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

Bubba burgers are a convenient meal option, and they can be cooked in an air fryer. They are frozen hamburgers made with no artificial ingredients and come in a variety of proteins, including beef, turkey, and veggie. Bubba burgers can be cooked from frozen and are ready in about 15 minutes in the air fryer. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the burgers and the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer, season the burgers, and cook them in a single layer without overlapping.

Can you cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer?

Cooking time and temperature

When cooking Bubba burgers in an air fryer, it is important to note the differences in cooking time and temperature for different types of burgers. For beef Bubba burgers, the internal temperature should reach 160°F, while for turkey and veggie Bubba burgers, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Before cooking, place the frozen Bubba burgers on a sheet tray and spray both sides with olive oil spray. You can also season the burgers with seasoned salt and black pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. It is important to note that the olive oil spray is not mandatory, but it is recommended to prevent residue and make cleaning easier.

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. The preheating step helps the burgers cook evenly. Then, place the frozen burgers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap or touch. Close the air fryer and cook for about 13 to 15 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the burgers and the specific air fryer model, so it is advisable to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

If you are making cheeseburgers, turn off the air fryer after the cooking time and add a slice of cheese to each burger. Close the basket and let it sit for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. You can also place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer for 30-45 seconds to melt the cheese. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Pre-cooking preparation

Preparing Bubba burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

First, take the desired number of Bubba burger patties out of the freezer. Bubba burgers are a convenient option as they can be cooked straight from frozen, with no need to thaw them beforehand. Place the frozen patties on a sheet tray or plate. If you are using plain ground beef patties, such as the unseasoned Bubba burgers, you may want to add some seasoning to enhance the flavor. You can sprinkle on some seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or even try something like Montreal steak seasoning or Cajun spices.

Next, take your air fryer basket and give it a light coating of oil. This step is important to prevent the burgers from sticking and to make cleaning the air fryer easier afterward. You can use any cooking spray you like, but olive oil spray is recommended as it doesn't leave residue behind. Place the seasoned patties into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping or overcrowding the basket. This allows for even cooking and helps the burgers cook through without drying out. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to fit two to four large patties in one batch.

Post-cooking preparation

Once you've cooked your Bubba Burgers in the air fryer, there are a few things you can do to prepare them for serving. Here is a step-by-step guide for post-cooking preparation:

Step 1: Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your burgers reaches the recommended level. For beef Bubba Burgers, the internal temperature should be 160°F, while for turkey and veggie Bubba Burgers, it should be 165°F. This step is crucial to ensure that your burgers are cooked thoroughly and safely.

Step 2: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you're a cheese lover, now is the time to add a slice of cheese to your burger. You can use any melting cheese you prefer, such as American cheese or any other variety that suits your taste. Place the cheese on top of the cooked burger and return the air fryer basket to the air fryer to melt the cheese. You can also add cheese and place the burgers in the oven to melt if you prefer.

Step 3: Assemble and Season Your Burger

Place the cooked burger, with or without cheese, on a bun, roll, or even a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. You can also add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, or sauce. If you haven't already seasoned your burgers, you can add seasonings like Montreal steak seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, or Cajun spices to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your Bubba Burgers are now ready to be served and enjoyed! As a side note, if you're cooking fatty foods like bacon in your air fryer, consider placing a piece of bread at the bottom of the basket to absorb any drippings and prevent smoking.

Step 5: Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover burgers, let them cool to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the burgers in the microwave until warm, but avoid reheating them in the air fryer as they may dry out. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover burgers for up to 3 months.

Clean-up

To reheat refrigerated burgers, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Reheating in the microwave is an option, but may make the burgers less crispy and dry them out.

When it comes to cleaning the air fryer itself, it is recommended to use olive oil spray as it doesn't leave residue behind after cleaning. You can use any cooking spray you like, but then you may have a harder clean-up and lasting stains. If you add a piece of foil to the bottom of the air fryer basket, it makes cleaning even easier by catching the grease.

Alternative cooking methods

Bubba burgers are a quick and convenient meal option. While they can be cooked in an air fryer, there are several alternative cooking methods to choose from. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:

Stovetop

Place the frozen Bubba burger patties onto a hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You can add cheese and place a lid on top of the pan to melt it if you like.

Grill

If you want to use a grill, heat it to medium-high and place the frozen Bubba burger patties on the grill. Make sure not to overcrowd the grill surface. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the juices rise to the top. Flip the burgers and cook until the internal temperature reaches the recommended temperature (160°F for beef, 165°F for turkey and veggie burgers). You can add cheese and close the grill lid to melt it if desired.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the frozen Bubba burgers on a greased baking sheet, leaving about 1 to 2 inches between each patty. Put the pan near the top of the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, flip the burgers and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until they reach the recommended internal temperature. You can add cheese and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes if you like.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Insert the trivet into your instant pot or pressure cooker and add the recommended amount of water. Wrap the frozen Bubba burger patties in aluminium foil, staggering them so they don't sit directly on top of each other. Cook the burgers on the manual setting for 20 minutes, without thawing them first.

Microwave

Although not recommended by Bubba Foods, you can also cook Bubba burgers in the microwave. However, this may result in uneven cooking, with the burgers becoming crispy on the outside and raw on the inside.

Frequently asked questions