Air-Frying Ground Beef: Browning Perfection

Yes, you can cook ground beef in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and hands-off way to cook ground beef with minimal clean-up required. Simply place the ground beef in the air fryer basket, season, and let it cook. The perforations in the air fryer basket allow the fat to drain away from the meat, resulting in leaner meat. However, this can also make the meat a little dry, so it may be necessary to add a sauce.

Benefits of cooking ground beef in an air fryer

There are several benefits to cooking ground beef in an air fryer. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider using an air fryer the next time you cook ground beef:

Hands-off cooking

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a hands-off process. Once you put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, there is little to no need to stir it constantly or keep a close eye on it, unlike cooking on a stovetop. This means you can focus on preparing other parts of your meal or doing other things while your ground beef cooks with minimal supervision.

Fat drainage

The air fryer basket's perforations allow the fat from the ground beef to drain away during cooking. This means the meat isn't sitting and cooking in its fat, resulting in leaner meat. Additionally, the fat is left behind in the air fryer basket when you remove the cooked ground beef, eliminating the need for straining or scooping out excess fat, making for an easier and less messy cleanup.

Time-saving

Air frying ground beef is a quick and easy process. It can take as little as 10 minutes to cook a pound of ground beef in an air fryer. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you need to get a meal on the table in a hurry.

Versatility

Air-fried ground beef is versatile and can be used in various dishes, including tacos, pastas, casseroles, chilli, soups, sandwiches, and more. You can also season the ground beef in different ways to suit your taste or the requirements of your recipe.

Healthier option

The fat drainage feature of air frying ground beef makes it a healthier option compared to other cooking methods. The circulating air in the air fryer cooks the meat, resulting in flavorful, tender ground beef that isn't sitting in excess oil or fat.

Easy cleanup

In addition to the fat drainage making cleanup easier, there is also no splatter or mess created during the cooking process. This means less time and effort is required to clean up after preparing your ground beef in an air fryer compared to traditional stovetop methods.

How to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Air-frying is a quick and easy way to cook ground beef, and it results in tasty, tender meat that's not sitting in excess oil or fat. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly browned ground beef with less time and effort.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Ground beef (thawed)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes)
• An air fryer with a basket-style fryer
• A wooden spoon or meat chopper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply set the temperature and let it run for a few minutes before adding the ingredients.
• Place the ground beef into the air fryer basket. If using lean ground beef, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the meat from drying out.
• Use a wooden spoon or meat chopper to break up the ground beef and spread it evenly in the basket. Make sure not to cover the basket completely, as this will restrict airflow.
• Season the meat with salt and black pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice.
• Air fry the meat at 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, remove the basket and stir the beef, breaking it up further and mixing it well.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at the same temperature, until the beef is fully cooked. The beef is done when it is browned and there are no pink spots visible. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F for safe consumption.
• Once cooked, remove the basket and crumble the beef to your desired consistency.
• Finally, lift the basket out and discard any fat and liquid that has drained to the bottom of the air fryer.

Tips:

• If you're using frozen ground beef, place it in the fryer basket and cook at 320°F/160°C for 5-6 minutes to partially defrost it. Then, increase the heat to 400°F/200°C and cook as instructed above, or until the meat is no longer pink.
• Depending on your plans for the ground beef, you can add various seasonings. For example, add some garlic powder, onion powder, and/or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• If you want to add onions, you can swap the onion powder for finely chopped fresh onions.
• If you're concerned about the meat drying out, you can add a splash of water halfway through the cooking time when you stir the meat.
• Break up the meat into smaller pieces if you're using it in dishes like tacos or casseroles.
• Leftover cooked ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

How long to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Air fryer ground beef is a quick, easy, and convenient way to cook ground beef. It is healthier, as the fat drains to the bottom of the air fryer, and it requires very little hands-on time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook ground beef in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply set the temperature to 400°F and let it run for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it allows the meat to brown properly.

Prepare the Ground Beef:

Place the ground beef into the air fryer basket. Break up the meat using a wooden spoon or a meat chopper. Make sure not to cover the air fryer basket completely, as this will restrict airflow. However, break it up enough so that the meat cooks evenly.

Season the Meat:

Season the ground beef with salt and black pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh/dried herbs for extra flavour.

