Air-Frying Raw Burgers: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling or pan-frying burgers, especially when it's too cold to grill. They are also healthier, as they require less oil, and can cook burgers in less time than traditional methods. Air fryers are also versatile, allowing you to cook burgers from frozen, and to your desired level of doneness, whether that's medium-rare or well-done. You can even add cheese to make cheeseburgers!

Air fryer temperature and preheating

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavour in your burgers. Preheating the appliance ensures an even distribution of heat and a crispier end result. Preheating generally takes around 3 to 5 minutes at the desired cooking temperature.

The ideal temperature range for cooking burgers in an air fryer is typically between 360°F and 400°F (182°C-200°C). This temperature range allows the burgers to cook thoroughly while developing a golden-brown crust on the outside.

When cooking frozen patties, you don't need to thaw them first. Simply place the frozen hamburgers directly into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). This method is quite convenient for quick meals. Cooking frozen burgers may require a few extra minutes compared to fresh patties. Typically, you should cook them for about 12-20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.

For accuracy, consider using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your hamburgers. This is the most reliable way to ensure your burger has reached the desired doneness while still being safe to eat. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for meat. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria are eliminated.

Meat type and fat content

When it comes to cooking raw burgers in an air fryer, selecting the right type of meat and considering its fat content are crucial steps in achieving the desired taste and texture. Here are some detailed insights into meat type and fat content to help you cook delicious burgers in your air fryer:

Meat Type:

Ground beef is the most commonly used meat type for air fryer burgers. It offers a classic, juicy, and flavorful burger experience. When choosing ground beef, opt for fresh or frozen meat to ensure the best results. You can also experiment with other types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a leaner option. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may require additional seasonings or binding agents to maintain moisture.

Fat Content:

The fat content in the meat plays a vital role in determining the juiciness, flavor, and texture of your air fryer burgers. The ideal fat ratio for ground beef is often recommended as 80/20, which means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio strikes a perfect balance, ensuring juicy burgers without excessive grease. Leaner options, such as 90/10 ground beef, may result in drier burgers, while fattier choices can cause more smoke and splatter during cooking.

To enhance the flavor and moisture of your burgers, consider the following tips related to fat content:

• Opt for an 80/20 blend for ground beef to achieve the right amount of fat that keeps the patties juicy.
• If using leaner ground beef, you may need to adjust cooking times and add extra seasonings to prevent dryness.
• For alternatives like ground turkey or chicken, be prepared to use additional binding agents to keep the burgers from drying out.
• When cooking frozen burgers, expect longer cooking times, usually requiring an additional 5-7 minutes.

In summary, selecting the right meat type and considering its fat content are key factors in creating delicious air fryer burgers. By choosing ground beef with an 80/20 ratio or similar, you can achieve the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness, ensuring your burgers are a tasty treat every time.

Seasoning and toppings

If you want to add a savoury kick to your burger, you can top it with bacon, barbecue sauce, and onion rings. You can also add sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and feta cheese for a fresh taste. For a spicy option, add pepper jack cheese and top with spicy mayo, or mix diced jalapeños into your beef mixture. Sautéed mushrooms and onions are also a great topping, and you can add Swiss cheese for a classic flavour combination. If you're feeling adventurous, try ground lamb instead of beef, and top with tzatziki sauce and fresh cucumbers.

Don't forget the classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles. You can also serve your burger in a lettuce wrap to keep it low-carb. And, of course, you can add cheese to your burger. Place a slice of cheese on top of the patties during the last minute or two of cooking, or turn off the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese.

You can also experiment with different sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch, Buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli. If you're serving a crowd, you can create a DIY burger bar with various toppings and sauces so everyone can customize their burger.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for raw burgers in an air fryer depend on the type of meat, the thickness of the patty, and your preferred level of doneness. It is recommended to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burger, which should reach at least 160°F (70-71°C) to ensure all bacteria are killed.

For a medium-rare burger, you can cook it for a shorter time, and for a well-done burger, you should cook it for a longer period. The thickness of the patty will also affect the cooking time, with thicker patties requiring more time in the air fryer.

Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Then, cook the burgers for about 7-10 minutes on one side and then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they reach the desired internal temperature. If you are cooking frozen patties, you will need to add about 5-7 minutes to the total cooking time.

It is important to note that different air fryer models and brands may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so you may need to adjust the settings accordingly. Additionally, if you prefer your burgers to have grill marks, you can skip using air fryer liners or a disposable air fryer basket.

Storing and reheating

When storing and reheating burgers, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure food safety and optimal taste. Here are some detailed guidelines:

Storing Cooked Burgers:

• It is generally recommended to consume cooked burgers immediately for the best taste and texture. However, if you have leftovers, they can be safely stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later consumption.
• When storing cooked burgers, place them in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Ensure they are cooled to room temperature before storing.
• Cooked burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to check the "Best By" or "Use By" dates on the packaging if available.
• For longer storage, cooked burgers can be frozen. Separate the patties with parchment paper to prevent them from freezing together, and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen burgers can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Cooked Burgers:

• The optimal way to reheat burgers is to use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 250-300°F (120-150°C), and heat the burgers for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture and moisture of the burgers.
• If you are short on time, you can use a microwave. It is recommended to defrost the burgers halfway using the defrost setting first, and then heat them on high power for a couple of minutes. This can help prevent grease splatters and uneven heating.
• For a quick reheat, you can also use a frying pan or grill. Heat the pan or grill to medium-high heat and cook the burgers for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.
• Some restaurants reheat burgers by storing them in warm water or broth and then searing them on a grill for a short time. While this method may work for large-scale operations, it might not yield the best results for home cooking.

Remember, when reheating burgers, always ensure they are heated thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C). Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.

Frequently asked questions