Air Fryer Frozen Beef Patties: Quick And Easy?

Making frozen beef patties in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a tasty burger without the mess and time commitment of firing up the grill. With an air fryer, you can have a juicy burger on the table in less than 20 minutes with very little cleanup. There's no need to thaw the patties, making it an excellent option for a hassle-free dinner on busy weeknights. Simply season the frozen patties, place them in the air fryer, and let it do its magic!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for frozen beef patties in an air fryer will depend on the size of the patties, the desired level of doneness, and the air fryer model. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you cook juicy and delicious burgers:

When cooking frozen beef patties in an air fryer, the temperature and cooking time can vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the size of the patties. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 390°F. This temperature range ensures that your patties cook evenly without burning.
• Prepare the patties: Take the desired number of frozen patties and season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor. Spritz or spray the patties with a little water or cooking spray to help the seasonings stick and promote browning.
• Cooking time: Place the seasoned patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your patties. As a general rule of thumb, smaller 4-ounce patties will take around 14 minutes at 370°F, while larger 6-ounce patties may take up to 20 minutes at 350°F. For medium-rare burgers, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F to 125°F. For medium burgers, aim for 145°F, and for well-done burgers, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Flip halfway through: For even cooking and browning, it's a good idea to flip the patties halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and helps to reduce the chance of overbrowning or burning.
• Add cheese (optional): If you're making cheeseburgers, don't add the cheese to the patties while they're still in the air fryer. Instead, wait until you've removed the patties and then add the cheese. Cover the patties with a lid or plate to help the cheese melt using residual heat.
• Cooking in batches: If you're cooking multiple patties and they don't all fit in a single layer in your air fryer, cook them in batches. Overlapping patties may lead to uneven cooking.
• Meat thermometer: To ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This is a more accurate method than timing alone.
• Adjusting cooking time: Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your patties, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker patties may take a few extra minutes, while thinner patties may require less time. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Avoid overcrowding: For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the patties to allow hot air to circulate properly.
• Resting and serving: Once the patties have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to retain juices and ensures a juicy, tender burger. Serve the patties on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Remember, these cooking times and temperatures are guidelines, and you may need to adjust them slightly based on your air fryer model and the thickness of your patties. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Seasoning

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder:

Add a savoury kick to your patties with garlic and onion powders. These seasonings add depth of flavour and a subtle pungency that complements the beef perfectly.

Paprika:

For a touch of smokiness and a beautiful red hue, sprinkle some paprika on your patties. It adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of spice that works wonderfully with the other seasonings.

Cayenne Pepper:

If you like your burgers with a kick, cayenne pepper is the way to go. It adds a nice spiciness that will have your taste buds tingling. Just be careful not to overdo it—a little goes a long way!

Steak Seasoning:

For a heartier, beefier flavour, steak seasoning is an excellent choice. It often contains a blend of spices like garlic, pepper, and herbs, giving your patties a robust and savoury flavour.

Worcestershire Sauce:

Worcestershire sauce is a savoury condiment that adds a burst of umami to your patties. It's made with a blend of ingredients like vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and spices, giving your burgers a unique flavour boost.

When seasoning your frozen beef patties, remember that you may need to use a bit more seasoning than you usually would, as the frozen surface won't absorb the seasonings as readily as thawed meat. Don't be afraid to be generous, and always taste your patty after cooking to see if it needs an extra sprinkle of salt, pepper, or your favourite spice blend.

Toppings

If you're a cheese lover, the options are endless. Try a slice of American cheese, or go for something more indulgent like grilled cheese or provolone. If you're feeling adventurous, stuff your beef patty with cheese before air frying for a melty surprise. Or, if you're short on time, simply place a slice of cheese on the hot patty after cooking and let it melt.

For those who like a bit of spice, jalapeños are a great addition. Mix diced jalapeños into the ground beef before shaping your patties, or add them as a topping. Pair with a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

If you're a fan of mushrooms, try sautéing them with garlic, onions, and herbs before mixing them into the ground beef. Top your patty with Swiss cheese, and you've got a savoury and moist mushroom and Swiss burger.

Another classic combination is barbecue bacon. Mix cooked and crumbled bacon into your ground beef, along with barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Or, wrap a slice of bacon around your patty before air frying for an extra crispy treat.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create a unique burger that suits your taste. Whether you're craving something classic or something with a twist, the possibilities are endless when it comes to topping your air-fried beef patties.

Sides

Yes, you can cook frozen beef patties in an air fryer. It's an easy, tasty, and quick way to cook burgers without the mess of grilling or frying.

Now, for the fun part—sides! Here are some delicious side dish options to serve with your air-fried burgers:

• French Fries: A classic side dish to burgers, you can make them in your air fryer as well for extra crispiness.
• Onion Rings: These add a nice crunchy texture and pair perfectly with the burgers.
• Potato Chips: For an extra indulgent "fast food" style meal, grab a bag of your favourite potato chips.
• Air Fryer Vegetables: A healthier option, you can air fry a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
• Salad: A refreshing side dish, a simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favourite dressing will complement the burgers nicely.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For something a little different, try making sweet potato fries in your air fryer.
• Tater Tots: These can also be made in the air fryer, and they're a fun alternative to regular fries.
• Corn on the Cob: An old-fashioned side dish that goes well with burgers, especially if you add some butter and herbs.
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A creamy and flavourful side dish that will be a hearty addition to your meal.
• Instant Pot Potato Salad: Another potato-based side, this potato salad is made in an instant pot for extra convenience.

There you have it! A variety of side dish options to choose from to accompany your air-fried frozen beef patties. Mix and match to create your perfect burger meal.

Storing and reheating

If you are storing cooked beef patties, you can keep them in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge.

When it comes to reheating, the air fryer and microwave are the most commonly recommended options. The air fryer is said to be the best way to reheat a burger, as it leaves you with a juicy patty that tastes like it just came off the grill. To reheat a burger in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F, place the patty in the basket, and set the timer for 2-3 minutes. This short cooking time will warm the burger without overcooking it.

If you are using a microwave, place the patty in for 15 seconds at a time until it is warmed through.

Other options for reheating include using a pan with a little water or broth, an oven or toaster oven, or simply eating the patties cold!

Frequently asked questions