Air Fryer Hamburgers: Quick, Crispy Patty Perfection

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make a tasty burger. But can you cook a hamburger patty in an air fryer? The short answer is yes.

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook proteins like steak and salmon, as well as vegetables, without the need for lots of oil. It's also a healthier option than pan-frying or grilling, as it uses less oil and produces less grease.

When it comes to cooking a hamburger patty in an air fryer, the process is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. First, form your beef into patties and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other seasonings of your choice. You can also add barbecue sauce or a butter and bouillon mixture for extra flavour.

Next, preheat your air fryer to around 370-400°F (195°C). Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each one, and cook for about 6-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook to an internal temperature of 120-125°F; for medium, aim for 130-135°F; and for well-done, cook to 160-165°F.

Finally, add cheese during the last minute of cooking if desired, and serve your juicy air fryer hamburgers on toasted buns with your favourite toppings and condiments.

How long to air fry a hamburger patty

Yes, you can cook hamburger patties in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the patty, the desired level of doneness, and the type of air fryer being used.

For a medium-rare burger, air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes, flipping the patty halfway through. For a well-done burger, air fry for an additional 2-5 minutes.

If you are cooking from frozen, add about 5 minutes to the total cooking time.

It's important to note that air fryer models vary, so it's recommended to check on your burgers early to ensure they don't overcook.

How to season a hamburger patty for the air fryer

Yes, you can cook hamburger patties in an air fryer. It's a healthier, faster, and convenient way to cook your favourite food. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook hamburger patties in an air fryer.

Preparation

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is heating up, take your hamburger patties out of the fridge and season them with your favourite spices. You can opt for a classic salt and pepper combo or experiment with a mix of herbs and spices.

Frying

Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, place the seasoned hamburger patties into the fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow the hot air to circulate properly. Set the timer for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patties and your desired level of doneness. For a perfectly cooked medium burger, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Flipping

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the hamburger patties with a pair of tongs to ensure even cooking and a beautiful golden crust on both sides.

Serving

Once the timer goes off and your hamburger patties are cooked to perfection, serve them on toasted buns, topped with your favourite fixings.

Tips

• For a darker grilled colour and a deeper beefy flavour, brush the patties with a mixture of melted butter and beef soup base before seasoning with pepper.
• To prevent the hamburger patties from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
• If you want to add cheese to your burger, turn off the air fryer once the patties are done and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
• Always use cold meat straight from the fridge for the best results.
• To prevent excessive smoking, add water to the bottom of the air fryer to stop dripping grease from burning.

Can you cook a frozen hamburger patty in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen hamburger patty in an air fryer. In fact, cooking frozen hamburger patties in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and fuss-free way to get a tasty burger on the table.

How to Cook a Frozen Hamburger Patty in an Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 390°F. Then, season your frozen patty with salt and pepper, and perhaps some garlic powder and onion powder. Place the patty in the air fryer and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. You don't need to flip the patty during cooking.

For a medium-rare burger, cook for around 8 to 14 minutes. For a medium burger, cook for 15 to 17 minutes. Well-done burgers will need 17 to 20 minutes. You can use a meat thermometer to check that your burger is cooked to your liking. For a medium-rare burger, the internal temperature should be between 120°F and 135°F. Medium burgers should be cooked to 145°F, and well-done to 160°F.

Tips

• You can add cheese to your burger by placing a slice on top once it's cooked and leaving it to melt in the residual heat of the air fryer.
• You can cook two patties at once, but don't overlap them in the air fryer. They will shrink during cooking, so they shouldn't overlap after the halfway point.
• If you're worried about grease smoke, add a splash of water to the bottom of your air fryer.
• Frozen, pre-shaped hamburger patties are usually pre-seasoned, so you may not need to add salt and pepper.
• If you're cooking from frozen, it's best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your burger is cooked to your liking.

What temperature to air fry a hamburger patty

Yes, you can cook a hamburger patty in an air fryer.

To cook a hamburger patty in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 370°F. Form the ground beef into patties, making them slightly larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage. For a 3/4-inch thick patty, cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a 1/2-inch thick patty, cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping after 6 minutes. If you prefer your burgers well done, add an additional 2 minutes to the cooking time.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patty and the size and brand of your air fryer, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burger. The ideal internal temperature for a burger patty is 160°F.

If you want to add cheese to your burger, turn off the air fryer once the patties are done and let the residual heat melt the cheese.

How to stop hamburger patties from sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can cook hamburger patties in an air fryer! Here are some tips to prevent your hamburger patties from sticking to the air fryer:

Firstly, when preparing your patties, it's important to not overhandle the meat as this can result in dense and tough patties. Simply divide the meat into equal portions and gently shape them into round discs. You should also create a small indentation in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Before placing your patties in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to around 360°F (182°C) and lightly grease the air fryer basket. This can be done with a cooking spray or a brush dipped in oil.

When it comes to cooking, place the seasoned patties into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each patty to allow for proper air circulation. It's important not to overcrowd the basket as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

Finally, about halfway through the cooking time, gently flip your patties using a spatula to ensure even browning on both sides. If you're adding cheese, this is the perfect time to do so. Simply place a slice of cheese on each patty and allow it to melt for the remaining cooking time.

By following these steps, you can help prevent your hamburger patties from sticking to your air fryer and enjoy perfectly cooked, juicy burgers!

Frequently asked questions