Air-Fryer Beef Burgers: The Perfect Timing Guide

Cooking beef burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy burger without the hassle of firing up the BBQ or dealing with the clean-up from pan-frying. The cooking time will depend on how well you like your burgers done, the thickness of the patties, and the size and brand of your air fryer. For a medium-rare burger, it will take around 7 minutes, while for a well-done burger, it will take around 10-15 minutes. Most recipes recommend flipping the burgers halfway through cooking for even cooking.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking beef burgers in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the patties, and the model of the air fryer. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked burgers:

Temperature Settings:

• For cooking beef burgers in an air fryer, the temperature typically ranges from 350°F (175°C) to 400°F (200°C).
• Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes before placing the patties inside.
• The temperature setting may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and your personal preference for doneness.

Cooking Time:

• The cooking time for beef burgers in an air fryer can range from 7 minutes for rare burgers to 15 minutes for well-done burgers.
• Thicker patties will generally require a longer cooking time. Aim for a patty thickness of about 3/4 inches to 1 inch.
• It is recommended to cook the burgers in batches if you are preparing a larger quantity to ensure even cooking.
• Most recipes suggest flipping the burgers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
• For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last few minutes of cooking to allow it to melt.
• It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is advisable to keep an eye on the burgers to prevent overcooking.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers. Beef burgers are typically considered safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• To achieve a uniform thickness and prevent swelling during cooking, make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb before placing them in the air fryer.
• If you're cooking frozen burgers, there's no need to defrost them first. Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're cooked through.
• To add a grilled flavor to your burgers, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the burger mixture before cooking.

How to prep beef for the air fryer

Preparing beef for the air fryer is a simple process and can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect beef patty for your air fryer.

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a simple beef patty, you will need ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or other seasonings to enhance the flavour.

Mixing and Shaping

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients, ensuring they are well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough.

Once the mixture is ready, it's time to shape your patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties that are about 1/2 inch thick. Make the patties slightly larger than your buns to allow for shrinkage. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the centre of each patty—this helps prevent swelling during cooking and ensures even cooking.

Pre-Cooking

Place the patties on a plate and cover them with plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavours to meld and enhances the taste.

Cooking

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is usually around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Set the timer according to your desired doneness, which is typically around 7-12 minutes for medium-rare to well-done patties.

Serving

Once the patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve them on buns with your choice of toppings and condiments. Enjoy your juicy, perfectly cooked air-fried beef burgers!

Flipping burgers in the air fryer

Flipping your burgers halfway through the cooking process is an important step when cooking beef burgers in an air fryer. This will ensure that your burgers are cooked evenly on both sides. Depending on your air fryer, you may not need to flip your burgers, but it is always better to be safe than sorry!

When it comes to flipping burgers in the air fryer, the timing can vary depending on the level of doneness you prefer. For a medium-rare burger, cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. If you prefer your burgers more well done, increase the cooking time to 5-6 minutes per side.

To flip the burgers, use a pair of tongs to carefully lift and turn them over in the air fryer basket. Be cautious of any hot grease or drippings that may be in the basket. It is also important to ensure that your burgers are not overcrowded in the basket, as this can affect their ability to cook evenly.

After flipping your burgers, continue cooking until they reach the desired level of doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. For food safety, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

By following these simple steps and keeping a close eye on your burgers, you'll be able to cook juicy and evenly cooked burgers in your air fryer every time.

Reheating and storing cooked burgers

If you have any leftover burgers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in airtight containers for up to three months.

To reheat your burgers in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and heat for 5-6 minutes. If you're reheating from frozen, increase the cooking time to 10-15 minutes.

You can also reheat your burgers in the oven or on the stovetop. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (180°C) and heat the burgers for about 10 minutes. If using the stovetop, place the burgers in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and heat for about 5 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even heating.

It's important to ensure that your burgers are thoroughly heated before consuming them. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C).

Additionally, you can store and reheat your burger toppings separately to ensure they remain fresh and flavorful.

How to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen burger patties
• Buns
• Toppings of your choice

Method

Cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty meal on the table in minutes.

First, take your frozen burger patties and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You don't need to defrost them beforehand. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.

Set the temperature to between 370°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on how well-done you like your burgers, but it will generally take between 10 and 15 minutes for them to be done to your liking. For a medium-rare burger, it will take around 7 minutes. For a well-done burger, it will take around 15 minutes.

Flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Tips

• For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty for the last minute or two of cooking.
• To check if your burgers are done, use a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached a temperature of at least 160°F.
• If you are making your own patties, add a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burgers from swelling during cooking.
• If you are cooking fries to go with your burgers, cook them first and set them aside. Once the burgers are done, add the fries back to the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes at 400°F.
• If excessive smoking occurs, add water to the bottom of the air fryer to prevent dripping grease from burning.

Frequently asked questions