Air-Frying Beef Burgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook beef burgers in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to get a quick, juicy burger without the mess of pan-frying or the hassle of grilling. Air fryers can give you a perfectly cooked burger with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior in just 20 minutes or less. Plus, you can use less oil, making it a healthier option.

How long to cook beef burgers in an air fryer?

The cooking time for beef burgers in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the patties and how well-done you like your burgers. For a medium-thick burger cooked to a medium doneness, it will take around 7 minutes. If you want your burgers cooked to medium to well-done, they will take 10-15 minutes.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F/190°C for 5 minutes. This is a good temperature for cooking beef burgers as it will give them a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with your desired seasonings. You can use simple seasonings like salt and pepper, or get creative with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper. Mix the ingredients with your hands to ensure they are well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat as it can make the burgers tough and dry.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the burger mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties. A typical 1 lb of meat will yield 4 hamburger patties. Make the patties slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps prevent the patties from bulging up in the middle during cooking.

Step 4: Place the Patties in the Air Fryer

Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

Step 5: Cook the Burgers

Cook the burgers for 6 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on your desired doneness. For a well-done burger, you may need to add an extra 2 minutes to the cooking time.

Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. The residual heat will melt the cheese nicely.

Step 7: Check the Doneness

To ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. For ground beef, the recommended internal temperature is at least 160°F/71°C.

Step 8: Serve the Burgers

Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before assembling them with your favorite condiments and toppings. Serve them on buns or enjoy them without, depending on your preference.

Tips for Cooking Beef Burgers in an Air Fryer:

• Always use meat with a bit of fat (an 80/20 blend is ideal) to keep the burgers moist and juicy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between the patties to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Let the burgers rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to settle back into the patties, ensuring each bite is perfectly juicy.

What temperature to cook beef burgers in an air fryer?

Cooking Beef Burgers in an Air Fryer

Beef burgers can be cooked in an air fryer at a range of temperatures, depending on the level of doneness you prefer.

Pre-Prepared vs. Homemade Patties

Before we get into the temperatures, it's worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on whether you're using pre-prepared or homemade beef patties. Pre-prepared patties that contain breadcrumbs and eggs will need to be cooked at a lower temperature for longer, whereas fresh beef patties that are around ¼ - ½ inch thick should be cooked on high heat for a shorter time to retain their juices.

Temperature and Timing

Sources suggest cooking beef burgers in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 360°F to 400°F. The lower temperatures are better for thicker patties, while the higher temperatures are suitable for thinner patties.

• 370°F/190°C for 9 minutes in total (6 minutes on one side, then 3 minutes on the other)
• 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping at the 6-minute mark
• 360°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through (for 1/4 pound patties)
• 360°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through (for 1/3 pound patties)
• 400°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, for medium doneness (add 2 minutes for well-done)

Doneness

To check if your beef burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a kitchen thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the patties. Here are the temperature ranges for different levels of doneness:

• Rare: 120-125°F (52°C)
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (63°C)
• Medium-well: 150-155°F (68°C)
• Well-done: 160°F (71°C) and above

How to stop beef burgers from sticking to the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook beef burgers in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent your beef burgers from sticking to the air fryer:

Firstly, ensure that you preheat your air fryer. This will help to ensure that your burgers cook evenly and don't stick. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 370°F/190°C and 390°F/199°C. However, you should always check the instructions for your specific air fryer model.

Secondly, use oil. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or brush it on to create a non-stick layer. Use a neutral cooking oil that can withstand high temperatures.

Thirdly, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the burgers have enough space to cook without touching. This will allow the heat to circulate and the patties to cook evenly.

Finally, if you're concerned about sticking, you can use parchment paper or liners designed for air fryers. These will make cleaning up easier and provide an extra layer of protection against sticking.

What to serve with beef burgers cooked in an air fryer?

There are many side dishes that you can serve with beef burgers cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Fries

Sweet potato fries are a healthier, brighter option than regular French fries. You can season them with garlic powder and rosemary for extra flavour. You can also make zucchini fries in the air fryer by slicing up zucchini, drizzling them with olive oil, and coating them with breadcrumbs, oregano, and Parmesan.

Salads

A refreshing salad can be a great side dish for a beef burger. Some options include a corn and avocado salad, a tomato and avocado salad, a melon and cucumber salad, a shaved fennel, zucchini, and celery salad, or a cucumber, red onion, and dill salad. You can also make a Jennifer Aniston Salad, which includes protein-rich quinoa, crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, chickpeas, and feta cheese, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Vegetables

Roasted sweet potatoes with a tangy dill dipping sauce, grilled asparagus, or grilled corn on the cob can be delicious and healthy side dishes. You can also make Mexican Street Corn, which is a mix of crispy sweet corn, creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and spices, with a pop of lime juice.

Other Sides

Some other side dish options include coleslaw, baked beans, onion rings, roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini chips, or a classic potato salad.

How to reheat beef burgers in an air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat beef burgers in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to note that you can reheat cooked beef burgers in the air fryer. If you are cooking raw beef burgers, the process is slightly different, and you should refer to a specific recipe for that.

To reheat your cooked burgers, set your air fryer to 350°F/175°C. Place the burgers inside, ensuring they have space around them for the air to circulate. You may need to reheat them in batches if you are reheating multiple burgers.

Reheat the burgers for 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will ensure they are heated through evenly.

You can then remove the burgers from the air fryer and serve them with your choice of toppings and sides.

Reheating beef burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them hot and crispy again, without drying them out. It is a convenient method that will have your burgers tasting as good as new!

Frequently asked questions