Air Fryer Burger: Can You Fry It?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook burgers, with many recipes available online. Using an air fryer can reduce the mess and grease associated with frying burgers, and can also produce a crispy exterior with a juicy interior. The cooking time is usually under 15 minutes, and the cleanup is minimal.

Air fryer burgers: cooking time and temperature

Air-fried burgers are a great way to get a quick, juicy, and tasty meal on the table. They are healthier, faster, and less messy than traditional frying methods, and you can still get that crispy, fried texture and taste.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer burgers will depend on your desired level of doneness. As a general rule, air fry your burgers at 375°F/190°C for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 9-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patties and your desired level of doneness.

For a rare burger, cook to an internal temperature of 120-125°F (52°C). For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (57°C). Medium burgers should be cooked to 140-145°F (63°C), and medium-well to 150-155°F (68°C). For a well-done burger, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

It is important to note that different air fryer models may vary, so it is recommended to check your burgers early to ensure they don't overcook. Additionally, make sure to leave space between the patties in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.

Tips for the Best Air-Fried Burgers

• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers.
• Make a small indent in the center of each patty before cooking to prevent them from swelling or bulging during cooking.
• For juicy burgers, use ground beef with a blend of 80% muscle and 20% fat.
• Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
• You can add cheese during the last minute of cooking if desired.
• Let the burgers rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to settle, ensuring every bite is juicy.
• Toast your buns in the air fryer for a minute or two until golden and crispy.

Air fryer burgers vs grilled, oven-baked or stove-top burgers

Air fryers, grills, ovens, and stoves are all appliances that can be used to cook burgers. Each cooking method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on personal preferences and circumstances. Here is a detailed comparison of the four methods.

Air Fryer Burgers

Air fryer burgers are a quick and convenient option that delivers juicy and tasty results. The air fryer's ability to retain moisture while cooking means that the burgers stay moist and retain their flavour. There is minimal cleanup required, as any drippings can be easily disposed of, and some air fryer baskets are even dishwasher-safe.

The cooking time for air fryer burgers is relatively short, taking around 6-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the patties and the specific air fryer model. It is recommended to use an 80/20 blend of ground beef to ensure the burgers remain juicy without excessive grease. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, and barbecue sauce can be added to enhance the flavour.

Grilled Burgers

Grilled burgers are a classic choice, especially during the summer months when cooking outdoors can keep the house cool. Grilling imparts a smoky flavour to the burgers and creates desirable chargrill marks. It is also a relatively clean method of cooking, as any drippings are burnt off by the hot charcoal or grill grates.

Oven-Baked Burgers

Oven-baked burgers offer the convenience of cooking multiple patties at once and require less attention during the cooking process. They are also considered a healthier option, as they are not cooked in oil. However, the cooking time is longer, typically taking around 20 minutes to cook the patties through. The cleanup can also be more involved, as any drippings need to be cleaned off the baking tray and rack.

Stove-Top Burgers

Cooking burgers on the stove-top, especially in a cast-iron skillet, provides even heating and heat retention. It also prevents the loss of juices, as the fat pools around the burger, resulting in a juicy and flavourful crust. Stove-top cooking allows for better control over the cooking process and can deliver a desirable char and caramelization to the burgers. However, it can be a messier option, with popping grease requiring cleanup of the stove and surrounding surfaces.

Each cooking method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Air fryer burgers stand out for their convenience, quick cooking time, and minimal cleanup. Grilled burgers offer a classic, smoky flavour and are ideal for outdoor cooking. Oven-baked burgers are convenient for cooking larger batches but may take longer. Stove-top burgers provide excellent flavour and crust development but can be messier. Ultimately, the best method depends on individual preferences, circumstances, and the desired flavour and texture of the burgers.

How to make air fryer burgers: step-by-step guide

Ingredients

• Ground beef (most recipes recommend an 80/20 blend, but you can also use 90/10 or 70/30)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
• Hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, barbecue sauce, ketchup)

Optional Ingredients

• Butter
• Beef base (such as Better than Bouillon®)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Minced garlic
• Red onion
• Hot English mustard
• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Brioche or pretzel buns

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Medium bowl
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Spatula (optional)

Method

• Combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. You can also add barbecue sauce and/or Worcestershire sauce to the mixture if you like.
• Form the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from bulging in the middle during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F/190°C.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the patties for 6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C.
• If you're adding cheese, do so in the last minute of cooking and let it melt.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two.
• Serve the burgers on buns with your desired toppings and condiments.

Tips

• If you're cooking frozen patties, add about 5 minutes to the cooking time.
• If you're cooking fries to go with your burgers, cook them first and set them aside. Then, add them back to the air fryer basket during the last 3-4 minutes while you top your burgers.
• If you're using cheese, add it during the last minute of cooking so it has time to melt.
• If you want to toast your buns, place them in the air fryer for a minute or two until they're golden and crispy.

Air fryer burger toppings and condiments

Air-Fryer Burger Toppings and Condiments

Classic toppings and condiments

You can top your burgers with all the classic toppings and condiments. This includes lettuce, tomato slices, cheese, barbecue sauce, mayo, mustard, and ketchup.

Zesty toppings

For a zesty kick, try jalapenos, green chilies, sauerkraut, chipotle aioli, or homemade garlic aioli.

Savory toppings

For a more savory burger, add roasted red bell peppers, a fried egg, bacon, sautéed or air-fried mushrooms, or a combination of these toppings.

Easy hamburger sauce

For a sweet and tangy sauce, mix together ¼ cup mayo, 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.

Mediterranean toppings

For a Mediterranean twist, top your burger with sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and crumbled feta cheese.

Spicy toppings

Add some cayenne pepper to the seasonings and top your burgers with pickled jalapenos for some extra heat.

BBQ

Brush the burgers with BBQ sauce to add a sweet and smoky flavor.

Bacon

Crisp up some bacon in the air fryer to add a smoky flavor to your burger.

Mushroom and onions

Sauté some mushrooms and onions and top your patties for more flavor.

Avocados

Add some avocado slices or guacamole to your burger for a creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Air fryer add-ons

You can also make air fryer pickles, air fryer bacon, and air fryer onion rings to go with your burger.

Reheating and storing air fryer burgers

Air fryer burgers are a quick and easy way to get a tasty meal on the table. And the good news is that any leftovers can be stored and reheated so they taste as good as new.

Storing Air Fryer Burgers

Once you've cooked your burgers, it's best to eat them straight away. But if you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, separate the patties with parchment paper and they should keep for about a month.

Reheating Air Fryer Burgers

To reheat your burgers in an air fryer, preheat your appliance to 350°F/175°C or 400°F/200°C, depending on your preference and whether your patty is frozen. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you're reheating from frozen, this will take 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or on a microwavable plate in 30-second increments.

Tips for Reheating

• Don't skip the preheating—this is the key to getting a crispy exterior.
• Try not to overcrowd the air fryer—place the patties in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• For extra juicy burgers, add a little butter or oil while reheating.
• If you're reheating a cheeseburger, consider adding the cheese after reheating if you prefer less melting.
• For thicker patties, turn down the temperature and cook for a little longer to ensure the inside is heated through.

So, there you have it! A step-by-step guide to reheating and storing your air fryer burgers. Now you can enjoy your juicy, tasty burgers any time!

Frequently asked questions