Air Fryer Hack: Hamburger Perfection

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional cooking methods for hamburgers. They can cook food evenly and impart a crispy exterior, all while using less oil than deep frying. When it comes to hamburgers, the air fryer can yield delicious results with juicy patties and a symphony of flavours. The key to success is in choosing the right patty, seasoning it well, and mastering the air frying process.

Choosing the right beef patty

When it comes to making hamburgers, ground beef is the most popular choice of meat. However, the options can be overwhelming when you go to the store. What percentage of fat should you choose? Should you mix different types of meat? Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right beef patty for your hamburger.

Fat Content

The ideal fat content for a juicy and flavourful burger that holds together well is around 15% to 20%. This means that some cuts of meat that are too lean, like round and sirloin, are not suitable as they will make your burgers dry. On the other hand, a fatty meat like ribeye will lead to your burger falling apart.

If you want to stick to one cut of meat, look for Ground Round, which has the ideal fat content of 15% to 20%. Brisket, boneless short rib, tri-tip, and sirloin are also good options, but they are leaner, so you may want to mix them with a fattier cut or add other fats like pork fatback.

Mixing Meats

You don't have to stick to beef! Many people like to mix in ground pork, which has a high fat content, or ground chicken or turkey, which have lower fat content. You can also add pork fatback to your ground beef or poultry to increase the fat content and achieve that ideal ratio.

Grind Size

You'll usually want a coarse grind for your meat when making burgers, which is what most grocery stores sell. However, if you're grinding your own meat, be aware that a finer grind will result in a mushy texture.

Seasonings

When shaping your patties, you can add additional ingredients like garlic, salt and pepper, herbs, and chopped onions. Be careful not to add too many extras, as this can cause your burger to fall apart while cooking.

Shaping

When shaping your patties, gently form them into round discs, avoiding overhandling the meat as it can result in dense and tough patties. Create a small indentation in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

How to shape and season the patty

Shaping and seasoning the patty is an important step in the process of making hamburgers in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect patty:

To start, select quality ground beef with a higher fat content, ideally around 80%. This fat content will ensure your patties remain moist and juicy as they cook in the air fryer. You can either purchase pre-made patties or create your own from scratch. If opting for the latter, divide the meat into equal portions and gently shape them into round discs. It is important not to overwork the meat, as this can result in dense and tough patties.

A unique shaping technique involves using a lid from a jar or small Tupperware, especially if you want to make mini sliders. Choose a lid that is slightly bigger than your hamburger bun, and cover it with plastic wrap for easy removal. Place a generous amount of ground beef inside the lid, press it down, and then remove any excess meat or add more as needed. Flip the patty out of the lid, and repeat the process for the desired number of patties.

Once you have shaped your patties, it's time to season them. A simple seasoning blend includes salt and pepper, and onion and garlic powder. You can also add other herbs and spices according to your preference. Mix the seasonings into the ground beef gently, ensuring you don't overwork the meat. You can also make a small indentation in the center of each patty, which helps prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

After seasoning, it's a good idea to refrigerate the patties for at least an hour before placing them in the air fryer. This helps the patties hold their shape and ensures the fat doesn't melt too quickly during cooking, resulting in a juicier burger.

Now you know the secrets to shaping and seasoning the perfect patty for your air fryer hamburgers!

Air fryer settings and cooking times

The air fryer settings and cooking times for hamburgers depend on several factors, including the thickness of the patty, the ingredients used, the desired doneness, and the model of the air fryer. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started:

Air Fryer Settings:

• Temperature: Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C). The higher the temperature, the faster your hamburgers will cook.
• Preheating: It is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the patties. This helps ensure even cooking.
• Cooking Mode: While some air fryers have specific cooking modes like air frying, grilling, roasting, or baking, you can simply set the desired temperature and time for your desired doneness.

Cooking Times:

• Fresh Beef Patties: For a 1/2-inch thick patty, cook times can range from 3-6 minutes for a less done burger to 8-12 minutes for a well-done burger.
• Frozen Beef Patties: For frozen patties, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It can take up to 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness and your air fryer model.
• Doneness: The desired doneness of your hamburgers will also affect the cooking time. Here are approximate cooking times for different levels of doneness:
• Rare: 4 minutes
• Medium-Rare: 5 minutes
• Medium: 6 minutes
• Medium-Well: 8-12 minutes
• Well-Done: 10+ minutes
• Flipping: It is important to flip your hamburgers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Cheese: If you're adding cheese to your hamburgers, place the slices on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.

Please note that the cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, the thickness of your patties, and your desired doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your hamburgers to ensure they are cooked to your preference.

Adding cheese and other toppings

Adding cheese to your hamburger is a great way to elevate your burger experience and create a classic cheeseburger. The key to achieving that irresistible, gooey texture is to add the cheese at the right moment during the cooking process.

After shaping and seasoning your patties, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 360°F to 400°F (182°C to 204°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned patties inside, ensuring proper spacing for even cooking.

For a medium-sized patty, the cooking time is typically around 8 to 10 minutes. If you prefer your burgers well-done, you may need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes. It's important to monitor the internal temperature of the patties with a meat thermometer, ensuring they reach at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

Now, here comes the magic of adding cheese! About halfway through the cooking time, gently flip your patties using a spatula to ensure even browning. This is the perfect moment to add a slice of cheese. Place it on top of each patty and let the residual heat work its magic during the remaining cooking time. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating that irresistible, gooey texture we all love.

When it comes to cheese selection, the choices are endless. Go with a classic like cheddar, or experiment with American, Swiss, or any other variety that suits your taste. You can even get creative and use multiple types of cheese for an extra flavour burst.

In addition to cheese, you can also add other toppings to your hamburger. Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, guacamole, arugula, and pimento cheese are just a few mouth-watering options. Don't be afraid to mix and match to create your own signature burger.

Once your patties are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's time to assemble your burger. Place the patty on a toasted bun, add your chosen toppings, and finish with the top half of the bun. Your delicious air-fried cheeseburger is now ready to be savoured and shared with your loved ones.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have any leftover hamburgers, storing them in the fridge is a great way to preserve them for later. When you're ready to reheat your hamburgers, start by disassembling them. Place the buns, patties, and any vegetables or cheese separately. This will ensure that each component is reheated properly without becoming soggy or overheated.

For the patties, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Reheat for 2-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. If you're reheating fast-food burgers, you may want to remove any toppings such as lettuce and tomato, as they will cook slightly during the process.

For the buns, wrap them in aluminum foil and reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for about 3 minutes. You can also toast them in a pan if you prefer.

If you're reheating cheeseburgers, it's best to remove the cheese before reheating the patty. Add a fresh slice of cheese to the patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt and become gooey.

If you're storing your hamburgers for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place parchment paper between each patty to prevent them from sticking together, and they'll stay fresh in the freezer for about a month.

Frequently asked questions