Air-Fryer Beef Patties: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking beef patties in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make a tasty meal. The air fryer method is faster than pan-frying or grilling and results in evenly cooked, juicy patties. The cooking time depends on the size of the patty and the desired level of doneness, but typically, it takes around 4 minutes on each side for a medium patty.

How to make beef patties for the air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef (an 80/20 blend is recommended for juiciness, but leaner options are available)
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce)
• Optional: cheese, bread, or buns to serve

Method

• Combine your ground beef with your chosen seasoning in a bowl.
• Mix everything together, using your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in dry burgers.
• Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into patties. Each patty should be slightly larger than your bun, about 3/4–1 inch thick, and with a small indent in the centre to prevent the patties from bulging during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F (175–200°C).
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to let the air circulate.
• Cook for 6–10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook for around 5 minutes. For a well-done burger, cook for 10+ minutes.
• Carefully flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is reached.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy.

Tips

• Preheat the air fryer for consistent cooking.
• Use a little water or a piece of bread at the bottom of the air fryer to catch grease and prevent smoking.
• Don't overwork the meat by mixing it too much, as this can lead to dry burgers.
• Make a small indent in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
• For cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to each patty after cooking and leave in the air fryer for a further 1–2 minutes to melt.

How long to cook beef patties in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling or pan-frying beef patties. They are healthier, quicker, and easier to clean up. Here is a comprehensive guide on how long to cook beef patties in an air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking the beef patties, it is important to prepare the meat and the air fryer. Firstly, the ground beef should be combined with seasonings and shaped into patties. The patties should be about 3/4 inches to 1 inch thick, and it is recommended to make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up or bulging during cooking. This can be done with your thumb or the back of a spoon.

The air fryer basket should be preheated to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. It is also a good idea to leave some space between the patties in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for beef patties in an air fryer will depend on the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook the patties for 4-5 minutes. For a medium burger, cook for 6-7 minutes. If you prefer your burger to be medium-well, cook for 8-12 minutes. Finally, for a well-done burger, cook the patties for at least 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your patties. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature for a well-done burger should be 160°F.

Additional Tips

When cooking beef patties in an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the basket and to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Additionally, using a piece of bread or a small amount of water underneath the air fryer basket can help catch grease and prevent smoking.

For cheeseburgers, it is best to add the cheese during the last minute or two of cooking, as the residual heat will be enough to melt it. You can also add BBQ sauce to your burgers during the last few minutes of cooking to add a sweet and smoky flavor.

Finally, it is recommended to let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure each bite is juicy.

How to reheat beef patties in the air fryer

Reheating beef patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to restore that just-cooked taste and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, you will need to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C and 195°C). This will ensure your patties heat through evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Patties

While the air fryer is heating up, take your cooked beef patties out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This will help them reheat more evenly. You can also wrap them in foil to help retain moisture.

Step 3: Place the Patties in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the beef patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them to allow for even cooking.

Step 4: Reheat the Patties

Cook the patties for 2 to 4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). For well-done patties, you may need to add an extra minute or two. If you are reheating cheese-topped patties, add the cheese in the final minute of cooking to let it melt.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite. Then, serve the patties with your favourite toppings and sides.

Reheating beef patties in an air fryer is a simple way to enjoy delicious, juicy burgers without the hassle of traditional cooking methods. So, the next time you have leftover patties, give this method a try!

How to make juicy beef patties in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (80% lean/20% fat is recommended for juiciness)
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce)
• Optional: cheese, bread, or buns to serve

Method:

• Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat.
• In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender.
• Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and form each into a patty, approximately 3/4 inches thick and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Make the patties slightly bigger than your buns to allow for shrinkage. Use your thumb to make a small indent at the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Air-fry the patties for 7-10 minutes. For medium doneness, flip halfway through and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. For well-done, add another 2 minutes of cooking time.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your patties are juicy.
• Optional: add cheese to the patties by turning off the air fryer, placing the cheese on top, and closing the air fryer for about 1 minute to melt.

Tips:

• Preheat the air fryer for consistent cooking.
• Use a little water or a piece of bread at the bottom of the air fryer to catch grease and prevent smoking.
• Don't overwork the meat when mixing to avoid dry burgers.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your patties. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).

How to make crispy beef patties in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (an 80/20 blend is recommended for juiciness, but leaner options are available)
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce)
• Hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles bacon, BBQ sauce)

Utensils:

• Mixing bowl
• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method:

• Combine the ground beef with your chosen seasoning in a mixing bowl.
• Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties, roughly 3/4–1 inch thick.
• Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from bulging during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow air to circulate. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air-fry the patties for 7–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a well-done burger, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
• Serve the patties on hamburger buns with your chosen toppings.

Frequently asked questions