Air-Frying Ground Beef: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Ground beef is a versatile staple ingredient used in dishes such as tacos, casseroles, and pasta. If you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook ground beef, then using an air fryer is a great option. Air fryers are known for their convenience and speed, and they can cook ground beef in just 10-15 minutes. The air fryer also drains excess fat, resulting in leaner meat. This guide will teach you how to cook ground beef in an air fryer, as well as provide tips for seasoning and cleaning.

Air fryer ground beef is fast, easy, and versatile

Air fryer ground beef is a fast, easy, and versatile cooking method that delivers perfectly cooked and flavorful ground beef in just a few steps. It is a great option for busy weeknights and meal planning, as it involves minimal hands-on time and less cleanup. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking ground beef in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Start by placing the ground beef into the air fryer basket. If using frozen ground beef, partially defrost it by cooking at a lower temperature first. It is recommended to use thawed ground beef for this method. Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon, meat chopper, or meat masher to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Generously season the ground beef with salt and pepper, and any other spices or seasonings of your choice. You can use homemade or store-bought taco seasoning, or a combination of spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground mustard, paprika, and olive oil. Mix gently to evenly distribute the seasonings without overworking the meat.

Step 3: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. Place the seasoned ground beef in the air fryer basket and spread it out evenly. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces and stir it around halfway through the cooking process.

Step 4: Continue Cooking

Continue cooking the ground beef for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. The total cooking time will depend on the quantity of ground beef and the temperature of your air fryer. The ground beef is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Once the ground beef is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Alternatively, you can store leftover ground beef in an airtight container in the fridge for later use.

Air fryer ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes, including tacos, pasta, casseroles, chili, sandwiches, and more. It is a quick and easy way to cook ground beef, resulting in flavorful and tender meat without the hassle of constant stirring and cleanup associated with traditional stovetop methods.

It's healthier, with less fat and grease

One of the main benefits of cooking ground beef in an air fryer is that it's healthier, with less fat and grease. The perforations in the air fryer basket allow the fat to drain away from the meat as it cooks, so it's not sitting in excess oil or fat. This means that you don't need to use a separate bowl or strainer to drain the fat, as the air fryer basket does the work for you.

Air frying ground beef is also a healthier option because it reduces the need for extra oil. The meat is cooked by circulating air, so you don't have to add oil to the basket like you would with other cooking methods such as sautéing or deep frying. This makes air-fried ground beef perfect for keto or low-carb diets.

In addition to being healthier, air-fried ground beef is also very easy to cook. You simply put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, and let it cook. There's no need to constantly stir the meat or watch it closely, as you would with stove-top cooking. This hands-free cooking method also results in leaner meat and easier cleanup.

To cook ground beef in an air fryer, start by placing the desired amount of ground beef into the basket. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula and season it with salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Close the air fryer and cook the beef at 380-400°F for 5 minutes. Open the air fryer, stir the beef, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Once the beef is cooked, remove the basket from the air fryer and drain any remaining fat or liquid. You can then use the cooked ground beef in a variety of dishes such as tacos, pasta, casseroles, or baked beans.

It's hands-free, with minimal clean-up

One of the best things about cooking ground beef in an air fryer is that it's so hands-off, with minimal clean-up required. You can say goodbye to constantly stirring your beef over a hot stove and carefully watching it to avoid overcooking. With an air fryer, you simply put the ground beef into the basket, season it, and let the air fryer do the rest.

The hands-free nature of air frying ground beef means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family or doing the things you love. Plus, with minimal stirring and no splatter, there's hardly any mess to clean up afterward. The fat from the beef conveniently drains away during cooking, so you don't have to worry about draining it afterward. This also means your meat isn't sitting in excess oil or fat during the cooking process, resulting in a healthier dish.

To make the clean-up process even easier, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner. These liners are reusable and easy to clean, so you don't have to worry about any messy scrubbing. Alternatively, you can use disposable air fryer paper liners for an even quicker clean-up.

Not only is air frying ground beef convenient and low-maintenance, but it also produces delicious, tender, and flavorful meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's a win-win situation!

Seasoning and temperature instructions

Ground beef is a versatile dish that can be used in several recipes, including tacos, pastas, casseroles, and many more. Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a convenient, hands-free, and healthier way to prepare the dish.

Before cooking, ensure that your ground beef is fully thawed. You can use frozen ground beef, but you will need to partially defrost it first. Place the frozen meat in the air fryer basket and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 5-6 minutes to partially defrost it. Then, increase the heat to 400°F (200°C) and cook as instructed in the recipe.

For seasoning, you can use salt and pepper as a base and add other spices according to your preference. Some common seasonings used with ground beef include garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, paprika, and mustard. You can also add olive oil to the mixture to prevent the meat from drying out, especially if you are using lean meat. Combine the ground beef with your choice of seasonings in a bowl and mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the seasoned ground beef in the air fryer basket, spreading it out evenly. You can line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.

Cook the ground beef at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Then, stir the beef and break it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon or meat masher. Add or toss in any additional seasonings at this point if needed. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked, browned, and no longer pink. The total cooking time will depend on the quantity of ground beef and the temperature of the air fryer, so adjust accordingly.

The ground beef is safe to consume when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes, especially if it is a larger patty, to allow the juices to redistribute. Finally, drain any excess fat and grease from the air fryer basket.

How to make air fryer tacos with ground beef

Air fryer tacos are a quick and easy meal that can be made in minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious, crispy ground beef tacos using an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil (optional)
• Taco seasoning
• Corn tortillas
• Cheese
• Any other desired toppings

Method:

• Prepare the ground beef: Place the thawed ground beef into the air fryer basket. Use a wooden spoon or meat chopper to break up the meat and stir in seasonings like salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add olive oil to prevent the meat from drying out.
• Air fry the beef: Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook the ground beef for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, stir the beef, breaking it up further, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
• Season the beef: Remove the basket and discard any excess fat and liquid. Add taco seasoning to the cooked beef and mix well. You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning.
• Prepare the tortillas: Place the desired number of tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable and less likely to crack when filled.
• Fill and fry the tacos: Fill each tortilla with a few tablespoons of seasoned beef and cheese, and fold them in half. Spritz your air fryer basket with oil spray and place the filled tacos in a single layer. Fry the tacos in the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
• Serve: Remove the tacos from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can set out small bowls of toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream so everyone can customize their tacos as they wish.

Enjoy your tasty, crispy ground beef tacos!

Frequently asked questions