Air Frying Ground Beef: Browning Perfection

Ground beef is a versatile staple in many households, used in dishes from tacos to casseroles. But can you brown ground beef in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air frying ground beef is an easy, fast, and fuss-free method that results in perfectly cooked and flavorful ground meat. It's also a great option if you don't have access to a stove or skillet.

How to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare ground beef for your favourite recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Ground beef (fresh or frozen)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, taco seasoning)
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Air fryer-safe baking pan (if needed)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Start by ensuring your ground beef is thawed. If it is frozen, let it defrost before cooking. You can use up to 1 and 1/2 pounds of ground beef in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Place the ground beef into the air fryer basket or a baking pan that fits in your air fryer. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or meat chopper, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or taco seasoning to suit your taste or recipe.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Greasing the basket or pan with cooking spray or olive oil is optional but can help prevent sticking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Beef

Place the seasoned ground beef in the air fryer basket or pan in a single layer. If you have a large amount of beef, you may need to cook it in batches. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, then use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces and stir it.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Continue air frying for another 3-5 minutes or until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. You can check for doneness with a meat thermometer; ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. For crispier ground beef, add a couple of extra minutes.

Step 6: Drain Excess Fat

Once the beef is cooked, remove the basket or pan from the air fryer and drain off any excess fat. You'll notice that the fat has drained to the bottom of the air fryer, which makes cleanup easier.

Step 7: Serve or Store the Beef

Allow the cooked ground beef to rest for a few minutes before serving. It can be used in various dishes such as tacos, pasta, burgers, casseroles, and more.

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Benefits of cooking ground beef in an air fryer

Hands-off cooking

When cooking ground beef in an air fryer, you can adopt a hands-off approach. Simply put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, and let it cook. This is a lot less labour-intensive than cooking on a stove, where you usually have to stir the beef much more often and keep a close eye on it.

Draining fat

The perforations in an air fryer basket are perfect for fat to drain off the meat. This means that the meat isn't cooking in fat the entire time, and you're left with leaner meat. Plus, when the meat is finished cooking, you just lift out the basket and the fat is left behind, meaning there's no need to strain or scoop out the fat as you would when cooking on a stove.

Time-saving

The cooking time for ground beef in an air fryer is very quick. You can cook up to a pound of ground beef in just 10 minutes.

Easy clean-up

As the fat drains away during cooking, there's no splatter, and you often only have one pan to clean.

Evenly cooked

Air fryers cook ground beef evenly, so you get perfectly browned ground meat with a great texture and flavour.

Tips for cooking ground beef in an air fryer

Choose the right fat content

If you're after extra-lean meat, go for 90/10 ground beef, which is great for tacos and sauces. For juicier burgers and meatloaf, opt for a higher fat content like 80/20.

Season generously

Ground beef absorbs flavours well, so don't hold back on the seasoning. Use salt and your favourite seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the meat.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to get it nice and hot before adding the ground beef. This helps to sear the meat, locking in juices and flavour.

Use a meat thermometer

To avoid undercooked or overcooked beef, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meat has reached 160°F (71°C).

Let it rest

After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes, especially if it's a larger patty. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist bite.

Drain excess fat

If you're not a fan of greasy food, drain the excess fat after cooking. This is important for higher-fat ground beef to avoid oily dishes.

Experiment with seasonings

While salt and pepper are essential, you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, paprika, or your favourite spice blend.

Pre-cook preparation

Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up. Season the meat, then stir it a bit more to mix the seasonings in.

Cooking time and temperature

Air fry the ground beef at 400°F for 5 minutes. Stir it up, then cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until it's cooked to your liking.

Post-cook preparation

Once the ground beef is cooked, use a wooden spoon to crumble it to your desired consistency. Remove the basket and discard any excess fat and liquid. Your beef is now ready to be used in your favourite recipes!

How to use cooked ground beef in recipes

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to use cooked ground beef in your recipes:

Tacos, Burritos, and Nachos

Add your favourite taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, or even taco salads. You can also add corn to stretch the beef further. This is a quick and easy option for a tasty Mexican-inspired meal.

Pizza

Sprinkle the cooked ground beef on a pizza for some extra flavour and protein. You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough, and add your choice of cheese and other toppings.

Pasta

Use the cooked ground beef as a base for a hearty pasta sauce. You can add it to spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti. For a twist on the classic, try making lasagna in a loaf pan for a smaller portion.

Stuffed Vegetables

Try making stuffed peppers or stuffed zucchini boats with a ground beef and cheese filling. For a Turkish twist, make kaniyarik, which is ground beef-stuffed eggplant.

Casseroles and Bakes

Ground beef can be used in casseroles, bakes, and pies. Shepherd's pie, cottage pie, and cheeseburger pizza casserole are all options. You can also make pizza pockets using canned pizza dough and your cooked ground beef.

Soups and Stews

Add ground beef to soups and stews, such as chili or taco soup. It can also be used as a base for a beef and vegetable stir-fry.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Make a sloppy joe sandwich, or fill a tortilla with ground beef and cheese to make a quesadilla. You can also add it to an egg burrito or breakfast wrap for a heartier meal.

Dips

Use the cooked ground beef as a layer in a loaded hummus dip or a bean dip. It can also be added to a Mexican dip with cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips.

Freezing for Later

If you have leftover ground beef, you can freeze it for later use. Simply let it cool to room temperature and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Then, you can thaw and reheat it gently for use in any of the above recipes.

How to store cooked ground beef

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from hamburgers to tacos. Here is a detailed guide on how to store cooked ground beef to ensure food safety and maintain its freshness:

Refrigerating Cooked Ground Beef:

• Allow the cooked ground beef to cool: Before storing, it is important to let the cooked ground beef cool down to room temperature. Placing hot food in the refrigerator can raise the internal temperature, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
• Use airtight containers: Transfer the cooked ground beef to airtight containers. This helps prevent the transfer of bacteria and maintains moisture, keeping the meat juicy and fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator: Place the containers on the lower shelves of the refrigerator, where it is colder. The ideal temperature for storing ground beef is below 40°F (4°C).
• Consume within 3-4 days: Cooked ground beef can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this period, it is recommended to freeze the meat for longer-term storage.

Freezing Cooked Ground Beef:

• Divide into portions: Decide on the portion sizes you want and divide the cooked ground beef accordingly. This way, you can easily thaw and use the amount you need without having to defrost the entire batch.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags: Place the ground beef in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to label the containers or bags with the date of freezing and the quantity.
• Freeze immediately: Store the ground beef in the freezer as soon as possible to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume within 3-4 months: Cooked ground beef can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. After this period, the quality may deteriorate, and the meat may develop freezer burn.

Thawing and Reheating Tips:

• Thaw in the refrigerator: When ready to use, thaw the frozen ground beef in the refrigerator. This is the safest method to prevent bacterial growth. Place the container on a plate or in a bowl to catch any drips as it thaws.
• Thaw in cold water: If you need to thaw the ground beef more quickly, you can place the sealed package in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until it is completely thawed.
• Avoid refreezing: Once the ground beef has been thawed, it is best to use it immediately. Refreezing can increase the risk of bacterial growth and affect the texture and taste of the meat.
• Reheat thoroughly: When reheating cooked ground beef, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.

Frequently asked questions