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

Air fryers are a great way to cook beef burgers. They're fast, convenient, and easy to clean, and they can produce juicy, crispy burgers. The large basket size means you can cook multiple burgers at once, and you can even use the air fryer to cook toppings and sides, such as bacon, mushrooms, onions, and French fries.

How long to cook beef burgers in an air fryer

Air-frying beef burgers is a quick and mess-free way to enjoy burgers at home. It takes less than 10 minutes to cook the patties, so they make the perfect mid-week meal for busy nights.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 370°F/190°C.

Then, make your beef mixture by combining the ground beef with your choice of seasonings in a bowl. Mix everything together until combined. You can use your hands to do this, which will help you get a feel of the texture, or you can use a wooden spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

Next, shape your beef mixture into 4 even-sized patties, each about 1/2-inch thick. Gently make an indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This indent will prevent the patties from bulging up in the middle as they cook.

Now, place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for another 3–5 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Finally, remove the burgers and let them rest for a minute or two before assembling with your favourite condiments.

In total, you will need to air fry your beef burgers for 9–11 minutes. This includes cooking the patties for 6 minutes on one side, and then flipping them and cooking for an additional 3–5 minutes.

The best way to determine if your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness is by using a kitchen thermometer. Insert it into the centre of the burger, and use the following temperature guidelines:

• Rare: 120–125°F (52°C)
• Medium rare: 130–135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 140–145°F (63°C)
• Medium well: 150–155°F (68°C)
• Well done: 160°F (71°C)

How to season beef burgers for the air fryer

Air fryer beef burgers are a quick, convenient, and tasty meal. They are also a healthier alternative to deep-fried burgers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook beef burgers in an air fryer.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (ideally with an 80/20 blend of muscle and fat)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• BBQ sauce (optional)
• Any other seasonings to taste

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together until combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.
• Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This prevents the patties from bulging in the middle during cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360-375°F/190°C for 5 minutes.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow the air to circulate.
• Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For well-done burgers, cook for a total of 14-15 minutes.
• If desired, add a slice of cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring each bite is juicy.

Tips

• You can experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs.
• Toasting the buns and adding toppings such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, or pickles can enhance the flavour and texture of your burger.
• If you're cooking cheeseburgers, add the cheese slice during the last minute of cooking for perfect melting.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check that the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness and to ensure food safety. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C.

What temperature to cook beef burgers at in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook beef burgers in an air fryer.

To cook beef burgers in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), depending on your air fryer manufacturer's recommendation.

Form the ground beef into patties, adding in any seasonings of your choice, such as salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce. Make a small indent in the middle of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from swelling during cooking.

Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Cook for around 6 minutes, then flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70-71 degrees C) for ground beef.

If you want to add cheese to your burgers, do so during the last minute of cooking, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese.

Let the burgers rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to settle, and enjoy your juicy, crispy air-fried burgers!

Can you cook frozen beef burgers in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen beef burgers in an air fryer!

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook burgers, and you don't need to defrost frozen burgers before putting them in the air fryer. Simply season the frozen patty, put it in the air fryer, and you're good to go!

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). You can also preheat to a slightly higher temperature of 390°F if you like.

Step 2: Season the Frozen Burger Patty

Take your frozen burger patty out of the freezer and season it generously with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavour.

Step 3: Place the Patty in the Air Fryer

Put the seasoned patty into the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space around the patty for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook multiple patties at once.

Step 4: Cook the Burger

Cooking time will depend on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook for about 8 minutes. For a medium burger, cook for 15 to 17 minutes. And for a well-done burger, cook for 17 to 20 minutes. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burger. The temperature should reach at least 120°F (52°C) for rare, 130°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (63°C) for medium, and 160°F (71°C) for well-done.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you want to add cheese to your burger, open the air fryer after cooking and place a slice of cheese on the cooked patty. Close the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Remove the burger from the air fryer, add it to a bun, and top with your favourite condiments and toppings. Enjoy your juicy air-fried burger!

Cooking frozen beef burgers in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a burger without the mess of firing up the grill or stovetop. So, the next time you're craving a burger, don't hesitate to reach for your air fryer!

What to serve with air fryer beef burgers

There are several side dishes that you can serve with air fryer beef burgers. Here are some suggestions:

• French fries – either classic or sweet potato fries. These can also be cooked in the air fryer.
• Potato salad
• Corn on the cob – this can also be cooked in the air fryer
• Coleslaw
• Greek salad
• A refreshing dessert, such as strawberry ice cream or lemon cheesecake

Frequently asked questions