Air-Frying Mince: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook mince in an air fryer! It's a simple, no-fuss, no-mess way to cook mince, and it's also faster than cooking on a hob. You can use this method to cook ground beef, ground pork, ground turkey, or ground lamb. The air fryer's perforations allow fat to drain away from the meat, making for an easier clean-up and healthier meal.

How to cook mince in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Mince (beef, pork, turkey, or lamb)
• Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)
• Cooking spray/oil (optional)
• Chopped garlic (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer-safe baking pan (if your air fryer doesn't have a basket)
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Wooden spoon/spatula

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (180-200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the mince in the air fryer basket or baking pan. If using a baking pan, use a single layer of mince.
• Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the mince into small pieces.
• Season the mince with your chosen seasonings and mix gently.
• Cook the mince for 5-9 minutes.
• Open the air fryer and stir the mince, breaking up any lumps.
• Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the mince is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Remove the mince from the air fryer and drain any excess fat.
• Allow the mince to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• Choose the right fat content for your dish. For example, extra lean meat is great for tacos and sauces, while higher fat content is ideal for burgers and meatloaf.
• Don't skimp on the seasoning! Ground beef absorbs flavours well, so be generous with your spices.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to sear the meat, locking in juices and flavour.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the mince has reached a safe internal temperature.
• Let the mince rest for a few minutes after cooking, especially if it's a larger patty. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
• Drain the excess fat after cooking if you prefer a leaner dish. This is important for higher-fat mince to avoid oily, greasy results.

How long to cook mince in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook mince in an air fryer. It's a hands-off, fuss-free, and mess-free way to cook mince, and it takes less time than cooking on a hob.

The amount of time you'll need to cook mince in an air fryer depends on the quantity of mince, the temperature setting, and the specific model of your air fryer.

As a general rule, it takes between 6 and 15 minutes to cook mince in an air fryer. For example, one source recommends cooking 454g (1lb) of mince at 180°C (350°F) for 9 minutes, stirring the mince with a wooden spoon or spatula at the 3-minute and 6-minute marks. Another source recommends cooking mince at 400°F for 5 minutes, stirring it, and then cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes.

It's important to ensure that the mince reaches a safe internal temperature of 71°C (160°F). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Benefits of cooking mince in an air fryer

There are several benefits to cooking mince in an air fryer. Here are some of them:

Hands-off cooking

When cooking mince in an air fryer, you don't need to constantly stir it as you would when cooking on a stovetop. Simply put the mince into the air fryer basket, season it, and let it cook. This frees up your time and attention to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your meal prepares itself!

Less mess and easier cleanup

The fat from the mince drains away through the perforations in the air fryer basket, so you don't have to worry about straining or scooping it out manually. This makes for a much easier and less messy cleanup process.

Faster cooking time

Air fryers can cook mince in as little as 5 to 10 minutes, which is significantly faster than traditional cooking methods. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.

Even cooking

The air fryer cooks the mince evenly, so you don't have to worry about hot spots or unevenly cooked meat.

Healthier option

The fat drains away from the mince as it cooks in the air fryer, resulting in leaner meat. This makes it a healthier option compared to cooking methods where the meat cooks in its own fat.

Versatility

Air-fried mince can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, pasta, salads, rice bowls, breakfast dishes, and more. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to create a variety of flavors.

What type of mince to use in an air fryer

When it comes to choosing the right type of mince to use in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide on the fat content of the mince. If you're looking for a healthier option, go for leaner beef with a lower fat percentage. This is a good choice if you're making dishes like tacos or sauces where you don't want the mince to be too greasy. On the other hand, if you're going for a juicier, more indulgent option, choose a higher fat content. This is perfect for burgers, meatloaf, or dishes where you want a richer flavour.

Another thing to keep in mind is the cooking time and temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking mince in the air fryer at around 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the quantity of mince and the desired doneness. If you're using leaner mince, you might want to add a bit of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent it from drying out. It's also important to stir the mince a few times during cooking to break it up into smaller pieces and ensure even cooking.

In terms of seasoning, salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the natural flavour of the beef. You can also add other spices and herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favourite spice blend to customise the flavour. If you're making taco meat, for example, you can mix in some taco seasoning before air frying.

Overall, the type of mince you use in an air fryer will depend on your personal preference and the dish you're making. Whether you choose leaner or fattier mince, the air fryer is a convenient and hands-off way to cook mince with less mess and faster cooking times compared to traditional stovetop methods.

What to make with mince cooked in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook mince in an air fryer! It's a simple, no-fuss, no-mess method that takes less time than cooking mince on a hob. Here are some ideas for what to make with mince cooked in an air fryer:

Tacos, Taco Bowls, and Taco Meat Bowls

Add your favourite taco seasoning to the mince and serve with taco shells, or in bowls with rice, salad, and other toppings. You can also add taco seasoning to mince and use it to make Air Fryer Big Mac Egg Rolls, Air Fryer Street Tacos, and Air Fryer Beef Taco Bowls.

Nachos

Use mince cooked in an air fryer as a topping for nachos, along with cheese, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings.

Salads

Add mince to a salad with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favourite salad dressing.

Pasta

Mix mince with spaghetti and pasta sauce for a quick and easy meal. You could also use mince in a creamy ground beef pasta, or in stuffed shells with ground beef.

Rice Bowls

Serve mince with rice, along with vegetables and sauce, for a tasty rice bowl.

Burgers

Use the mince to make burger patties, and serve with French fries.

Breakfast

Add mince to your morning eggs and cheese for a hearty breakfast, or use it in a breakfast burrito.

Frequently asked questions