Air-Frying Ground Beef: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook ground beef in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook ground beef, and it's perfect for busy weeknights. Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is more hands-off than cooking it on the stove, as you don't need to stir it as often. The fat also drains away as it cooks, leaving you with leaner meat. Simply season the ground beef, place it in the air fryer basket, and cook at 380-400°F for 5 minutes. Stir it up, then cook for another 3-5 minutes until it's done to your liking.

How to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef (up to 1 and 1/2 pounds)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, taco seasoning)
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the ground beef into the basket of the air fryer.
• Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the seasonings in.
• Air fry the beef for 5 minutes.
• Remove the basket and break up the beef into smaller pieces.
• Air fry for another 3-5 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked.
• Remove the basket and drain any remaining fat.

Tips

• Choose the right fat content for your dish. For example, extra lean meat is great for tacos and sauces, while a higher fat content is ideal for burgers and meatloaf.
• Don't skimp on the seasoning! Ground beef absorbs flavours well, so be generous.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to sear the meat, locking in juices and flavour.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
• Let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Drain excess fat, especially if using higher-fat ground beef.

Benefits of cooking ground beef in an air fryer

There are several benefits to cooking ground beef in an air fryer. Here are some of them:

Ease of Cooking

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional stovetop cooking methods. They are easy to use and require very little hands-on time, as you don't need to constantly stir the meat. This means you can prepare other parts of your meal simultaneously without having to worry about your ground beef burning or overcooking.

Faster Cooking Time

Air fryers significantly reduce the cooking time for ground beef. Depending on the amount of ground beef you are cooking, it usually takes around 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer, which is much faster than cooking it on a stovetop.

Healthier Option

The air fryer's ability to drain away fat while cooking means that you end up with a healthier, leaner, and less greasy meal. The perforations in the air fryer basket allow the fat to drip off the meat, and you are left with tender, flavorful ground beef that is not sitting in excess oil or fat.

Easy Clean-up

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer also means there is less clean-up afterward. The fat is drained away during the cooking process, so you don't have to worry about scooping it out or straining it afterward. Additionally, you only need one pan to cook the ground beef, making clean-up a breeze.

Versatility

Ground beef cooked in an air fryer can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, pasta dishes, sandwiches, burgers, stuffed peppers, and more. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to create different flavor profiles, such as Mexican, Italian, or Pizza-style.

Consistent Results

Air fryers provide consistent results each time you cook ground beef. The circulating air cooks the meat evenly, ensuring that it is perfectly browned and cooked through without any pink spots. This is a great advantage over stovetop cooking, where it can be challenging to achieve even browning and cooking.

Best type of ground beef to use in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook ground beef in an air fryer! It's an awesome hack that makes cooking ground beef so much easier. The best type of ground beef to use in an air fryer will depend on your recipe and desired outcome.

If you're looking for a healthier dish, opt for leaner ground beef with less fat content. This will give you a lower-calorie option that's still packed with flavour. Lean ground beef is perfect for tacos, sauces, and other dishes where you don't want the meat to be too greasy.

On the other hand, if you're craving something juicier and more indulgent, go for a higher fat content ground beef. This will give your burgers, meatloaf, and other dishes a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

No matter which type of ground beef you choose, the air fryer is a great way to cook it. You'll get evenly cooked, flavourful meat with minimal effort and clean-up. Simply season the ground beef, place it in the air fryer basket, and let it cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's browned and cooked through.

So, whether you're making tacos, burgers, meatloaf, or something else, the air fryer is a convenient and effective way to cook ground beef to perfection.

How to season ground beef for the air fryer

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a versatile protein that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook ground beef in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Start by ensuring that you have thawed ground beef. If your ground beef is frozen, be sure to defrost it before cooking for more even results. Choose a fat content that suits your recipe—a leaner option for healthier dishes or a higher fat content for juicier outcomes.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating helps ensure an even cooking temperature and a good sear on the meat.

Step 3: Season the Ground Beef

While the air fryer is preheating, season your ground beef with your favourite spices and herbs. You can start with basic seasonings like salt and pepper, and then add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, or a specialty blend like taco seasoning or Italian seasoning. Don't be afraid to season generously, as ground beef absorbs flavours well. If you're making taco meat, add taco seasonings to the ground beef and mix well.

Step 4: Form and Place the Ground Beef in the Air Fryer

Next, form the seasoned ground beef into patties, or crumble it for recipes like tacos or chili. Ensure the thickness is even throughout for consistent cooking. Place the ground beef in a single layer in the fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper airflow and even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Ground Beef

Cook the ground beef at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the ground beef and your desired level of doneness. For medium to well-done beef, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the ground beef from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Now your ground beef is ready to be used in your favourite recipes, such as tacos, pastas, burgers, and more!

What to make with air-fried ground beef

Yes, you can cook ground beef in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook ground beef! Here are some ideas for what to make with air-fried ground beef:

Tacos

Air-fried ground beef is perfect for tacos. You can add taco seasoning to the beef as it cooks in the air fryer, and then simply spoon the beef into taco shells and add your favourite toppings.

Taco Salad

For a healthier option, you could use air-fried ground beef in a taco salad. Cook the beef in the air fryer with taco seasoning, and then serve it on a bed of lettuce with chopped tomatoes, grated cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Air-fried ground beef can also be used in spaghetti Bolognese. Simply cook the beef in the air fryer with some garlic powder and onion powder, and then add it to a pot of tomato sauce. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes, and then serve it over cooked spaghetti.

Cheeseburger Sliders

Another option is to make cheeseburger sliders. You can cook the ground beef in the air fryer and then form it into small patties. Serve the sliders on mini buns with a slice of cheese, some lettuce, and a pickle.

Street Tacos

Air-fried ground beef is also great for making street tacos. You can cook the beef with some chili powder and cumin for extra flavour, and then serve it on small corn tortillas with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Beef Casserole

For a heartier option, you can use air-fried ground beef to make a beef casserole. Cook the beef in the air fryer and then add it to a baking dish with some diced vegetables, a can of diced tomatoes, and a package of beef casserole seasoning. Bake the casserole in the oven until it's bubbly and serve it with some crusty bread.

So, there you have it! These are just a few ideas for what to make with air-fried ground beef. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different recipes. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions