Air-Fryer Hamburgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional frying methods, offering a healthier, quicker, and more convenient option for cooking hamburger patties. With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy interior without the mess and hassle of grease splatters. The air fryer's hot circulating air cooks your favourite beef patties to perfection, locking in the juices and flavour. This method is also kid-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights or quick meals.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process, as it ensures even cooking and helps to achieve a crispy exterior for your hamburger patties. The ideal temperature for cooking hamburger patties in an air fryer is generally around 375°F (190°C). This temperature setting allows the patties to cook evenly while developing a nice crust on the outside. You can also preheat your air fryer to 400°F (195°C) for a hotter option.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to consider the size of your appliance and the thickness of your patties. If you are using a 2.8-quart basket-style air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired level of doneness. Thicker patties will require a longer cooking time. Additionally, if you are cooking frozen patties, you should expect a longer cooking time, typically extending the total cooking time by around 5 to 8 minutes.

To preheat your air fryer effectively, start by setting the desired temperature and allowing the appliance to heat up. Once the air fryer has reached the set temperature, you can proceed to the next step of placing the hamburger patties in the air fryer basket. It is important to arrange the patties in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as this can reduce airflow and lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature and arranging the patties properly, you will be well on your way to achieving juicy and flavorful hamburger patties with a crispy exterior.

Seasoning the beef

Yes, you can cook hamburger patties in an air fryer. They are said to turn out perfectly cooked, with a deliciously crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

The key to a great hamburger is proper seasoning. The right seasoning blend can turn a good hamburger into a great one. You can use a premade seasoning mix or make your own.

When to season

The timing of when to season your hamburger patties is important. If you mix your burgers several hours before cooking, the seasoning will have time to flavour the meat. However, the more you handle the meat, the tougher it can become. To avoid this, break the beef into smaller chunks, then gently fold in the seasoning with your hands.

If you prefer to season your patties after forming them, simply sprinkle the seasoning generously on both sides of the patty before cooking. This method keeps the beef loose for tender results.

What to season with

A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to season your beef patties. However, you can also add other seasonings to enhance the flavour of your burgers. Some common seasonings include:

• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Brown sugar
• Herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, basil)

How much seasoning to use

A good rule of thumb is to use 2-3 teaspoons of seasoning per pound of ground meat. This will yield about 5 tablespoons of seasoning blend.

Forming the patties

When shaping your patties, use your thumb to make a small indent in the centre of each patty. This is a crucial step to prevent the patties from bulging or puffing up in the middle as they cook. You can also use the back of a spoon to create this indent. If you want to get very precise, use the bottom of a plate to press the patty into a cutting board, creating an even layer before indenting.

If you're using fresh herbs like parsley or chives, mix them into the meat before forming the patties. This will allow for a burst of flavour in each bite. After forming the patties, let them rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat better.

Finally, season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper or your preferred seasonings. This will ensure a delicious crust forms during cooking, enhancing the flavour of your hamburgers.

Cooking the patties

Yes, you can cook hamburger patties in an air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked patties:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Always start by preheating your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 195°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps create a crispy exterior.

Prepare the Meat:

Use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15, for juicy and flavorful burgers. Leaner meat may result in drier patties. In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef with your desired seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. Avoid overworking the meat to prevent tough and dry burgers.

Form the Patties:

Divide the meat mixture into equal parts and form them into patties. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. Make the patties slightly larger than your buns to allow for shrinkage. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:

Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Leave space between them to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Cooking Time:

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and your air fryer model. As a guide, cook the patties for about 5 to 7 minutes, then flip them over halfway through the cooking process. Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. For a perfectly cooked patty, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Add Cheese (Optional):

If you want to add cheese to your burgers, do so during the last minute of cooking. Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and let it melt for about 1 minute.

Rest and Serve:

Give your burgers a minute or two of resting time before serving. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring every bite is juicy. Serve your air-fried burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Resting the burgers

Resting your burgers is an essential step in the cooking process. While it may seem uninteresting, it is the key to a great burger. The amount of resting time varies, but it typically ranges from a couple of minutes to around five minutes. This waiting period allows the juices to settle back into the patties, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavourful. It also prevents the burgers from dripping too much juice into the bun, making for a less messy eating experience.

There are a few reasons why resting burgers is beneficial. Firstly, it allows the meat to cool down slightly, which can enhance the flavour and make it more enjoyable to eat. Secondly, resting gives the connective tissues and meat fibres time to relax, preventing the patty from "tens [ing] up" in the same way a larger cut of meat would. This helps keep the burger juicy and tender.

Additionally, resting the burgers gives the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the patty. During the cooking process, the muscle fibres and proteins constrict and push the juices towards the centre of the burger. Allowing the meat to rest lets those muscles relax and the juices to spread back out, ensuring a more even distribution of flavour and moisture.

Finally, resting the burgers gives the fat a chance to drain away from the meat. This ensures that your burger is not too greasy and helps to create a more balanced and appealing texture. So, while it may be tempting to serve your burgers immediately, it is worth the wait to let them rest and achieve the perfect result.

Frequently asked questions