Air Fryer Fresh Burgers: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to make fresh burgers. They are quick, easy to clean, and can make burgers that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The air fryer is also a convenient way to cook burgers, as it contains the grease splatter and cooks at a consistent temperature, helping the burgers cook evenly.

Air fryer burgers: cooking times and temperatures

Air fryer burgers are a quick and easy meal that can be made in around 15 minutes. They are a convenient option for a busy weeknight, and you can also cook the burgers from frozen, which will take a little longer.

Cooking Times

The cooking time for air fryer burgers will depend on the thickness of the patties and your desired level of doneness. As a general guide, the burgers will take between 6 and 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer, with an additional minute or two to melt the cheese, if using.

For a well-done burger, you should air fry for around 10 minutes or more. For a medium-well burger, cook for 8 to 12 minutes, and for a medium burger, air fry for approximately 6 minutes. If you prefer your burger medium-rare, 5 minutes should be enough, and for a rare burger, air fry for about 4 minutes.

Temperatures

To cook the burgers, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The higher temperature will give your burgers a darker grilled colour. Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if necessary. You don't need to flip the burgers during cooking, but doing so will ensure an even cook all over.

The ideal temperature for a well-done burger is 160°F, and for food safety, the FDA recommends this minimum temperature. For medium-well, aim for 150-155°F, and for a medium burger, air fry for approximately 140-145°F is ideal. If you prefer your burger medium-rare, cook to 130-135°F, and for a rare burger, the temperature should be between 120-125°F.

Tips

• To prevent the patties from sticking, use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers, or spray the basket with non-stick spray.
• To prevent the patties from bulging in the middle, make an indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon.
• Leave space between the patties in the air fryer basket to allow the air to circulate.
• Let the burgers rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to settle back into the meat.
• To reheat, put the burgers back in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F.

How to stop burgers sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can make fresh burgers in an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to stop burgers from sticking to your air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to prepare your air fryer basket before placing the burgers inside. One source recommends adding some water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to catch any fat that drips off the meat and prevent smoking. After this safety step, spray the basket with a non-stick spray to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment liners designed specifically for air fryers, which make cleanup even easier.

Secondly, when shaping your patties, make a small indent in the middle of the patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This prevents the patties from bulging or swelling in the middle as they cook, which can cause them to stick to the air fryer.

Finally, be sure to leave enough room between the burger patties in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. If the patties are overcrowded, they may cook unevenly and the outsides may not get crispy. Following these steps should help prevent your burgers from sticking to your air fryer!

What type of ground beef is best for air fryer burgers?

Yes, you can make fresh burgers in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook juicy burgers with a crispy exterior, and it's faster and easier than pan-frying or grilling. You can also toast the buns in the air fryer!

Now, when it comes to the type of ground beef that is best for air fryer burgers, you'll want to go for a blend that has a good amount of fat to keep the patties juicy. An 80/20 blend (80% muscle, 20% fat) is ideal. This will give you moist burgers without too much grease. If you go for a leaner blend, your burgers might turn out a little dry.

You can also use ground chuck in an 80/20 blend if you can find it. Some people prefer this for their burgers. If you can't find ground chuck, you can always make your own blend at home by mixing different types of ground beef.

For a 1-pound (450g) pack of ground beef, you should be able to make around four hamburger patties.

Can you cook frozen burgers in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preparing the Frozen Burgers

• Take the desired number of frozen burger patties out of the freezer. You can cook as many as can fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
• If the frozen patties are stuck together, gently separate them.
• Check the thickness of the patties. For even cooking, it's best if they are around 1/2 inch thick. If they are thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Cooking the Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the frozen burger patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space between them for even cooking.
• Cook the frozen burgers for 8 to 10 minutes on each side. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your patties and the specifications of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check if the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness. For ground beef patties, the internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.
• If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice on each patty during the last minute or two of cooking to let it melt.
• Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer

• If you're cooking fresh burgers along with frozen ones, place the fresh burgers in the centre of the air fryer basket and the frozen ones around the edges. This will help the fresh burgers cook more slowly while the frozen ones thaw and cook through.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the patties to allow hot air to circulate properly and cook the burgers evenly.
• For easy cleanup, consider using parchment liners designed for air fryers, especially if you're concerned about the burgers sticking to the basket.
• To add flavour and moisture to your frozen burgers, try brushing them with barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you're cooking for a crowd, remember that air fryers can typically cook only a few burgers at a time, so you may need to work in batches.

What toppings go well with air fryer burgers?

There are many toppings that can be used to elevate the taste of your air fryer burgers. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditional Toppings

• Cheese
• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Avocado
• Barbecue sauce
• Mayo
• Mustard
• Ketchup

Air Fryer Add-Ons

• Air fryer pickles
• Air fryer bacon
• Air fryer onion rings

Next-Level Flavor

• Pickled onions
• Roasted red peppers
• Greek yogurt ranch dip
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Refrigerator pickles
• Guacamole
• Jalapenos
• Green chillies
• Sauerkraut
• Chipotle Aioli or a Homemade Garlic Aioli
• Fried egg
• Bacon
• Sautéed or air-fried mushrooms
• Mac and cheese
• Onion rings
• Blue cheese
• Coleslaw
• Grilled peppers and onions
• Spicy mayo
• Bacon and BBQ sauce
• Bacon and blue cheese
• Mediterranean toppings like sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and crumbled feta cheese
• Sauteed mushrooms and onions

Frequently asked questions