Air Fry the Meat:

Now, you are ready to air fry the ground beef. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the meat for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the basket and stir the beef, breaking it up further. Then, return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes at the same temperature. The total cook time will be between 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Check for Doneness:

Ground beef is done cooking when it is browned and there are no pink spots visible. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.

Serve or Store:

Once the ground beef is cooked to your liking, serve it immediately or allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked ground beef for up to two months.

Tips:

• If using lean ground beef, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray to the air fryer basket to prevent the meat from drying out.
• Break up the meat into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking, especially if using the ground beef in dishes like tacos or casseroles.
• Remember that ground beef cooks faster in an air fryer compared to other cooking methods, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• The amount of ground beef and the temperature setting will determine the cooking time. For example, cooking half a pound of ground beef at 400°F will take between 6 to 8 minutes, while cooking at a lower temperature of 375°F might take up to 10 minutes.

Seasoning and recipe ideas for air-fried ground beef

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to pasta to soups. Here are some seasoning and recipe ideas for air-fried ground beef:

Seasoning Ideas:

• Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning ground beef. You can add them midway through cooking or at the end, depending on your preference.
• Garlic powder adds a savoury flavour to the beef and can be added along with salt and pepper.
• Onion powder can also be used to enhance the flavour of the beef. Fresh or dried herbs can be added for an extra punch of flavour.
• Cumin can be added for a warm, earthy flavour.

Recipe Ideas:

• Tacos: Season the air-fried ground beef with taco seasoning and serve in taco shells with your favourite toppings, such as cheese, salsa, and lettuce.
• Pasta: Use the air-fried ground beef as a base for a pasta sauce, such as bolognese or spaghetti.
• Soup: Try making a hearty soup, such as Easy Cheeseburger Soup, by adding the air-fried ground beef to a broth with vegetables and beans.
• Shepherd's Pie: Combine the air-fried ground beef with vegetables and a gravy or sauce, and top with mashed potatoes before baking.
• Burgers: Form the ground beef into patties and air fry or cook in a skillet. Serve on a bun with your favourite toppings.
• Meatloaf: Mix the air-fried ground beef with seasonings and a tangy sauce, form into a loaf, and bake in the air fryer.
• Empanadas: Use the ground beef as a filling for empanadas, along with taco seasoning and bell peppers. Air fry or bake until the pastry is golden.
• Nachos: Layer the air-fried ground beef with tortilla chips, cheese, beans, and your favourite nacho toppings. Air fry or bake until the cheese is melted.
• Stuffed Peppers: Mix the air-fried ground beef with rice, vegetables, and cheese. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender.

Comparing air-fried ground beef to other cooking methods

Air-fried ground beef is a convenient and tasty alternative to other cooking methods. It is simple, quick, and easy to clean up, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Compared to cooking ground beef on a stovetop, air frying requires less stirring and monitoring, making it a more hands-off cooking method.

Advantages of Air-Frying Ground Beef

One of the main advantages of air frying ground beef is the convenience it offers. Here are some of the benefits:

• Hands-off cooking: With air frying, you simply put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, and let it cook without much stirring or monitoring. This is in contrast to stovetop cooking, which usually requires constant stirring and attention.
• Fat drainage: The perforations in the air fryer basket allow fat to drain away from the meat as it cooks, resulting in leaner meat. There is no need to strain or scoop out the fat as you would when cooking on a stovetop.
• Easy cleanup: Since the fat drains away during cooking, cleanup is much easier with the air fryer. You just need to lift out the basket, leaving the fat behind.
• Time-saving: Air frying ground beef is faster than other cooking methods, taking around 10 minutes to cook a pound of ground beef.
• Versatility: Air-fried ground beef can be used in various dishes such as tacos, pastas, sandwiches, and more.
• Even cooking: Air frying ensures even cooking of the ground beef, with no excess grease.

Disadvantages of Air-Frying Ground Beef

While air frying ground beef has many advantages, there is one potential drawback to consider:

Dryness: Due to the fat draining away during cooking, air-fried ground beef can sometimes be a bit dry. This may be noticeable if the beef is used in plain dishes like tacos. However, if it is used in sauces or dishes with additional moisture, this is usually not an issue.

Air frying ground beef is a convenient, quick, and easy alternative to other cooking methods. It offers hands-off cooking, easy cleanup, and versatile results. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential for dryness and adjust recipes accordingly. Overall, air frying is a great option for busy cooks looking for a simple and tasty way to prepare ground beef.

Frequently asked questions