Air-Frying Patties: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for cooking a variety of foods, including hamburger patties. They are a convenient option for cooking burgers when it's too cold to grill outside, and they can produce juicy, delicious results in as little as 20 minutes. With an air fryer, you can cook patties from fresh or frozen, and even add cheese to create cheeseburgers. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired doneness of the patties, but generally, they can be cooked in under 10 minutes for a juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked burger.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking patties in an air fryer depend on the type of patty and the desired outcome. Here is a guide for cooking beef patties in an air fryer.

Beef patties

The recommended temperature for cooking beef patties in an air fryer is typically around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-200 degrees Celsius). Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the patties and the model of the air fryer, but it usually takes about 10-12 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. For a medium level of doneness, cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. For well-done patties, cook for an additional 2 minutes. The internal temperature of the beef patties should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) when fully cooked.

Chicken patties

The preset temperature for air frying is typically 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If your chicken patties are thicker, you may need to increase the temperature slightly and add a few minutes of cooking time. The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the patties and the size of the air fryer, but it typically takes around 7-9 minutes.

Frozen patties

Frozen beef or chicken patties can be cooked in an air fryer, but they may need an additional 5-7 minutes of cooking time. Make sure frozen patties are thawed completely before cooking and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Patty ingredients

Yes, you can cook patties in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer, the thickness of your patties, and your desired level of doneness.

A classic hamburger patty is made by combining ground beef, bread crumbs, and seasonings. You can also add an egg, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic to the mixture. If you find the meat mixture too mushy, add more breadcrumbs until it forms patties that hold their shape. For juicy hamburgers, use evaporated milk, and brush the patties with a mixture of melted butter and beef soup base for a dark grilled colour and deep beefy flavour.

If you're making Jamaican beef patties, roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thick and cut into 6-inch circles. Place 2 tablespoons of the meat filling onto half of each dough round. Brush the edges with an egg wash, fold, and press to seal.

Patty preparation

Beef Patty Preparation

When selecting beef for your patties, opt for ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 (80% lean to 20% fat) for the juiciest results. Always choose fresh ground beef with a red colour and no strong odour. To ensure even cooking, use a kitchen scale or measuring cup to create uniformly sized patties, aiming for a thickness of about 3/4 inch. A small indent in the centre of each patty will prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Chicken Patty Preparation

Before cooking, lightly coat the chicken patty with a small amount of oil to enhance crispiness. Season the patty with your preferred spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika, to add flavour. Preheating your air fryer ensures an even crisp, so don't forget to set it to the recommended temperature, typically around 375°F (190°C).

Salmon Patty Preparation

You can use either canned or fresh salmon for your patties. If using fresh salmon, bake it at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or steam it until fully cooked before flaking it into a bowl. Combine the salmon with panko breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped green onions, parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the mixture holds together without becoming too crumbly.

Hamburger Patty Preparation

Form the beef into patties that are slightly larger than your buns, allowing for shrinkage. For a dark grilled colour and a deep beefy flavour, brush both sides of the patties with a mixture of warm melted butter and beef soup base, then season with pepper.

Remember, proper patty preparation is key to achieving the best results with your air fryer. By following these instructions, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicious and juicy patties.

Patty size and shape

The size and shape of your patties are important factors in ensuring they cook evenly and achieve the desired texture and taste. A standard patty is typically around 4 to 6 ounces, with a quarter-pounder being the most common. To form a patty, take a portion of the beef mixture and shape it into a ball before gently flattening it into a round, flat disc. The ideal thickness is about 3/4 of an inch, which allows for even cooking without the risk of burning the exterior before the interior is cooked.

When shaping your patties, be sure to avoid overworking the meat, as this can result in a dense texture. Use a light hand to gently form the patties. It is also recommended to create a slight indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent bulging or puffing up during cooking. This dimple helps to ensure even cooking and a flat surface for toppings.

The size of your air fryer will determine how many patties you can cook at once. Larger air fryers can accommodate more or bigger patties, while smaller ones may require cooking in batches. Regardless of size, it is important to leave enough space between each patty to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.

Adding cheese

If you're a cheese lover, you can definitely add cheese to your patties when cooking them in an air fryer. The best way to do this is to add the cheese during the last minute or two of cooking. This will give it enough time to melt beautifully without burning.

You can use any type of sliced cheese, such as classic American, cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, or Provolone. If your air fryer tends to blow the cheese off the patties, you can try turning it off before adding the cheese and letting the residual heat melt it for about a minute.

To make cheeseburgers in an air fryer, start by arranging the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook according to your desired level of doneness, flipping the patties halfway through. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Remove the patties from the air fryer and assemble with your favorite condiments and toppings.

If you want to add cheese to frozen patties, the process is similar. Preheat your air fryer and cook the patties for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Add the cheese during the last minute of cooking before removing the patties and serving them with your chosen toppings.

Frequently asked questions