Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Burgers, Quick And Easy!

Cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy burgers with minimal cleanup. It's a convenient weeknight dinner option that doesn't require any prep or thawing, and you can cook frozen burgers straight from the freezer. The cooking time will depend on your desired doneness and the size and thickness of the patties, but generally, it takes around 10-20 minutes at temperatures between 360-390°F. You can season the burgers and add cheese to melt on top.

Cooking Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer

Air fryer temperatures and timings

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen burgers, and there are several ways to do it depending on your preferences.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 370–390 °F (190–200 °C). However, others state that preheating is unnecessary.

Temperature and Timing

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the patty, as well as your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook at 380–390 °F (190–200 °C) for 8–12 minutes. For a well-done burger, the internal temperature should reach 160 °F (71 °C). If you prefer your burgers medium, try cooking at 400 °F (200 °C) for 12 minutes, flipping the patty halfway through.

If you're short on time, you can cook frozen burgers at 390 °F (200 °C) for a total of 9 minutes. Season the patty, cook for 5 minutes, flip and season the other side, then cook for another 4 minutes.

For thinner patties, cook for 10 minutes at 360 °F (180 °C). For thicker patties, you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

Flipping and Seasoning

Some recipes recommend flipping the burger and seasoning both sides halfway through the cooking process. Others suggest that flipping is unnecessary.

Serving

After cooking, leave the burger in the air fryer with the drawer slightly open for 2–3 minutes before serving. You can add cheese during this time, leaving it to melt for the final minute.

How to stop your air fryer from smoking

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. There is no need to preheat the air fryer, simply place the frozen burger patties in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 180C/360F, flipping once for even cooking. If you would like to add cheese, do so 30 seconds to one minute before the end of the cooking time. For thinner patties, cook for 10 minutes at 180C/360F.

Now, to answer your question about the smoke. A smoking air fryer generally indicates that something inside the unit is too hot or is burning. Smoke is usually caused by grease or other food particles on the heating element or fan. Excess grease is one of the primary reasons for a smoky air fryer. When grease splatters and circulates onto the hot heating element, it starts to burn and emit fumes.

To stop your air fryer from smoking, you can try the following:

• Bread method: Place a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer to absorb the grease.
• Water method: Place a couple of tablespoons of water at the bottom of the air fryer. The water will quickly convert to steam and prevent the greasy food from causing more smoke.
• Temperature adjustment: Lowering the temperature can help reduce smoke.
• Oil choice: Using oils with a higher smoking point, such as avocado oil, can help keep the smoke down.
• Cleaning: Keeping the air fryer clean and free of food buildup will help prevent smoking. Use a warm soapy cloth to clean the inside of the unit and the basket.

Seasoning and toppings

Seasoning your frozen burgers is a great way to add flavour and make them taste even better. You can season your burgers before cooking, or halfway through—adding seasoning halfway through ensures it sticks to the burgers. You can also season them after cooking, as seasoning frozen meat doesn't penetrate as much as seasoning fresh meat.

You can use any seasoning you like, such as salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or garlic salt. You can also try pre-made seasoning blends, such as Kinder's Buttery Burger Blend, or prime rib steak seasoning. If you want to get creative, you can make your own peri peri seasoning or taco seasoning.

When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. You can stick to the classics like ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, or get creative with toppings like sauteed mushrooms, onions, dill pickles, mayo, or fry sauce. If you want to add cheese to your burger, it's best to add it after removing the patties from the air fryer, as adding it during cooking can make a mess. Simply place the cheese on the hot patties and cover them to let the residual heat melt the cheese. You can also add cheese and cover the burgers with tinfoil to achieve the same result.

What to serve with air fryer burgers

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook burgers for a weeknight meal. The best part is that you don't need to preheat the air fryer or defrost the burgers. Simply season the frozen patties, place them in the air fryer, and you're good to go!

When it comes to serving air fryer burgers, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cheese: Who doesn't love a juicy cheeseburger? Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or American cheese—the choice is yours! Place a slice of cheese on the burger patty and cook for an additional minute or so until the cheese melts.
• Buns and Toppings: Soft hamburger buns, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles are classic choices. You can also add some sauce, such as burger sauce, barbecue sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli. If you're feeling adventurous, try caramelized onions, guacamole, arugula, or pimento cheese.
• Sides: Air fryer French fries, sweet potato fries, creamy coleslaw, or potato salad are some delicious options to accompany your burger.
• Breakfast: For a protein-rich breakfast, serve a burger patty with eggs.
• Vegetables: If you want to keep it healthy, wrap your burger in lettuce instead of a bun, or serve it with a side salad.
• Drinks: A cold milkshake or a refreshing glass of lemonade can go well with a burger.

The great thing about air fryer burgers is that you can get creative with the toppings and sides to suit your taste. So, feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination!

How to store and reheat leftovers

You can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. Simply place the frozen burger patties in the air fryer and cook them for 15 minutes at 180C/360F, flipping once for even cooking. If you want to add cheese, do so 30 seconds to 1 minute before the end of the cooking time. Thinner patties may only need 10 minutes.

Storing and reheating leftovers in an air fryer is a great way to ensure maximum flavor and texture. It is also a healthy cooking technique, as it requires minimal oil.

Firstly, it is important to note that not all foods are suitable for reheating in an air fryer. For example, leafy greens, whole roasts, cheese without a coating, and soups and stews are not recommended.

For foods that are suitable, such as burgers, steaks, pizzas, and French fries, the key to successful reheating is setting the right temperature. As a general rule, reheat drier foods at a higher temperature (390°F/200°C or higher) and moister foods at a lower temperature (360°F/80°C or lower). Smaller items, such as French fries, can be reheated at a higher temperature, while thicker items, like whole steaks, should be reheated at a lower temperature.

To prevent food from drying out, reheat it at a lower temperature for a shorter amount of time than the original cooking instructions. Adding a light spray of oil can also help retain moisture. Most foods will reheat well in 3-5 minutes, but thicker items may need a few extra minutes. Always ensure that leftovers are heated to a temperature of 165° F (74°C) to be safe to consume.

You can also reheat multiple types of food at the same time in the air fryer, but do so with caution. For even reheating, it is best to separate different types of food or use dividers if your air fryer has them.

Frequently asked questions