Air-Fried Hamburger Patties: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook hamburger patties in an air fryer. In fact, many people prefer this method over grilling, frying, or baking. Air-frying your patties is a quick and mess-free way to enjoy burgers at home. It takes less than 10 minutes to cook the patties, so they make the perfect mid-week meal for busy nights. The air fryer's intense heat allows you to create a fried taste with very little oil.

How to cook hamburger patties in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook hamburger patties, offering speed, convenience, and minimal cleanup. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cook delicious, juicy hamburger patties in your air fryer.

Ingredients and Preparation:

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef (preferably an 80/20 blend or 90/10 for leaner patties)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Optional: Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, butter, beef base (such as bouillon), cheese, and your choice of toppings and condiments.

To prepare the patties, combine the ground beef with your choice of seasonings and mix well, preferably with your hands, until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

Shaping the Patties:

Divide the mixture into four portions and shape them into patties. Each patty should be about half an inch thick and slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the centre of each patty; this prevents the patties from bulging up during cooking.

Cooking the Patties in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F/190°C. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

Cook the patties for about 6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes for a medium doneness. For well-done patties, add another 2 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving:

Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before assembling your burgers with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your patties. For ground beef, the internal temperature should reach at least 160°F/71°C.
• If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice on top during the last minute or two of cooking to allow it to melt.
• To add extra flavour, brush the patties with barbecue sauce or a mixture of melted butter and beef soup base before cooking.
• If you are serving fries with your burgers, cook them first and set them aside. Then, after cooking the patties, add the fries back to the air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 3-4 minutes while you assemble your burgers.

Enjoy your juicy, perfectly cooked air-fried hamburgers!

How to prepare the meat for the air fryer

Preparing meat for the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare meat, specifically beef, for your air fryer:

Firstly, remove the desired amount of beef from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This step is important as it helps ensure even cooking. Aim to leave the meat out for about 30 minutes. Then, pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Doing so will promote browning and crispiness when cooked.

Next, you'll want to season the meat. For a simple yet tasty option, rub the meat with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. You can also add your favourite herbs and spices to enhance the flavour. For example, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder work well with beef. Alternatively, you can create a butter and bouillon mixture and brush this onto both sides of the meat patties.

Now it's time to shape the meat into patties. Aim for a thickness of around 1/2 inch, and don't forget to make the patties slightly bigger than your buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. Also, remember to make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This will prevent the patties from bulging up in the middle as they cook.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 370°F and 400°F. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them to allow for proper airflow. Now you're ready to cook your meat!

What temperature to cook the patties at

When cooking hamburger patties in an air fryer, it's important to note that the ideal temperature will depend on your desired level of doneness. For medium doneness, you can air fry the patties at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you prefer your patties well done, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties, which should reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for ground beef to ensure they are safe to eat.

• Rare: Cook the patties at the desired temperature until the internal temperature reaches 120 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Medium-Rare: Aim for an internal temperature of 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Medium: Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Medium-Well: Ensure the internal temperature falls between 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Well Done: Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also the FDA recommendation.

Additionally, it's worth noting that different air fryer models may vary in terms of temperature settings and cooking times. Therefore, it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

How to serve the patties

There are many ways to serve hamburger patties. Here are some suggestions:

Condiments and Sauces

You can add classic condiments such as mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise to your patty. You can also get creative and make your own special sauce. One recipe suggests mixing ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sweet relish, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of honey, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Cheese

If you're a cheese lover, you can add a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese to your patty and let it melt.

Bacon

For a smoky touch, crisp up some bacon in your air fryer and add it to the top of your burger.

Vegetables

You can add some crunch and freshness to your burger with sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, or pickles. If you're feeling adventurous, try something different like jalapenos, green chilies, or sauerkraut.

Buns

Don't forget the bun! You can use a classic hamburger bun, or switch it up with ciabatta, Kaiser, or potato rolls. Toasting your bun in the air fryer will give it a golden, crispy texture.

Sides

Of course, no burger is complete without a side of fries. You can air fry some French fries or sweet potato fries to go with your patty. For a lighter option, try a refreshing coleslaw or a Greek salad.

Spices and Seasonings

To add some extra flavour to your patty, you can season the meat with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add Worcestershire sauce, which gives the burgers a deep, slightly salty flavour.

Experiment

Remember, these are just suggestions. The great thing about hamburger patties is that you can get creative and experiment with different toppings and combinations to find your perfect burger!

How to reheat the patties

There are several ways to reheat hamburger patties, and using an air fryer is one of the most effective methods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat hamburger patties using an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C.
• Place the hamburger patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Reheat the patties for 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• If desired, add cheese to the patties during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and assemble them with your favourite condiments and toppings.

Using an air fryer to reheat hamburger patties is a quick and convenient method that helps restore their crispiness. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patties and the model of your air fryer. Always ensure your patties are thoroughly cooked before serving.

In addition to using an air fryer, you can also reheat hamburger patties in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Alternatively, you can place them on a microwavable plate and heat them in 30-second increments until they are warmed to your desired temperature.

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