Air-Fryer Beef Burgers: Quick, Easy, Delicious

If you're craving a juicy burger but it's too cold to grill, or you simply don't want to fire up the grill, an air fryer is a great alternative. You can cook fresh beef burgers in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, and they come out juicy and tender. The cooking time will depend on how well you like your burgers cooked and how thick they are. You can also cook frozen burgers in an air fryer, but they will take a little longer.

Recommended cooking time for fresh beef burgers in an air fryer

Cooking fresh beef burgers in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get a delicious, juicy burger with a crispy exterior. The recommended cooking time will depend on how well you like your burger cooked, the size of your air fryer, and the thickness of your patties.

If you like your burgers rare, it will take around 7 minutes for a medium-thick patty. For medium to well-done, it will take 10-15 minutes. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of your patties, so you may need to adjust. For example, if you want your burger more rare, reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes, and if you want it more well-done, add 2 minutes to the cooking time.

To ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a kitchen or meat thermometer. Beef burgers should be 65°C/150°F for medium-well and above 71°C/160°F for well-done.

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F/190°C or 375°F for 5 minutes.
• Prepare the beef mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef with your desired seasonings and other ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat to avoid tough and dry burgers.
• Form the patties: Divide the beef mixture into equal portions and form them into flat patties. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking. The patties should be slightly larger than the buns and around 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick.
• Air fry: Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Cook for 6-8 minutes at 350°F or 10 minutes at 180°C, without flipping them.
• Flip and cook further: After the initial cooking time, open the air fryer, flip the burgers, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness.
• Add cheese (optional): If you want to add cheese, put a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Rest and serve: Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite condiments, toppings, and sides.

How to prevent an air fryer from smoking when cooking beef burgers

Yes, you can cook fresh beef burgers in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on how well you like your burgers, their thickness, and the size of your air fryer. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to flip the burgers while cooking.

To prevent an air fryer from smoking when cooking beef burgers, it is important to understand why air fryers start smoking in the first place. Smoke is usually caused by grease or other food particles on the heating element or fan. When the air fryer heats up, the buildup of grease and food particles can burn and emit fumes, causing the air fryer to smoke. Meats with a higher fat content, like ground beef, can put out a lot of grease when cooked at 360°F or above.

To prevent this, it is recommended to add water to the bottom of the air fryer to prevent dripping grease from burning. The water will catch the fat that drips off the meat and keep it from smoking. After adding water, spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray so that the burgers don't stick.

Additionally, it is important to regularly clean your air fryer, especially after cooking greasy foods. You can also place one or two slices of bread under the basket to absorb the grease and prevent it from circulating with the hot cooking air.

How to make sure beef burgers are evenly cooked in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook fresh beef burgers in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure your burgers are evenly cooked:

Firstly, it is important to prepare your beef mixture well. Combine ground beef with your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix it well but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough. Form the mixture into equal-sized patties, slightly larger than your buns, and use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each patty. This helps the burgers stay flat and cook evenly.

Preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature seems to be around 350-400 °F, but this may vary depending on your air fryer, so check the manufacturer's recommendation. Add about a cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent smoking and catch any dripping fat. Spray the basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Place the patties in the air fryer, ensuring they are not crowded and have some space between them. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the burgers halfway through cooking. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your burgers and how well-done you like them. For a medium-thick burger, cook for around 7 minutes for rare and 10-15 minutes for medium to well-done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness.

Once the burgers are cooked, you can add cheese and let it melt from the residual heat, or cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. You can also toast your buns in the air fryer for a minute. Serve your burgers immediately with your favorite toppings and sides.

How to make beef burgers juicy in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook juicy and tasty beef burgers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make beef burgers juicy in an air fryer:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Beef

The type of beef you choose is essential for ensuring your burgers are juicy. Opt for ground beef with a fat content of around 15-20%. Look for options labelled as 80/20 or 85/15, as these will provide a good balance between lean meat and fat. This fat content will keep the burgers moist and juicy during the cooking process.

Step 2: Preparing the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef with seasonings and other ingredients to enhance the flavour. A simple mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce can work well. You can also experiment with other ingredients like dried herbs, chopped onions, or steak sauce. Mix the ingredients well, but be careful not to overwork the meat as it can make the burgers tough and chewy.

Step 3: Forming the Patties

Divide the seasoned meat mixture into equal portions and form them into flat patties. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the centre of each patty to prevent them from swelling during cooking. The patties should be slightly larger than your buns and about 1/3-1/2 inch thick.

Step 4: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F, and preheat for about 5 minutes. It is recommended to add about a cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent smoking and catch any dripping fat.

Step 5: Cooking the Burgers

Place the patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded. The cooking time will depend on your desired doneness and the thickness of the patties. For a medium-thick burger, cook for around 7 minutes for rare, and 10-15 minutes for medium to well-done. You may need to flip the burgers halfway through for even cooking, depending on your air fryer model.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the burgers even juicier. Finally, serve the burgers on toasted buns with your choice of toppings, sauces, and sides. Enjoy your juicy air-fried burgers!

How to reheat fresh beef burgers in an air fryer

To reheat fresh beef burgers in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While the air fryer is preheating, take your fresh beef burgers out of the fridge and let them come up to room temperature. This will help them heat through evenly.

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the burgers inside, being careful not to crowd the basket. Reheat for 2 to 3 minutes for a thorough reheat. If you are reheating multiple burgers, you may need to add an extra minute or two.

It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your burgers, as well as the brand and size of your air fryer. Always check on your burgers regularly to ensure they don't overcook.

Additionally, some air fryers require you to flip the food to cook it evenly, while others cook food evenly without flipping. If you are unsure, it is better to flip your burgers to be safe.

You can also add cheese to your burgers during the reheating process. Simply place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and return it to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted to your liking.

Frequently asked questions