Air-Fryer Burgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy burgers without having to stand over a grill or get your stove dirty. It's also a great option for when it's too cold to grill outside. Air fryers generate less heat than an oven or stove, making them a good low-heat option for summer days. You can use fresh or frozen beef patties, and add cheese and toasted buns for a delicious, melty burger.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking burgers in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired doneness of the meat and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook burgers in an air fryer at temperatures between 350˚F and 400˚F.

For a Cosori 5.8QT Air Fryer, it is suggested to cook burgers at 370°F for 6 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This will result in a medium-rare burger. If you prefer your burgers to be more well-done, you can cook them for a little longer, and if you like them with a bit of pink, cook them for a shorter amount of time. It is important to note that the cook time may vary based on the appliance and the thickness of the burger.

To achieve a medium-rare burger, it is recommended to cook the burgers to an internal temperature of 145°F. For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. However, it is important to note that this will result in a medium to well-done burger.

When cooking burgers in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the burgers are not overlapping in the basket. This will ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent smoking and catch any fat that drips from the meat.

Meat type and seasoning

When it comes to choosing the right meat for your air-fried burgers, most recipes recommend using ground beef. An 80/20 blend of meat to fat is commonly suggested, as this will keep the patties juicy without too much grease. If you prefer a leaner option, you can go for a 90/10 blend, but be aware that your burgers may dry out. For a classic beefy flavor, form the meat into patties, brush with melted butter, and season with salt and pepper.

If you want to add extra flavor to your beef patties, you can try adding some onion and garlic powder to the mix. Fresh onion and garlic won't have enough time to cook, so it's best to opt for the powdered versions. You can also brush your patties with barbecue sauce for a hint of sweetness and to help with caramelization. For a gluten-free option, you can swap out the Worcestershire sauce typically used for coconut aminos to add extra flavor and moisture.

If you're not a fan of beef, you can try using ground turkey for your turkey burgers. Keep in mind that different meats will have varying cook times, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

No matter which type of meat you choose, it's important to use cold meat straight from the fridge for the best results.

Patty formation

Firstly, select the right type of meat for your patties. Ground beef is a popular choice, and you can opt for different fat ratios like 80/20, 85/15, or 90/10, depending on your preference for juiciness and fat content. If you're looking for an alternative to beef, ground turkey is a great option for turkey burgers.

Once you've chosen your meat, it's time to season it. A simple combination of salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder will enhance the flavour of your patties. You can also add barbecue sauce or coconut aminos for extra flavour and moisture. Mix your chosen seasonings with the ground meat until they are evenly distributed.

Now, it's time to form the patties. Use your hands to shape the seasoned meat into individual patties. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch, and a diameter of approximately 4 to 4 1/2 inches. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. A helpful tip is to make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb; this will prevent the patties from swelling during cooking and ensure they stay flat.

Finally, if you're using frozen patties, remember to add a piece of parchment paper between each patty before freezing. Frozen patties can be cooked in the air fryer, but they will need an additional 5-7 minutes of cooking time, depending on their thickness.

By following these steps for patty formation, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, juicy burgers in your air fryer!

Adding cheese

If you are making a large batch of burgers, you can set the cooked burgers aside and add them back to the air fryer basket with the cheese when you are ready to melt it. Then, cook at 400°F for about 3-4 minutes.

Air fryer-melted cheese is melty like never before. You can also toast the buns in the air fryer. Place the buns cut-side up in the air fryer and air fry for 1 minute. Rotate the buns until they are all toasted.

Now you can assemble your cheeseburger! Serve the burgers on toasted buns with burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.

Bun toasting

Toasting your burger buns in an air fryer is a simple process. First, you should preheat your air fryer by following the instructions in your air fryer's manual. While this step is optional, it will ensure that your buns toast evenly.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can place your buns inside. It's best to place them cut-side up, but it's okay if they're at an angle—they'll still toast just fine! You can add your buns to the air fryer while your burgers are cooking, or after they've finished cooking, depending on how much space you have in your air fryer basket.

Air fry your buns for about 1 minute. If you're toasting multiple buns, you may need to rotate them through the air fryer, toasting each one individually. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Finally, remove your toasted buns from the air fryer and serve them with your freshly cooked burgers. Add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, and burger sauce, and enjoy your juicy air-fried burger!

Frequently asked questions