Air-Frying Ground Beef: Quick Browning In The Air Fryer

Yes, you can brown hamburger in an air fryer! In fact, cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a great, hassle-free option. It's quick, easy to clean up, and delivers evenly cooked meat with a single pan to clean. Plus, you don't have to worry about constantly stirring the meat as it cooks. The perforations in the air fryer basket allow fat to drain away from the meat, resulting in leaner meat and easier cleanup.

How to brown ground beef in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Firstly, you'll want to use thawed ground beef for this method. Place up to 1 and a half pounds of ground beef into the basket of the air fryer. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other spices or seasonings of your choice. You can use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and stir the seasonings in.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Set your air fryer to 400°F and let the ground beef cook for 5 minutes. Then, stir the beef and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is cooked to your liking. You can use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as needed.

Step 3: Check for Doneness and Drain

Once the beef is fully browned and has reached a safe internal temperature of 160°F, it is ready to be served. If you prefer crispier beef, you can add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute. Finally, simply lift the basket out of the air fryer, and you'll see that all the excess fat and liquid has drained off through the perforations in the basket.

Tips:

• Choose the right fat content for your dish. For example, extra lean meat (90/10) is great for tacos and sauces, while a higher fat content (80/20) is ideal for juicier burgers and meatloaf.
• Season the beef generously before cooking, as it absorbs flavours well.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure the beef cooks evenly and gets a good sear.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef and avoid overcooking or undercooking.
• Let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking, especially if it is a larger patty, to ensure each bite stays juicy and tender.
• If you prefer a leaner dish, drain the excess fat after cooking, especially for higher-fat ground beef, to avoid oily, greasy results.

Benefits of cooking ground beef in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and effective way to cook ground beef. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer for this purpose:

Hands-off cooking:

When cooking ground beef in an air fryer, you don't need to stir it as often as you would on a stovetop. Simply put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, and let it cook. This makes it a more hands-off and hassle-free process compared to traditional skillet cooking.

Fat drainage:

The perforations in the air fryer basket allow the fat to drain away from the meat as it cooks. This means that the meat isn't cooking in its own fat, resulting in leaner meat. Additionally, the fat is left behind in the basket when you lift it out, eliminating the need for straining or scooping out the excess fat, making cleanup easier.

Even cooking:

Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and browning of the ground beef. This results in a consistent texture and doneness throughout the meat.

Quick and convenient:

Air fryers are known for their speed and convenience. They have a compact design that fits any kitchen and can cook ground beef in a matter of minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you don't have access to a stove.

Versatility:

Ground beef cooked in an air fryer can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, tacos, bowls, sauces, and more. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to create new flavor profiles.

Easy cleanup:

With an air fryer, there's only one pan to clean, and the fat drainage system helps to reduce the amount of grease and mess. This makes cleanup much easier compared to traditional stovetop methods.

Air fryer ground beef recipes

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to meatloaf and nachos. Here are some delicious recipes you can make using an air fryer:

Air Fryer Hamburgers

For a juicy burger with a dark grilled colour and a deep beefy flavour, try this air fryer hamburger recipe. Form the ground beef into four patties, approximately 3/4 inches thick and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Brush both sides with a mixture of melted butter and beef soup base, and season with pepper. Place the patties into the air fryer basket and cook for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, for medium doneness.

Air Fryer Meatloaf

This nostalgic dish is a wonderful blend of ground beef, seasonings, and a tangy sauce on top. After a quick 10-minute prep, the meatloaf goes into the air fryer for just 30 minutes, developing a lovely crust.

Air Fryer Cheeseburger Pockets

If you're short on time, these cheeseburger pockets are a great option. Simply spoon loose ground beef filling into canned biscuits, seal with an egg wash, and bake until golden. Add your choice of toppings like bacon or diced pickles, and serve with a special sauce.

Air Fryer Meatballs

Meatballs can be tricky to cook evenly, but the air fryer solves that problem. The outside stays juicy while the edges crisp up perfectly. Season the ground beef, form into meatballs, and air fry for a quick and easy meal.

Air Fryer Taco Pizza

Combine the convenience of pizza with the flavour of tacos! Use store-bought pizza dough or naan bread as your base. Top it with taco-seasoned ground beef, cheese, and chopped tomatoes, and cook in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Ground Beef and Beans

You can make a variety of dishes with this simple combination of ground beef and beans. Try taquitos, stuffed peppers, beef and bean chimichangas, or beef and bean empanadas. Season the ground beef with taco seasoning and bell peppers for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

Air Fryer Crunchwrap Supreme

This Taco Bell-inspired dish is a fun and flavourful option. Fill a large tortilla with ground beef, cheese, and sour cream, and air fry for a crispy treat.

