Air Frying Ground Beef: Is It Possible?

Ground beef in the air fryer? It works! And it's better than cooking it on the stove for a few reasons. First, it's very hands-off. You put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, close it up, and let it cook. Second, the fat gets drained away as it cooks, leaving you with leaner meat. This also makes for an easier clean-up. The only drawback is that the meat can turn out a bit dry, but this can be remedied with a sauce.

How to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Taco seasoning (optional)
• Water or beef broth (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer-safe baking pan (optional)
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Colander (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F for 3–5 minutes.
• Place up to 1 and 1/2 pounds of ground beef into the air fryer basket or an oven/air fryer-safe baking pan.
• Season the beef with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder or other seasonings, such as taco seasoning, at this stage.
• Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and stir the seasonings in.
• Air fry the meat at 380–400°F for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, remove the basket and break the meat up further with the wooden spoon.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked.
• If you are making taco meat, put the cooked beef into a bowl and sprinkle a packet of dry taco seasoning on top. Then, pour 1/4 cup of water or beef broth on top and stir.
• If you are not using the beef immediately, let it cool and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it.

Benefits of cooking ground beef in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional stovetop cooking methods. They can be used to cook a variety of foods, including ground beef, with several benefits over conventional methods. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer for cooking ground beef:

Hands-Off Cooking:

Air fryers require minimal intervention during the cooking process. Once you place the ground beef in the air fryer basket, there is no need for constant stirring or monitoring, as you would on a stovetop. This hands-off approach allows you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your meal is being prepared.

Fat Drainage:

One of the biggest advantages of cooking ground beef in an air fryer is the fat drainage system. The perforations in the air fryer basket allow the fat to drain away from the meat during cooking. This results in leaner meat that is not sitting in its fat while cooking. Additionally, the fat is left behind in the basket after cooking, making it easier to discard, and reducing the need for straining or scooping out excess fat.

Easy Clean-Up:

Air fryers offer a more convenient and less messy cooking experience compared to stovetops. With the fat draining away, there is less splatter and grease to clean up afterward. The air fryer basket can be simply lifted out, leaving the fat behind, and cleaned with minimal effort.

Time-Saving:

Air fryers significantly reduce the time required to cook ground beef. Depending on the quantity, you can have your meal ready in as little as 8 to 15 minutes. This makes air fryers ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and convenient dinner option.

Versatility:

Air-fried ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can season it to your preference and use it in tacos, pastas, sandwiches, casseroles, chili, and more. The ability to customize the flavor profiles makes air-fried ground beef a versatile base for numerous recipes.

Even Cooking:

Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, resulting in even cooking and browning of the ground beef. This ensures that your meat is cooked thoroughly without drying it out, creating a consistent and flavorful dish every time.

In summary, cooking ground beef in an air fryer offers numerous benefits, including hands-off cooking, efficient fat drainage, easy clean-up, time savings, versatility, and even cooking. These advantages make air fryers a convenient and appealing option for preparing ground beef dishes.

How long to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook ground beef in an air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F.
• Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and break it down with a wooden spoon or spatula.
• Air fry the ground beef for 3–5 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and break down any lumps of meat.
• Air fry for another 1–5 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.
• Add your choice of seasonings and mix to coat the meat.
• Air fry the seasoned ground beef for another minute until it is brown and crispy.

The total cooking time will depend on the amount of meat you are cooking and the model of your air fryer. As a guide, one pound of ground beef should take around 5–10 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Seasoning for ground beef in an air fryer

Ground beef cooked in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. The fat drains away as it cooks, leaving you with leaner meat and less clean-up.

Seasoning Choices:

• Salt and pepper are the most basic seasonings and are a good starting point.
• For a simple, classic taco seasoning, add a packet of dry taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water or beef broth. Stir well to coat the meat.
• You can also experiment with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano.
• For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder.
• Fresh or dried herbs can also be added for extra flavour.

Preparation and Cooking:

• It is recommended to use thawed ground beef. If it is frozen, be sure to defrost it first.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces.
• Add your desired seasonings and mix well.
• Cook for 5 minutes, then stir and break up the meat again.
• Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and browned.
• Depending on your air fryer model and the amount of beef, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• Once cooked, remove the basket and drain any remaining grease.

Your air-fried ground beef is now ready to be used in tacos, pasta dishes, casseroles, chilli, or any other recipe that calls for cooked ground beef. Enjoy!

How to clean an air fryer after cooking ground beef

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a great option for a quick and easy meal. But what about the cleanup? Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your air fryer after cooking ground beef:

Let it cool down: Before you start cleaning, it's important to let the air fryer cool down completely. This is a safety precaution to avoid any burns or damage to the appliance.

Remove the basket and pan: Most air fryers have a removable basket and pan, which makes cleaning easier. Take them out of the air fryer and set them aside.

Wipe down the exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer, including the control panel and any other surfaces. Be gentle and avoid getting water into any vents or heating elements.

Wash the basket and pan: Fill your sink with hot, soapy water and wash the basket and pan thoroughly. Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub away any grease or residue. Pay special attention to the perforations in the basket, as some grease and residue may be trapped there. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly before putting them back into the air fryer.

Soak if necessary: If there is any tough residue or burnt-on grease, you may need to soak the basket and pan in hot, soapy water for a while before washing. This will help loosen the residue and make it easier to remove.

Check for dishwasher-safe parts: Some air fryer parts may be dishwasher-safe. Check your air fryer's user manual to see if this is an option. If so, place the basket and pan in the dishwasher and run a normal cycle.

Wipe down the interior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the air fryer, including the heating element and any other surfaces. Again, be gentle and avoid getting water into any vents or electrical components.

Dry everything thoroughly: Before putting the air fryer away, make sure all parts are completely dry. This will help prevent rust and extend the life of your appliance.

With these steps, your air fryer will be clean and ready for your next cooking adventure! Remember always to refer to your air fryer's user manual for any specific cleaning instructions or precautions.

Frequently asked questions