Air Fryer Raw Hamburger: How Long To Cook?

Cooking a raw hamburger in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy burger without having to fire up the grill or clean a messy stove. The air fryer's circulating heat means you don't even need to flip the burger halfway through cooking, and you can have a tasty burger ready to serve in as little as 10 minutes.

How long to cook a raw hamburger in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook hamburgers, and the best part is that they are quick and easy to make. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of your patty, and your desired level of doneness.

Pre-Cooking Steps

Before you start cooking, there are a few steps you should take to prepare your raw hamburger for the air fryer. Firstly, it is recommended to use cold meat straight from the fridge. Form the ground beef into patties, making them slightly bigger than your buns to allow for shrinkage. You can also make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking.

Cooking Time

Now, let's get into the cooking process. Most air fryer hamburgers will take around 7 to 10 minutes to cook, depending on the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, you will need to air fry for approximately 5 minutes. If you prefer your burgers medium, go for 6 minutes. And for well-done burgers, you're looking at around 10 minutes or more. It's important to note that these timings are just estimates, and you should always use a meat thermometer to check that your burgers have reached the desired internal temperature.

Air Fryer Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking hamburgers in an air fryer is around 350°F to 370°F. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature before adding your patties.

Flipping the Burgers

It is recommended to flip your burgers halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. However, some air fryers may not require flipping, as they are designed to circulate heat around the entire burger.

Resting the Burgers

Once your burgers have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful burger.

Customizations and Add-ons

You can customize your air fryer hamburgers by adding different seasonings, cheeses, and toppings. For a cheeseburger, simply add a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking and let the residual heat melt it. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as barbecue sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli. Don't forget to serve your hamburgers on soft hamburger buns or lettuce wraps, along with your favorite sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw.

How to form hamburger patties for an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Firstly, select your meat blend. For the juiciest burgers, opt for ground beef with an 80/20 ratio of meat to fat. If you're using a different type of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, you can add grated butter to the mix to keep the patties moist. Season the meat with salt and pepper, or a mix of coarse salt, black pepper, red pepper, and white pepper.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

There are several methods you can use to shape the patties:

• Use your hands to form the meat into balls, then press them into patties.
• Use a lid from a jar or tupperware container to shape the patties. Cover the lid with plastic wrap, then place a portion of meat inside and press it down.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of foil, using water to create surface tension to keep the paper in place. Break apart the meat over the paper and form into patties.
• For a more rustic look, simply divide the meat mixture into four equal parts and form each part into a patty by pressing it down with a plate.

Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to not overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough and dry. Additionally, don't worry about making the patties a perfect circle.

Step 3: Create an Indentation

Use your thumb to make a small indent in the center of each patty. This will prevent the patties from puffing up during cooking and help them maintain an even shape.

Step 4: Refrigerate

For best results, refrigerate the patties for at least one hour before placing them in the air fryer.

Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. Depending on your desired level of doneness, cook the patties for 7-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, juicy hamburger patties ready to be served in a bun or lettuce wrap with your favourite toppings.

How to get a crispy exterior on a raw hamburger in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional cooking methods, allowing you to cook food evenly while achieving a crispy exterior. Here are some tips to help you get a crispy exterior on your raw hamburger when using an air fryer:

Choose the Right Patty

Select quality ground beef with a higher fat content, preferably around 80% lean and 20% fat. This fat ratio will help keep the patties moist and juicy during the air frying process. You can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or bison for your patties.

Shape and Season Your Patty

Divide the meat into equal portions and gently shape them into round discs, about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick. Avoid overhandling the meat as it can result in dense and tough patties. Create a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking. Sprinkle salt, pepper, or your preferred herbs and spices on both sides of the patty to enhance the flavor.

Preheat and Prepare Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 360°F to 400°F (182°C to 195°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. You can also place a piece of bread or a small amount of water underneath the basket to catch any grease drips and reduce smoke.

