Air-Fryer Hamburgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious?

Yes, you can make a hamburger in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to get a juicy burger without the mess of pan-frying or grilling. The air fryer method is perfect for when it's too cold to grill or you're short on time. You can also use it to cook burgers to your preferred doneness, whether that's rare, medium, or well done.

To make hamburgers in an air fryer, simply combine ground beef with your choice of seasonings, form the mixture into patties, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for around 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, and you're done! You can also add cheese to your burgers by placing a slice on top during the last minute of cooking.

So, if you're looking for a convenient way to enjoy a juicy burger, give the air fryer method a try!

How long to cook hamburgers in an air fryer

Yes, you can make hamburgers in an air fryer! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how long to cook them for.

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the beef patties, you'll need:

• Ground beef (an 80/20 blend is recommended for the right amount of fat to keep the patties juicy)
• Salt and pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Barbecue sauce (optional)

For serving, you'll want:

• Hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice (cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, barbecue sauce, ketchup, etc.)

Preparation:

Combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Form this mixture into 4 patties, each about 1/2" thick. Make a small indent in the middle of each patty with your thumb—this will help ensure they don't swell up during cooking. If you're using barbecue sauce, brush it onto the patties now.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each one. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

Cook the burgers for 6 minutes, then flip them over. For medium doneness, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes after flipping. If you prefer your burgers well done, add another 2 minutes to the cooking time. The ideal internal temperature for the patties is 155-160°F, so use a meat thermometer to check that they're done to your liking.

If you're adding cheese, do so during the last minute of cooking.

Serving:

Serve the patties on hamburger buns with your desired toppings.

Tips:

• Frozen burger patties can be cooked in the air fryer, but they'll need about 5-7 extra minutes of cooking time.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
• To prevent the patties from sticking, you can use parchment liners designed for air fryers.
• If you're making fries to go with your burgers, cook them first and set them aside. Once the burgers are done, add the fries back to the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes at 400°F while you assemble your burgers.

What temperature to cook hamburgers in an air fryer

Yes, you can make hamburgers in an air fryer! Here is a guide on the best temperature to cook hamburgers in an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to note that the ideal temperature for cooking hamburgers may vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer you have and your preferred level of doneness. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer between 350°F and 400°F (175°C and 195°C).

For a 4 oz burger, it is suggested to cook at 375°F for 12 minutes. However, another source recommends cooking for a shorter time, 8 to 10 minutes, at the same temperature. This source also suggests that, for a medium-rare burger, you should aim for an internal temperature of 155°F, whereas, for a well-done burger, you are looking at 160°F to 165°F.

If you are cooking your burgers from frozen, you will need to add some extra time, around 5 to 7 minutes depending on the thickness of your patties.

One recipe recommends cooking your burgers for 6 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the beef reaches 160°F. This recipe also suggests brushing your patties with a mixture of melted butter, beef soup base, and pepper for extra flavor and a dark grilled color.

Another recipe, which includes Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the beef mixture, recommends cooking at 370°F/190°C. For this recipe, you should cook the patties for 6 minutes, flip them, and then cook for a further 3 minutes.

Remember to always check that your hamburgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness and use a meat thermometer if you are unsure.

How to stop hamburgers drying out in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook hamburgers, but it can be tricky to get them just right. Here are some tips to ensure your burgers stay juicy and don't dry out:

Choose the Right Meat:

When making hamburgers in an air fryer, it's important to select ground beef with a higher fat content. Aim for an 80/20 blend, which means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio will keep your burgers moist and juicy. Leaner blends, like 90/10, may result in drier burgers.

Add Some Fat:

If you're using a leaner blend of meat, you can add some extra fat to help keep the burgers moist. Try mixing in a tablespoon of olive oil or brushing the patties with melted butter before cooking. This will also add some extra flavour to your burgers.

Don't Overwork the Meat:

When shaping your patties, avoid overhandling the meat. Gently shape it into discs, creating a small indentation in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking. Overworking the meat can result in dense and tough burgers.

Season Generously:

Air fryers tend to mellow out seasonings, so don't be shy with the salt, pepper, and your preferred herbs and spices. Season both sides of the patties before placing them in the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Make sure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature, usually around 360-400°F (182-204°C), before adding the patties. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent your burgers from drying out.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket:

Place the patties in the air fryer basket with some space between each patty to allow for proper air circulation. Cooking in batches may be necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking.

Monitor the Cooking Time:

Check the burgers early and often to prevent overcooking. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and your desired doneness. For medium-sized patties, start with around 8-10 minutes, and adjust from there. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 150-160°F (65-71°C) for food safety.

Add Cheese Towards the End:

If you're adding cheese to your hamburgers, do so during the last minute or two of cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt without overcooking the burgers.

Let the Burgers Rest:

Once your hamburgers are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and juicy burgers.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, juicy hamburgers straight from your air fryer!

How to stop hamburgers sticking to the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook hamburgers, but it can be frustrating when your burgers stick to the air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Firstly, it is important to prepare your air fryer basket properly. Before placing your hamburger patties in the air fryer, lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking. You can use a cooking spray or a brush dipped in oil for this.

Secondly, avoid overcrowding the basket. Place the seasoned patties into the basket, leaving some space between each patty to allow for proper air circulation. This will not only help prevent sticking but also ensure even cooking.

Thirdly, be mindful of the size and thickness of your patties. If your patties are too thick, they may not cook evenly and are more likely to stick. Aim for a thickness of around 1/2 to 3/4 inches. Also, make a small indentation in the center of each patty; this helps prevent them from puffing up and sticking during cooking.

Lastly, don't forget to flip your burgers! Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip your patties using a spatula to ensure even browning on both sides.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked hamburgers without the hassle of sticking to your air fryer.

What to serve with air fryer hamburgers

There are many side dishes that can accompany air fryer hamburgers. Here are some ideas:

Crispy Sides

Air-fried food can have a delicious "fried" taste without the grease, so why not try some air fryer potato chips or air fryer cauliflower? You could also try air fryer tater tots, air fryer french fries, air fryer sweet potato fries, or air fryer onion rings.

Vegetables

If you want to add some more colour to your plate, you could serve your hamburgers with some roasted red peppers, lettuce, sliced tomato, avocado, jalapenos, green chillies, or sauerkraut.

Condiments

Don't forget the condiments! You could go for the classics like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise, or try something different like barbecue sauce, chipotle aioli, or homemade garlic aioli.

Extras

Add some bacon, a fried egg, sautéed or air-fried mushrooms, or a DIY burger bar with toppings like pickles, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce so everyone can help themselves!

Frequently asked questions