Air-Fryer Hamburgers: Cooking Perfect Patties

Air-fried hamburgers are a quick, easy, and mess-free way to enjoy juicy burgers with a crispy exterior at home. They can be made with a variety of meats and seasonings, and are ready in less than 15 minutes. This method is also healthier than pan-fried or grilled burgers, as less oil is used.

How to form the patties

To form the patties, start by combining the ground beef and seasonings in a bowl. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

Once the mixture is combined, it's time to shape the patties. Aim for 4 even-sized patties that are about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. If you want to be precise, you can use a measuring cup or a scale to portion out the meat mixture before shaping it into patties.

When shaping the patties, gently make an indent in the center of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This indent is important because it prevents the patties from bulging up in the middle as they cook. It ensures that your burgers will have a nice, even shape.

If you're using particularly lean ground beef, you might want to consider adding a bit of fat to the mixture. An 80/20 blend of ground beef and fat will help keep the patties juicy without making them greasy.

Finally, if you're making a large batch of patties, you can freeze them for later use. Place a piece of parchment paper between each patty to prevent them from sticking together, and store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep in the freezer for about a month.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking hamburger patties in an air fryer can vary depending on the appliance, the thickness of the patty, and your preferred level of doneness. It's important to note that the cooking time may also be affected by the type of meat and fat content used.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 195°C). The cooking time for the patties can range from 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness and desired doneness. For a well-done burger, it's recommended to cook it longer, while a medium-rare burger will require less time.

To ensure even cooking, it's important to leave space between the patties in the air fryer basket and to flip them halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, creating a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb can help prevent the patties from bulging or puffing up during cooking.

For food safety, the FDA recommends cooking hamburger patties to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure all bacteria are killed. You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your patties.

If you're cooking frozen patties, simply add about 5 to 7 minutes to the total cooking time. Reheating leftover patties can be done in the air fryer as well, at 350°F/175°C for 3 to 4 minutes.

Reheating and storing

Leftover hamburger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. They can also be frozen with parchment paper between each patty and will keep for about a month in the freezer.

To reheat, you can use an air fryer set to 350°F/175°C for 3–4 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, or in the microwave for 30–40 seconds.

Preventing smoke and grease

To prevent smoke and grease from building up in your air fryer, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, always ensure you clean your air fryer regularly and thoroughly between uses. This will help to prevent grease and grime from accumulating and causing smoke.

If you are experiencing excessive smoking, it is recommended to add a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer. As the water heats up, it will create steam, preventing the greasy food from causing more smoke. Alternatively, placing a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer can help to absorb any grease that drips down, preventing smoke before it occurs.

To make cleaning easier, you can line the bottom of your air fryer with aluminium foil to catch any grease. You can then dispose of the grease by rolling up the foil and throwing it away. However, be sure to use enough foil to cup the grease, otherwise, it may run off into the pan.

If you are disposing of grease down the sink, it is recommended to add some dish soap to the grease and mix it around. You can then add a little water, causing the grease to emulsify and become safe to wash down the drain. Alternatively, you can use a combination of baking soda, lemon juice, and hot water to create a paste that can be scrubbed into your air fryer basket to remove grease and grime.

Toppings and customisation

Once you've cooked your hamburger patties in the air fryer, it's time to move on to toppings and customisation. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic toppings

You can't go wrong with the classics. Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles are always a good choice and will add a fresh, crunchy element to your burger. If you're looking for something a little heartier, try adding bacon, sautéed or air-fried mushrooms, or roasted red bell peppers.

Cheesy goodness

For cheese lovers, the options are endless. Cheddar, Swiss, American, or pepper jack are just a few varieties that will melt beautifully on top of your patty. Place a slice of cheese on your burger during the last minute of cooking, or turn off the air fryer once the patties are done and let the residual heat melt the cheese.

Sauce it up

A good sauce can take your burger to the next level. BBQ sauce, burger sauce, or aioli—such as chipotle or garlic—can add a punch of flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade sauce.

Get creative

Why not experiment with some new toppings? Jalapenos, green chillies, sauerkraut, or even a fried egg could be your new favourite. If you're serving a crowd, set up a DIY burger bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone customise their own.

Bun options

Don't forget about the bun! Soft hamburger buns are a classic choice, but you could also try a toasted bun for a little extra crunch. If you're looking for a low-carb option, wrap your burger in lettuce instead of using a bun.

Frequently asked questions