Air Fryer Hamburgers: Cooking Convenience?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook hamburgers, keeping them juicy and tender. They can be used to cook fresh or frozen beef patties, with a variety of seasonings and toppings, and even the buns can be toasted in the air fryer. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer and the desired level of doneness, but it usually takes less than 10 minutes. This method is healthier than pan-frying or grilling, as less oil is required, and it also reduces the mess and cleanup time.

Air fryer hamburgers are quick and easy to make

Air fryer hamburgers are a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for busy weeknights. They are also a healthier option than pan-fried or grilled burgers as they require less oil. Plus, the air fryer gives you a juicy burger with a crispy exterior—all cooked to your desired level of doneness.

To make hamburgers in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer. The ideal temperature seems to be around 350–400°F (175–190°C), but this may vary depending on your air fryer, so check the instruction manual. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your beef patties. Combine ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl and mix. Form the mixture into four equally-sized patties, each about 1/2–3/4 inches thick. Remember to make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from bulging in the middle during cooking.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches. Air fry for about 6–8 minutes, then flip the patties and cook for another 3–5 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your patties and your desired level of doneness, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The best way to check if your burgers are done is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

When the patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and add cheese on top, if desired. Place the patties back in the air fryer for another minute or two until the cheese is melted. Finally, serve your hamburgers on toasted buns with your favourite toppings and sauces. Enjoy!

They are healthier than grilled or pan-fried hamburgers

Air fryer hamburgers are healthier than grilled or pan-fried hamburgers. This is because air fryers use less oil, which means less fat and fewer calories. The fatty grease drips off the burgers, and you can use lean ground beef or other types of meat with less fat, such as ground turkey, chicken, or bison.

Air fryers are also a healthier option because they are mess-free and easy to use. You can cook hamburgers in an air fryer in just a few minutes, which is faster than grilling or pan-frying. This makes air fryers ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick and convenient dinner option.

Another benefit of using an air fryer is that it cooks the burgers evenly without the need for flipping, resulting in a consistent texture and taste. The air fryer also gives the burgers a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This is achieved without the need for excessive grease or oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods.

Additionally, air fryers are versatile and allow for easy customization. You can use different cuts of meat, add various spices, and even make plant-based burgers. The options are endless, so you can create healthy and delicious burgers that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Overall, air fryer hamburgers are a healthier choice compared to grilled or pan-fried options. They require less oil, cook faster, and produce a juicy and crispy burger that is full of flavor.

You can use frozen or fresh patties

For fresh patties, it is recommended to use cold meat straight from the fridge. You can use ground beef, with an 80/20 blend of fat to keep the patties juicy without too much grease. However, any ground beef will work, and you can even try ground turkey, chicken, or bison for a different type of burger. Form the meat into patties, roughly 3/4 inches thick and about 4 to 4.5 inches in diameter, making them slightly bigger than the buns to allow for shrinkage.

Add your choice of seasonings to the meat, such as salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. You can also add barbecue sauce to your mixture or brush it onto the patties before cooking. Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from bulging or puffing up during cooking.

You can use ground beef or other meats

If you want to try something other than ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, and bison burgers are all options that can be cooked in an air fryer. These alternatives can be seasoned with salt and pepper, or other spices like garlic powder and onion powder, to taste. You can even make plant-based burgers using impossible meat or beyond meat.

When forming the patties, it's important to make a small indent in the center of each one with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This will prevent the patties from bulging up in the middle during cooking. For ground beef patties, the recommended thickness is about 3/4 inches, but for other meats, a thickness of 1/2 inches may be more suitable.

After forming the patties, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the patties and your desired level of doneness, but generally, it will take around 8-12 minutes for the patties to cook at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F. It's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.

You can add cheese to make cheeseburgers

When making cheeseburgers in an air fryer, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the size of your air fryer. For thicker patties, you'll need to add more time, and if you're using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches. It's also important to use cold meat straight from the fridge for the best results.

To make cheeseburgers in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If you're using ground beef, combine it with your desired seasonings in a medium bowl. Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from bulging up during cooking.

Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes. Then, flip the patties and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your patties.

Once the patties are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and add a slice of cheese to each patty. Place the patties back in the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted to your liking. Serve your cheeseburgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Frequently asked questions