Air Fryer Kofta Kebabs

A Middle Eastern dish that typically cooks over an open flame, kofta kebabs are a great choice for your air fryer. The convection heat will give the meat a lovely char and a smoky taste. Add a dash of liquid smoke for extra authenticity.

Air Fryer Zucchini Stuffed with Hamburger

A delicious, low-carb option, this dish combines ground beef with zucchini for a natural crunch. Top it off with plenty of cheese, and you've got a wickedly easy and tasty meal.

Air Fryer Sloppy Joe Bombs

These may not be the prettiest, but they sure pack a flavour punch. Fill buns with seasoned ground beef and cheese, and air fry for a soft and tasty treat.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

A quick and easy side dish, air fryer garlic bread is a tasty addition to any meal. Use a sturdy, crusty bread like ciabatta or baguette, and top it with a garlic and Parmesan mixture.

Air Fryer Southern Style Baked Beans

For a classic side dish, try making baked beans in your air fryer. The ground beef will add a savoury twist to this sweet and tangy dish.

Air Fryer Spaghetti

For a classic comfort food option, cook your ground beef in the air fryer and then add it to your favourite spaghetti sauce. Boil some pasta, and you've got a complete meal.

Air Fryer Tacos

Brown your ground beef in the air fryer and then use it as a filling for crispy tacos. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, or your choice of toppings.

Air Fryer Nachos

The air fryer is perfect for making nachos, as the basket makes the perfect portion. Layer tortilla chips with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favourite nacho toppings. Air fry in batches for a quick and easy snack.

Air fryer hamburger recipes

Air fryers are a convenient and easy way to cook hamburgers, with many benefits over cooking on a stove. The air fryer's ability to drain fat away from the meat means you get leaner meat with less clean-up. Plus, you can cook from frozen, and there's no need to stir constantly!

Air Fryer Ground Beef

This is a simple recipe that can be used for a variety of dishes, including tacos, sauces, burgers, and meatloaf.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (choose the fat content to suit your dish)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings to taste (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a spice blend)
• Cooking spray/oil

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Mix gently.
• Place the beef in a single layer in an oven/air fryer-safe baking pan in the air fryer.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula halfway through.
• Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Hamburgers

If you're looking for a classic beef burger, this recipe is quick, easy, and will give you a juicy burger with a crispy exterior.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice

Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer to 370°F/190°C for 5 minutes.
• Combine the ground beef with the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well, but don't overwork the meat.
• Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into patties, making an indent in the center of each with your thumb or a spoon.
• Place the patties in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
• Flip the patties and cook for 3 more minutes. Add cheese in the last minute of cooking if desired.
• Remove the patties and assemble with your favorite condiments.

Air Fryer Cheeseburgers

For a gourmet cheeseburger, try this recipe from Chef Chris Nirschel of New York Catering Service.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 brioche burger buns
• Toppings of your choice

Instructions

• Combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Mix until just combined.
• Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the patties for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
• Add a slice of cheese to each burger during the last minute of cooking.
• Spread garlic aioli on the bottom half of each bun and add lettuce and tomato.
• Place the burger patty with melted cheese and top with caramelized onions.

Tips for Cooking Hamburgers in the Air Fryer

• Use an 80/20 blend of ground beef to keep the patties juicy without too much grease.
• Don't be shy with the seasoning! Season the meat liberally to enhance its flavor.
• Preheat your air fryer to sear the meat and lock in juices and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
• If you prefer a leaner dish, drain the excess fat after cooking.

Air fryer hamburger toppings

The great thing about a classic hamburger is that there are so many options for toppings. Here are some ideas to make your own burger masterpiece:

Easy Hamburger Sauce

Mix together 1/4 cup of mayo, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sweet relish, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of honey, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Cheeseburger

Top your air fryer burger with cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese and let it melt.

Bacon

Crisp up some bacon in the air fryer to add some smokiness to the top of your burger.

Spicy

Add some cayenne pepper to the seasonings and top your burgers with some pickled jalapenos for some added heat.

BBQ

Brush the burgers with some BBQ sauce to add a sweet and smoky flavor.

Mediterranean

Top your patties with sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and crumbled feta cheese for a fresh taste.

Mushroom and Onions

Sauté some mushrooms and onions and top your patties for more flavor.

Frequently asked questions