Air-Fried Smash Burgers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Making smash burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, flavoursome burger. The technique involves smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot cooking surface to create a thin patty with a large surface area. This method of cooking is usually done on a griddle or cast-iron skillet, but an air fryer can produce similarly delicious results.

The air fryer's high heat helps to crisp the edges of the burger while keeping the inside moist, and its even cooking temperature ensures the burgers are cooked perfectly every time.

How to make smash burgers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef (ideally an 80/20 blend of lean to fat, but 90/10 works too)
• Salt and pepper
• Cheese slices (optional)
• Hamburger buns
• Condiments and toppings of your choice
• Non-stick cooking spray or oil
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Water

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Divide the ground beef into equal portions and roll them into loose balls. Don't overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
• Place a ball of beef in the air fryer basket and use a spatula or burger press to smash it into a thin patty. This will increase the surface area and give you a crispy exterior. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.
• Season the top of each patty with salt and pepper.
• Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook for about 5-8 minutes for medium-rare to medium, or longer for well-done. If you're adding cheese, place it on the patties during the last minute of cooking so it has time to melt.
• Place the cooked patties on the buns, add your chosen toppings, and enjoy!

Tips

• To prevent sticking, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush with oil before heating. You can also place a square of parchment paper on top of the beef ball before smashing.
• Always add water to the bottom of your air fryer basket when cooking high-fat foods like ground beef. This will catch the fat that drips off the meat and prevent smoking.
• If you want to toast your burger buns, you can add them to the air fryer for a minute or two before assembling your burger.
• Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the patty.

Why make smash burgers in an air fryer

Making smash burgers in an air fryer is a great alternative to using a grill or cast-iron skillet. Here are some reasons why you might want to use an air fryer for your next batch of smash burgers:

Healthier Option

Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, requiring less oil than traditional frying methods. This means that you can enjoy a lower fat and calorie burger without compromising on the crispy texture and juicy interior that makes smash burgers so popular. The air fryer also allows excess fat to drip away from the patties, resulting in a leaner burger.

Consistent Cooking

Air fryers provide consistent and even cooking temperatures, ensuring that your smash burgers are cooked perfectly every time. This is especially useful if you're still learning how to cook burgers to your desired level of doneness.

Convenience and Cleanliness

Using an air fryer can be more convenient and less messy than pan-frying or grilling. There's no need to deal with splattering oil or the hassle of firing up the grill, making the cooking and cleanup process simpler and quicker. This is ideal for quick meals with minimal fuss.

All-Weather Cooking

Since the air fryer is used indoors, you can enjoy delicious smash burgers year-round without having to worry about the weather outside. This makes it a great option for those in colder climates or anyone looking for a convenient and weather-independent cooking method.

Flavor and Texture

The high heat of the air fryer helps to crisp the edges of the burger while keeping the inside moist and juicy. This creates the signature crispy edges and juicy center that smash burger enthusiasts love. The intense heat and pressure of the air fryer also create a rich, caramelized crust on the outside of the patty, enhancing the flavor through the Maillard reaction.

Tips for making smash burgers in an air fryer

Pre-cooking tips

• Use high-quality ground beef with a higher fat content, such as an 80/20 blend of lean meat to fat. This will ensure your burgers are juicy and flavourful.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will create a hot environment for cooking the burgers quickly and evenly.
• Handle the ground beef gently and form it into small, loose balls. Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers.
• Lightly spray the basket or tray with cooking oil to avoid sticking.
• Parchment paper can be placed on top of the beef balls before smashing to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Avoid overcrowding the fryer basket so each patty has room to cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.

Cooking tips

• Place a ball of beef in the air fryer basket and use a spatula or burger press to smash it into a thin patty.
• Season the patties with salt and pepper, and other seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder.
• Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook for about 5 minutes for medium-rare to medium, or longer for well-done.
• If you're adding cheese, place it on the patties about a minute or two before the finished cooking time so it has a chance to melt.
• Toast your burger buns in the air fryer first to reduce the amount of equipment needed and create less cleanup afterward.

Post-cooking tips

• Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the meat retain its juices.
• Experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and types of buns to find your perfect combination.

How to prevent smash burgers from sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can make smash burgers in an air fryer! Here are some tips to prevent your smash burgers from sticking to the air fryer:

Use parchment paper

Place a square of parchment paper on top of the beef ball before smashing it down. This will not only prevent sticking but will also make clean-up easier.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray

Spraying the basket with a non-stick cooking spray before heating it up can help prevent sticking.

Use a brush of oil on the spatula

If you are using a spatula to smash your burgers, a slight brush of oil on the spatula can prevent sticking.

Place parchment paper on the spatula

Using a piece of parchment paper on the spatula before smashing can also prevent sticking.

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket

Cook in batches if necessary, to ensure enough space around each burger for air circulation. This will help achieve an even cook and a nice crust on every burger.

Are air fryer smash burgers healthier than grilled or pan-fried burgers?

Yes, air fryer smash burgers can be healthier than grilled or pan-fried burgers. The air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air around it, requiring less oil than traditional frying methods. This can result in a lower fat and calorie burger without compromising on the crispy texture and juicy interior that smash burgers are known for. The air fryer also allows excess fat to drip away from the patties, which can result in a leaner burger.

However, the overall healthiness of the burger also depends on the choice of ingredients and toppings. For example, if you use fatty ground beef or add cheese and bacon, your burger may not be as healthy as a grilled or pan-fried burger with leaner ingredients.

In addition to the potential health benefits, the air fryer offers consistent and even cooking temperatures, convenience, and cleanliness compared to pan-frying or grilling. There’s no need to deal with splattering oil or fire up the grill, making the cooking and cleanup process simpler and quicker. This is especially useful for quick meals with minimal fuss and for those in colder climates who don't want to brave the elements to grill outside.

The high heat of the air fryer helps to crisp the edges of the burger while keeping the inside moist, producing a surprisingly similar texture to traditional smash burgers. The consistent high temperature also enables the Maillard reaction, creating a thin, crispy, browned crust that enhances the flavour of the burger.

To make smash burgers in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Then, divide your ground beef into equal portions and roll them into loose balls. Place a ball of beef in the air fryer basket and use a spatula or burger press to smash it into a thin patty. Season with salt and pepper, then slide the basket into the air fryer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. If you're adding cheese, place it on the patties during the last minute of cooking to melt.

So, if you're looking for a healthier, convenient, and tasty way to enjoy smash burgers, give the air fryer a try! Just remember that the overall healthiness of your burger will depend on the ingredients and toppings you choose.

Frequently asked questions