Air-Fried Hamburgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making hamburgers in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get a juicy burger without the hassle of grilling. The air fryer method is perfect for when it's too cold to grill but you're craving a burger. It's also a healthier option, as you can use less oil in your cooking.

To make hamburgers in an air fryer, simply shape your beef patties, season them, and place them in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches if you need to, depending on the size of your air fryer.

For a classic hamburger, you can top it with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, and serve it with a side of French fries or a salad.

Choosing the right ground beef

When it comes to making hamburgers in an air fryer, choosing the right ground beef is essential for achieving the perfect taste and texture. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your ground beef:

Fat Content

The fat content of your ground beef will have a significant impact on the juiciness and flavour of your hamburgers. Look for ground beef with a fat percentage of around 20%. This is often labelled as an 80/20 blend, indicating 80% muscle and 20% fat. This ratio will give you burgers that are juicy and flavourful without being too greasy.

If you prefer your burgers cooked medium-well, you can opt for a slightly leaner blend, such as 85/15. On the other hand, if you like your burgers well-done, choose a blend with a higher fat content, like 70/30, to prevent them from drying out.

Cut of Beef

Common cuts of beef used for ground beef include chuck, round, and sirloin. Chuck, or ground round, is often used for 80/20 blends and provides a good balance of flavour and fat content. Ground round, with an 85/15 ratio, is a leaner option but still makes for a tasty burger. Ground sirloin, typically a 90/10 blend, is more expensive and has a full beefy flavour, but it may be too lean for hamburgers as the lack of fat can make them dry.

Freshness and Colour

When buying ground beef, always check the package date and look for meat with a bright rosy-pink colour. Avoid ground beef that appears grey or has excessive liquid in the package. Freshly ground beef will have a cherry-red colour, and browning indicates that it may be starting to spoil due to lack of oxygen.

Storage and Shelf Life

Ground beef is highly perishable, so it's best to use it within one to two days of purchase. You can also store it in the freezer, where it will keep for three to four months. When storing ground beef in the refrigerator, keep it cold to discourage bacteria growth, and always avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat and juices away from other foods.

Cooking Method

Consider how you'll be cooking your hamburgers. If you're grilling them, a little more fat in the blend can be beneficial as some will drip out during cooking. On the other hand, if you're pan-frying or using an air fryer, you may prefer a slightly lower fat content to reduce grease splatter.

Preparing the meat mixture

To begin, gather your ingredients. For the meat mixture, you will need ground beef, preferably with an 80/20 blend of muscle and fat. This ensures your burgers remain juicy and moist. One pound of meat will yield four hamburger patties.

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your meat mixture. Some options include Worcestershire sauce, which adds a salty and savoury taste to the burgers, or a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. You can also add barbecue sauce or olive oil to keep the patties moist. Dijon mustard is another optional ingredient that can give your burgers an extra flavour boost.

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. Combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings and sauces in a bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together gently until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

After mixing, it's time to shape your patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently flatten and shape them into patties. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the centre of each patty; this prevents the patties from bulging up in the middle as they cook.

Now you have your meat mixture and patties ready for the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer before placing the patties inside, and cook according to your desired level of doneness. Enjoy your juicy, flavourful hamburgers!

Shaping the patties

Start by dividing the meat mixture into equal portions. For a typical recipe, you will need about 1 pound of ground beef to make four patties. Adjust the portion size accordingly if you are making a larger or smaller batch.

Next, gently flatten and shape the portions into patties. The thickness of the patties will depend on your preference, but a common recommendation is to make them about 1/2-inch thick. You can use your hands or a spoon to shape them. If you want to get an even layer, you can press the patty into a cutting board using the bottom of a plate.

An important tip to prevent the patties from bulging up in the middle during cooking is to make a small indent in the center of each patty. You can use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create this indent. This indent helps ensure that your patties cook evenly and don't puff up.

Another thing to keep in mind is to make the patties slightly larger than your buns. This is because burger patties tend to shrink slightly during the cooking process, so making them a bit bigger will ensure they fit your buns perfectly once they're cooked.

Finally, if you're concerned about the patties sticking to the air fryer basket, you can use parchment liners designed specifically for air fryers. These liners also make cleanup easier!

Cooking the burgers

First, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 195°C).

Next, prepare your beef mixture. For 4 burgers, combine 1 pound of 80% lean ground beef with your chosen seasonings. Many recipes suggest using garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, or butter for extra flavour and moisture. Mix the beef and seasonings together by hand or with a wooden spoon or spatula—but be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

Now it's time to shape your patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties that are about 1/2 inch thick. Make the patties slightly bigger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the centre of each patty; this will prevent the patties from bulging up in the middle as they cook.

Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each one to allow the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

Cooking times will vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the specifics of your air fryer. As a guide, cook the patties for 6 to 7 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes. For a well-done burger, you may need to add another 2 minutes of cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check that your burgers have reached the desired internal temperature.

If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice on top of each patty during the last minute or two of cooking. The residual heat should be enough to melt the cheese.

Finally, remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring that every bite is juicy.

Serving suggestions

Classic sides

The classic choice to serve with your air-fried burgers is a pile of golden and crispy French fries. You can also make sweet potato fries in the air fryer, which taste amazing with the savoury burger.

Lighter options

For something a little lighter, you could try a refreshing coleslaw or a vibrant and crunchy Greek salad.

Summery vibes

Why not try some air fryer corn on the cob? It’s delicious with butter and salt and brings a real summery vibe to your burgers.

Burger toppings

There are so many options for toppings – the sky’s the limit! Here are some ideas:

• Easy hamburger sauce: a sweet and tangy sauce. Mix together mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, apple cider vinegar, honey, and ground black pepper.
• Cheeseburger: top with cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese and let it melt.
• Bacon: crisp up some bacon in the air fryer to add smokiness.
• Spicy: add some cayenne pepper to the seasonings and top with pickled jalapenos.
• BBQ: brush the burgers with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavour.
• Mediterranean: top with sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and crumbled feta cheese for a fresh taste.
• Mushroom and onions: sauté some mushrooms and onions to add flavour and texture.
• Zesty: jalapenos, green chillies, sauerkraut, chipotle aioli, or a homemade garlic aioli.
• Savoury: roasted red bell peppers, fried egg, bacon, sautéed or air-fried mushrooms.
• Traditional: cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, barbecue sauce, mayo, mustard, ketchup.
• Air fryer add-ons: air fryer pickles, air fryer bacon, air fryer onion rings.
• Next-level flavour: pickled onions, roasted red peppers, Greek yogurt ranch dip, sautéed mushrooms, refrigerator pickles, avocados, guacamole, or best guacamole.
• Bacon and BBQ sauce: this is a great combination, or try bacon and blue cheese.
• Mac and cheese with bacon: a real game-changer when loading up your burgers.
• Onion rings: these add a great crunch to your burger.
• Grilled peppers and onions: add some spice and a great texture.
• Coleslaw: a classic, crunchy side that goes well with a burger.
• Big Mac sauce: a secret sauce that adds a unique flavour.

Frequently asked questions