cook them in the air fryer. The combination of smoky bacon and tangy barbecue flavour creates a mouthwatering patty.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create unique and personalised beef patty recipes in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions