Air Frying Frozen Patty Perfection: Can You Do It?

Yes, you can cook frozen patties in an air fryer. It is a quick and convenient way to make burgers, with minimal cleanup required. The air fryer's convection technology cooks frozen food evenly, browning the exterior without burning it. Depending on the desired level of doneness, the cooking time for frozen patties in an air fryer typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes.

How long to cook frozen burger patties for different levels of doneness

Yes, you can cook frozen burger patties in an air fryer. It's a convenient, quick, and easy way to cook burgers with minimal cleanup required.

Rare

Cook for approximately 10-13 minutes in a 350°F air fryer, or 3-4 minutes at 390°F. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the patty should read between 120-125°F (49-52°C).

Medium-Rare

Cook for approximately 13-16 minutes in a 350°F air fryer, 8 minutes at 390°F, or 14-16 minutes in a 370°F air fryer. The thermometer reading should be between 130-135°F (54-57°C).

Medium

Cook for approximately 15-17 minutes in a 350°F air fryer, 10 minutes at 390°F, or 15-16 minutes in a 370°F air fryer. The thermometer reading should be between 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Medium-Well

Cook for approximately 16-18 minutes in a 350°F air fryer, 15 minutes at 390°F, or 16-18 minutes in a 370°F air fryer. The thermometer reading should be between 150-155°F (66-68°C).

Well-Done

Cook for approximately 17-20 minutes in a 350°F air fryer, 17-20 minutes in a 370°F air fryer, or 8 minutes at 390°F. The thermometer reading should be at 160°F (71°C).

Please note that cooking times may vary depending on the size, thickness, and type of patty, as well as the size of your air fryer. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to prevent an air fryer from smoking

Yes, you can cook frozen patties in an air fryer. It's a convenient alternative to deep-frying, grilling, or baking, as the air fryer's convection technology moves hot air around the frozen meat, thawing and browning the patty.

To prevent an air fryer from smoking, there are several things you can do:

• Turn down the heat: If your air fryer cooks extra hot, lower the temperature setting.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Ensure there is adequate space between the patties for proper air circulation. Overlapping patties can cause uneven cooking and burning, which leads to smoke.
• Ventilation: Make sure your air fryer is set up in a well-ventilated area, with enough space around it for air to circulate around the vents.
• Absorb grease: Place slices of bread or two tablespoons of water underneath the basket to absorb excess grease and prevent it from splattering and burning.
• Clean regularly: Leftover grease, oils, or food particles on the heating element can cause smoking. Clean your air fryer after each use, and ensure it is free from grease residue.
• Line the drip pan: When cooking fatty foods, line the drip pan with foil or parchment paper to catch the grease and prevent it from dripping onto the hot drip pan, which can cause smoking.

How to store and reheat frozen burgers

Yes, you can put frozen patties in an air fryer. It's a convenient alternative to deep-frying, grilling, or baking. The air fryer's convection technology cooks frozen food quickly and evenly, browning the exterior without burning it.

How to Store Frozen Burgers

To store uncooked frozen burgers, separate them with pieces of parchment paper and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.

How to Reheat Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer

To reheat frozen burgers in an air fryer, separate the frozen patties and spritz them lightly with cooking spray. Season the patties with salt and pepper. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and arrange the patties in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until a thermometer reads 160°. For cheeseburgers, add the cheese after removing the patties from the air fryer and cover them with a plate to help melt the cheese.

How to Reheat Frozen Burgers in an Oven

Another option for reheating frozen burgers is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F to 400°F and place the patties directly onto a wire rack inside a baking sheet. Cook for about 3 minutes, then flip the patties and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

How to Reheat Frozen Burgers on a Stove

If you don't have access to an air fryer or an oven, you can also reheat frozen burgers on a stove. Add water to cover the bottom of a pan and place the burger in the center. Heat on medium and cover the pan. Let the burger cook for 5 to 7 minutes.

Tips for Reheating Frozen Burgers

• It is best to reheat plain patties as condiments and toppings may melt or get messy. Add toppings after reheating.
• If using an oven, you can reheat the buns along with the patties, but they will likely need less time in the oven.
• Before reheating, let the frozen burgers come to room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes to ensure even heating.
• When using an air fryer, there is no need to flip the burgers halfway through cooking.

How to season frozen burger patties

Yes, you can put frozen patties in an air fryer. In fact, cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is a convenient alternative to recipes that include deep-frying, grilling, or baking. The air fryer's convection technology moves hot air around the frozen meat, thawing and browning the patty without burning it.

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

Take the desired number of frozen patties out of the freezer. If you are using store-bought patties, they are usually quite thin, but if you have made and frozen your own patties, they may be thicker. Thicker patties will need a little more time in the air fryer.

Spritz or spray both sides of the frozen patties with cooking spray or water. The spray will help the patties brown in the air fryer. You can also spritz the patties with water so that the seasoning will stick better.

Now, season the patties. A simple and classic combination is salt and pepper, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. You can also add black pepper and/or steak seasoning. Be generous with the seasoning as seasoning on frozen meat doesn't have as much time to penetrate.

Step 2: Air-Fry the Frozen Hamburgers

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F. The higher the temperature, the faster the patties will cook.

Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping or stacked, as this will ensure they cook evenly. If your air fryer is not big enough to fit all the patties in a single layer, cook them in multiple batches.

Cook the patties for about 20 minutes at 350°F, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. If your air fryer is set to a higher temperature, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a 390°F air fryer, cook the patties for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on how well done you like your burgers.

Use a meat thermometer to check if the patties are done to your liking. For a rare burger, the internal temperature should be 120-125℉ (49-52℃). For medium-rare, aim for 130-135℉ (54-57℃). A temperature of 140-145℉ (60-63℃) is ideal for a medium burger, while 150-155℉ (66-68℃) is medium-well. Well-done burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160-165℉ (71℃).

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Once the patties are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer. If you are making cheeseburgers, now is the time to add the cheese. Place the cheese on the hot patties and cover them to help the cheese melt.

Serve the patties on toasted hamburger buns with your choice of toppings and accompaniments. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If you are cooking multiple patties, be sure to leave some space between them in the air fryer for proper circulation.
• You can double or triple the recipe if you are cooking for a larger group, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• If you want to add toppings like cheese, bacon, or sauces, wait until the air fryer is off before adding them, otherwise, it will create a mess inside the basket.
• Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Enjoy your juicy and flavorful air-fried burgers!

What to serve with air fryer frozen burgers

So, you're making air fryer frozen burgers and want to know what to serve with them? Well, you're in luck! There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you're looking for classic burger sides or something a little more unique. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Sides

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Tater toots
• Potato salad
• Corn on the cob

Keto Options

If you're looking for a low-carb option to serve with your air fryer frozen burgers, consider skipping the bun and serving the burger on a bed of lettuce instead. Load it up with your favourite veggies like sliced tomatoes, red onions, and pickles. You can also add cheese, bacon, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavour and texture.

Salads

If you're looking for something a little lighter to accompany your burger, a side salad can be a great option. Try a classic garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favourite dressing. Or, mix things up with a pasta salad or potato salad.

Other Sides

• Air fryer vegetables: Try asparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower.
• Baked beans: Barbecue baked beans can be a great side dish to pair with your burger.
• Soup: A warm bowl of soup can be a comforting option to serve alongside your burger. Try a creamy broccoli and cauliflower soup or a classic tomato soup.

Toppings

Don't forget to load up your burger with your favourite toppings! In addition to the classic lettuce, tomato, and onion, you can also try:

• Sauteed mushrooms and onions
• Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese slices
• Bacon
• Jalapenos
• Avocado
• Pickles

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and satisfying meal with your air fryer frozen burgers. Get creative, and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions