Air-Fryer Bubba Burgers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Bubba Burgers are frozen hamburgers that can be cooked from frozen, with no artificial ingredients, and are available in beef, turkey, or veggie options. They can be cooked in an air fryer in around 15 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your burger. The air fryer method is quick, convenient, and results in a juicy burger with a crispy exterior.

How long to cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer

Cooking Frozen Bubba Burgers in an Air Fryer

Bubba Burgers are frozen hamburgers that are ready to cook straight from the freezer. They can be cooked in an air fryer in about 15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, preheat your air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, place the frozen Bubba Burgers on a sheet tray. Spray both sides with olive oil spray and season with seasoned salt and black pepper, if desired.

Once the air fryer is heated, place the frozen burgers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Close the air fryer and cook for 13-15 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through.

The cooking time will depend on how well-done you like your burger. For a rare burger, cook for 8-10 minutes, for medium, cook for 10-12 minutes, and for well-done, cook for 12-15 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—a rare burger should have an internal temperature of 120°F, medium should be 150°F, and well-done should be 160°F.

If you are making cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to each burger after cooking and place the air fryer basket back inside. The residual heat will melt the cheese in about 30-45 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Bubba Burgers on a bun, roll, or in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. Add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, sauce, bacon, or fried onions.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the burgers back in the air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.

How to serve air fryer Bubba Burgers

Air fryer Bubba Burgers are a quick and convenient meal option, perfect for busy days or last-minute dinners. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to serve delicious and juicy Bubba Burgers using your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Burgers

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (some sources suggest 375°F) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, take your frozen Bubba Burgers out of the box and place them on a sheet tray. You can use any variety of Bubba Burgers, such as beef, turkey, or veggie patties.

Step 2: Season the Burgers (Optional)

Spray both sides of the burgers with olive oil spray or a neutral-flavored oil. This step is optional, but it helps the seasonings stick to the patties better. You can then season the burgers with your favourite spices. Popular options include seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, steak seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Place the seasoned burgers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Set the temperature to 370°F and cook for about 15 minutes for well-done burgers. If you prefer your burgers medium or medium-rare, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a medium-rare burger, aim for 8-10 minutes, and for medium, try 10-12 minutes. Flip the burgers halfway through cooking for even browning.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you're making cheeseburgers, now is the time to add a slice of cheese. Place a slice of your favourite cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or American, on top of each burger. Put the burgers back into the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese for about a minute. Keep the air fryer turned off during this step to avoid overcooking the burgers.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Remove the burgers from the air fryer and place them on a plate. You can serve the burgers on a toasted bun with classic toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo. For a low-carb option, skip the bun and serve the burger in a lettuce wrap or on a bed of greens. Don't forget to check the internal temperature of the burgers with a meat thermometer. The recommended internal temperature for fully cooked beef is 160°F.

Tips and Variations:

• Always ensure proper airflow by placing the burgers in a single layer and not overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Flipping the burgers halfway through cooking promotes even browning and a perfect crust.
• If you're making cheeseburgers, add the cheese after cooking, as it will melt perfectly from the residual heat without overcooking the burger.
• Season the burgers after cooking, as seasonings don't stick well to frozen patties.
• You can also cook Bubba Burgers from a thawed state, pounding them flat and cooking for about 5 minutes on each side at 400°F for a slightly pink centre.

Benefits of cooking Bubba Burgers in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and effective way to cook Bubba Burgers, offering several advantages over traditional cooking methods. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer for your Bubba Burgers:

Quick and Convenient

Cooking Bubba Burgers in an air fryer is incredibly fast and convenient. You can go from frozen patties to delicious, juicy burgers in just about 15 minutes. There is no need to thaw the burgers beforehand, as they can be placed directly into the air fryer from the freezer. This makes air fryers ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Easy Cleanup

Air fryers contain the cooking process, resulting in minimal grease splatters and smoke. This means less mess and an easier, quicker cleanup compared to traditional stovetop or grill cooking. Adding a piece of foil to the bottom of the air fryer basket can catch grease and make cleanup even simpler.

Juicy and Delicious

Air fryers cook Bubba Burgers evenly, sealing in the juices and flavour. The result is a burger with a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavourful interior—a perfect restaurant-quality burger experience.

Customisable

Air fryers allow you to cook your Bubba Burger to your desired doneness. Whether you prefer your burger well-done or medium-rare, it is easy to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also add toppings like cheese and custom seasonings to suit your taste.

Healthier Cooking Method

Air frying uses less oil than pan-frying or grilling, resulting in a burger with fewer calories and less fat without sacrificing flavour. Air fryers also eliminate the need for added oil or grease, making them a healthier option for cooking Bubba Burgers.

Versatile and Consistent

Air fryers offer a versatile cooking method that can be used indoors or outdoors. They provide consistent results, ensuring your Bubba Burgers are perfectly cooked every time. You can also cook multiple burgers at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.

How to store and reheat Bubba Burgers

Storage

If you have leftover Bubba Burgers, it is recommended that you store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat Bubba Burgers, including using an air fryer, oven, stovetop skillet, or microwave.

Air Fryer

To reheat Bubba Burgers in an air fryer, place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around them for proper air circulation. Lightly brush the patties with oil to keep them juicy and set the air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) for 3-6 minutes. Flip the burgers halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 350-400°F and place the patties on a metal rack over a baking sheet to catch any drippings. Wrap the burgers in foil to retain moisture and reheat for 3-10 minutes. For a crispier exterior, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

Stovetop Skillet

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. For a slightly crispier exterior, consider adding a splash of vegetable broth to the skillet to create steam and keep the burgers juicy.

Microwave

Place the patties on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium/low power for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Regardless of the reheating method, it is important to ensure that the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate harmful bacteria and guarantee food safety.

Seasoning and toppings for Bubba Burgers

Bubba Burgers are made from premium beef, which is tender and rich in flavour. When it comes to seasoning and toppings, you have endless possibilities to take your creation to the next level.

Seasoning

Bubba Burgers are usually seasoned with salt and pepper, but you can also add garlic powder for an extra kick. Other popular seasonings include onion powder, paprika, and various blends such as Montreal steak seasoning, seasoned salt, or even Cajun seasoning. If you want to get creative, experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, chilli powder, or cayenne pepper.

Toppings

The classic toppings for a burger are lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and sauces like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. However, you can elevate your Bubba Burger with unique toppings such as avocado, grilled pineapple, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon. If you're a fan of spicy food, add some heat with sriracha, hot sauce, or spicy pickles.

Cheese

For a classic touch, add a slice of cheese to your Bubba Burger during the last minute of cooking. Cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese are popular choices, but you can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick, blue cheese for a bold flavour, or smoked gouda for a smoky twist.

Bun

While traditional burger buns are a staple, you can also opt for gourmet alternatives like brioche buns, pretzel rolls, or ciabatta bread to take your burger to the next level.

So, whether you're a purist who sticks to the classics or someone who loves to experiment, there are countless ways to season and top your Bubba Burger to make it your own.

Frequently asked questions