Place and Time Your Patties

Place the seasoned patties into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each patty for proper air circulation. The cooking time will depend on your desired doneness and the thickness of your patties. For medium-sized patties, start with around 8-10 minutes. For well-done patties, you may need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

Flip and Add Cheese

Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip the patties using a spatula to ensure even browning. If you're adding cheese, place a slice on each patty and allow it to melt during the remaining cooking time.

Assemble and Serve

Once your patties are cooked to your desired doneness, it's time to assemble your hamburgers. Place the patty on a toasted bun and add your choice of toppings and condiments. Your air fryer hamburgers are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

How to get a juicy interior on a raw hamburger in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook hamburgers, keeping them juicy and flavourful. Here are some tips to ensure your hamburgers stay juicy when cooking them in an air fryer.

Choose the Right Meat

Selecting the right type of meat is crucial for achieving a juicy hamburger. Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as an 80/20 blend, which has 80% muscle and 20% fat. This ratio ensures the patties remain juicy without excessive grease. If you prefer leaner meat, you can go for an 85/15 or 90/10 blend, but be aware that the lower the fat content, the drier the burgers may become.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple. A generous amount of salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the flavour of your hamburger. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick. Avoid using fresh onion and garlic, as they won't cook thoroughly in the short cooking time.

Forming the Patties

When forming the patties, make them slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking. Use your thumb to make a small indent in the centre of each patty, which will prevent the burgers from puffing up or bulging during cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350-370°F (175-190°C). Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space around them for proper air circulation.

For a medium-rare burger, cook for about 5 minutes. For medium, cook for 6-7 minutes, and for well-done, cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Resting and Serving

After cooking, remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite every time. Serve your hamburgers on buns or lettuce wraps with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Tips

• Don't overwork the meat when mixing or forming the patties, as this can lead to dry and tough burgers.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers to ensure they are cooked to your desired doneness.
• If you're making cheeseburgers, add the cheese during the last minute of cooking and let the residual heat melt it.
• To catch grease and reduce smoke, place a piece of bread or a small amount of water under the air fryer basket.

Enjoy your juicy air-fried hamburgers!

How to clean an air fryer after cooking raw hamburgers

Cooking hamburgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. However, cleaning your air fryer after cooking raw hamburgers is important to maintain hygiene and ensure your appliance stays in good condition. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Unplug and Let it Cool

Before you start cleaning, make sure to unplug the air fryer and let it cool down for about 30 minutes. It is important not to handle the appliance when it is still hot, as this can be dangerous.

Step 2: Remove the Baskets and Pans

Once the air fryer has cooled down, remove the inner basket and pan. These are the parts that come into direct contact with the food and will likely have grease and residue on them.

Step 3: Wash with Soapy Water

Fill your sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Wash the basket and pan in the soapy water, using a soft sponge or cloth. If there is any baked-on grease or food residue, let these parts soak for about 10 minutes before scrubbing gently. Make sure to wash away all the soap and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior

Use a damp microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge with a mild detergent to wipe down the interior of the air fryer. Pay special attention to the bottom chamber, as crumbs, oil residue, and meat drippings can fall and collect there. Use a damp paper towel or clean dish towel to wipe out the inside and allow it to air dry.

Step 5: Clean the Heating Element

After ensuring that the air fryer is completely cool, wipe down the heating element. You may need to tip or invert the appliance for easier access. Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently clean this area.

Step 6: Dry and Reassemble

Before putting your air fryer away, make sure all the parts are completely dry. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the basket, pan, and interior of the appliance. Once everything is dry, reassemble the air fryer and store it away until your next cooking adventure.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your air fryer after each use to prevent grease build-up and maintain good hygiene.
• Some air fryer models have dishwasher-safe components. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or the owner's manual to check if your specific model is dishwasher-safe.
• Avoid using metal utensils, abrasive sponges, or steel wire brushes as these can damage the non-stick coating on the cooking surface.
• Do not submerge the entire air fryer in water, as it is an electric appliance. Only submerge the removable parts, such as the basket and pan.
• To remove foul odours, cut a lemon in half and rub it on the cooking surface and basket. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before cleaning as usual.

By following these steps and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, your air fryer will be sparkling clean and ready for your next batch of juicy hamburgers!

Frequently asked questions