Air Fryer Hack: Best Way To Cook Burgers?

Air fryers are a great way to cook burgers, whether you're after a quick bite or a juicy, tender meal. They're fast, convenient, and easy to use, and can cook burgers to perfection in just a few minutes. You can even make cheeseburgers in the air fryer by adding cheese during the last minute of cooking. If you're looking for a delicious, hassle-free way to cook burgers, the air fryer is a fantastic option.

Air fryer burgers: cooking time and temperature

Air fryer burgers are a quick and convenient way to get that juicy burger taste without the need for a grill. They are healthier, faster, and less messy than traditional cooking methods.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer burgers will depend on your desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide:

• For medium-rare burgers, cook at 360°F/180°C for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For medium burgers, cook at 375°F/190°C for 8-10 minutes, flipping after 6 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 155°F/68°C.
• For well-done burgers, cook at 375°F/190°C for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F-165°F/71°C-74°C.

Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Burgers:

• Use an 80/20 blend of ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Don't be shy with the seasoning! Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Create a dimple in the center of each patty to prevent swelling during cooking.
• Cook in batches if necessary, leaving some space around each patty for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty for doneness.
• For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.

How to make burgers juicy

Choosing the Meat

When making burgers in an air fryer, choosing the right type of meat is essential to ensure they stay juicy. Opt for ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 or 85/15. This blend has just enough fat to keep the patties juicy without too much grease. If you prefer leaner meat, you can go for 90% lean ground beef, but be sure to add a little olive oil to keep the burgers moist.

Seasoning

Don't be shy when it comes to seasoning your meat. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will enhance the natural flavours of the beef. You can also add a dash of onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce for a salty, umami flavour. For something different, try white pepper – a little goes a long way, and it gives the burgers that little something extra.

Preparing the Meat

When preparing the meat, be careful not to overwork it by squishing or mixing it too much. Overworking the meat can result in tough, dry burgers. Gently work in the seasonings, and form the meat into four equally-sized patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Use your thumb to make a small indent in the centre of each patty – this will prevent the burgers from swelling up during cooking.

Cooking the Burgers

Preheat your air fryer to around 370-375°F. Place the patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space around each one. Cook for around 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for a further 3-5 minutes, or until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F for medium-well to well done. If you're adding cheese, pop it on during the last minute of cooking so it gets nice and melty.

Serving

Let the burgers rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the juices to settle back into the patties. Serve on brioche buns, or pretzel buns, with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Storing and Reheating

Air fryer burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 4 months. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or warm them in a skillet with a bit of water to prevent drying out.

How to stop burgers from sticking

If you're cooking burgers in an air fryer, you might be concerned about them sticking to the basket. Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent this from happening. Here are some tips to ensure your burgers come out perfectly every time:

Use Parchment Liners

Special parchment liners designed for air fryers can be placed at the bottom of the basket to prevent sticking. They also make clean-up easier.

Grease the Air Fryer Basket

Before placing the patties in the air fryer, lightly grease the basket using cooking spray or a brush dipped in oil. This will create a barrier between the basket and the burgers, reducing the chances of sticking.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

Make sure to leave space between each patty in the air fryer basket. This allows for proper air circulation and helps prevent the patties from cooking unevenly.

Flip the Burgers Halfway Through

Flipping the burgers gently with a spatula halfway through the cooking time will ensure even browning and reduce the chances of sticking.

Avoid Overhandling the Meat

When shaping your patties, avoid overhandling the meat. Overworking the ground beef can result in dense and tough patties, which may be more prone to sticking.

Create an Indentation in the Center

Before cooking, make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This prevents the patties from puffing up or bulging in the middle during cooking, which can cause them to stick to the basket.

Choose the Right Type of Beef

Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, preferably around 80%. The fat helps keep the patties moist and juicy, reducing the likelihood of sticking.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the patties inside. This ensures that the cooking process starts immediately and reduces the chances of the burgers sticking to the basket.

Reheating burgers in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Burgers

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C. This temperature will ensure your burgers heat through without drying out.
• Place your leftover burgers in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the burgers to allow for even heating. You may need to reheat them in batches if you have a lot of burgers or a smaller air fryer.

Step 2: Reheat the Burgers

• Heat the burgers for 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F/175°C. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
• Flip the burgers halfway through the reheating process. This will help ensure even heating and prevent them from drying out.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

• Once the burgers are heated through, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure every bite is juicy.
• Assemble your burgers by placing them on buns and adding your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or condiments.
• Serve and enjoy! Your reheated burgers will taste almost as good as freshly cooked ones!

Tips for Reheating Burgers in an Air Fryer:

• If your burgers have been frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This will ensure more even heating.
• You can also reheat frozen burgers in the air fryer, but they will take longer. Cook at 350°F/175°C for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• To add some extra crispiness to your buns, you can place them in the air fryer for a minute or two until they are lightly toasted. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• If you want to melt cheese on your burgers, add a slice during the last minute of cooking. You can also sprinkle shredded cheese, which melts more easily.

Can you cook frozen burgers in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer. It is a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook burgers without the mess of firing up a grill or cleaning up grease splatters. The air fryer's high heat and even cooking mean your burger should be firm and juicy.

How to Cook Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer:

Firstly, there is no need to thaw your frozen burgers. Simply take them straight from the freezer and season them with salt and pepper, or a seasoning of your choice. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F. Place the frozen, seasoned patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer—do not stack or overlap them. For a 1/4 to 1/2 pound burger, cook for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook for around 14 to 16 minutes, and for a well-done burger, cook for 17 to 20 minutes. If you are cooking thinner patties, 10 minutes should be enough.

You do not need to flip the burgers while they are cooking, but if your patties overlap in the air fryer, you should flip them halfway through the cooking time.

Once the burgers are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and assemble them on hamburger buns with your desired toppings and condiments.

Tips:

• To add cheese to your burger, place a slice on top of the cooked patty and close the air fryer for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt.
• To prevent grease from causing smoke in the air fryer, add a splash of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• If you are worried about grease, you can also line the bottom of the air fryer basket with foil or bread to catch the drippings.
• To check if your burgers are cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties have reached the correct internal temperature.
• If you are cooking more than one burger, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overlapping.

Frequently asked questions