Air Fryer Hamburgers: The Perfect Timing For Juicy Results

Air fryers are a great way to cook hamburgers, offering a quick, easy, and less messy alternative to grilling. The air fryer's intense heat creates a fried taste with very little oil, resulting in juicy burgers with a crispy exterior.

While cooking times may vary depending on the desired level of doneness, most recipes recommend cooking hamburgers in the air fryer for around 7 to 12 minutes for a medium-rare to well-done burger. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F for optimal safety.

To cook hamburgers in an air fryer, simply shape the ground meat into patties, season as desired, and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each patty. Cook for a few minutes on each side, flipping halfway through, until the desired level of doneness is achieved.

So, the next time you're craving a juicy, flavorful hamburger, give your air fryer a go!

How to make the perfect air fryer hamburger

Ingredients

To make four hamburgers, you will need:

• 1 pound of 80% lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce (optional)
• 4 hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice

Method

• Combine the meat, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
• Form the mixture into four patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burgers from puffing up during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each patty.
• Cook the burgers for 6-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your patties. For a medium-rare burger, cook for around 7 minutes. For a well-done burger, cook for 10 minutes or more.
• If desired, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cook for an additional minute to melt the cheese.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check that the centre of the patty has reached 160°F.
• To prevent the air fryer from smoking, add a little water or place a piece of bread underneath the air fryer basket to catch the grease.
• If you are using frozen patties, cook them for a few minutes longer, or until they reach the desired level of doneness.

How long to cook a frozen burger patty in an air fryer

Cooking frozen burger patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy burger on the table with minimal fuss. Here's how to do it:

Preparation

First, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (195°C). You can also preheat to 390°F or 350°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer.

Remove your frozen burger patties from the freezer. No need to thaw them out first. Generously season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper, and perhaps some garlic powder and onion powder. You can also brush the patties with a mixture of melted butter and beef soup base for extra flavor.

Cooking

Place the seasoned patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.

Cook the patties for 15-17 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. For a rare burger, cook for around 13 minutes, and for a well-done burger, cook for 17-20 minutes. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the burgers have reached your desired internal temperature.

There is no need to flip the patties during cooking.

Serving

If you are making cheeseburgers, place a slice of cheese on each cooked patty and close the air fryer. The residual heat will melt the cheese.

Remove the burgers from the air fryer and serve on buns with your favorite toppings and condiments. Enjoy!

Tips

• To prevent smoke during cooking, place a piece of bread or half a cup of water in the bottom of the preheated air fryer, beneath the basket.
• To prevent the patties from puffing up during cooking, make a small indent in the center of each patty before placing them in the air fryer.
• For even cooking, preheat the air fryer before adding the patties.
• Avoid overworking the meat when combining it with seasoning, as this can lead to dry burgers.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the patties, so keep an eye on them during cooking and adjust the timing as needed.

How to assemble a world-class air fryer burger

Ingredients

To make four burgers, you will need:

• 1 pound of 80% lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce (optional)
• 4 hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Form the mixture into four patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb—this will prevent the burgers from puffing up during cooking.

Step 2: Air Fry the Patties

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each patty. Cook for around 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for a well-done burger. If you prefer your burgers medium-rare, cook for a shorter time.

Step 3: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you would like to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice on top of each patty and cook for an additional minute to allow the cheese to melt.

Step 4: Assemble the Burger

Start with a bun on a sturdy plate. Layer some fresh, leafy green lettuce on top of the bottom bun, followed by the cooked patty. Add a thick slice of fresh tomato and some crunchy pickles. You can also add sliced onions and your choice of condiments. Top with the remaining half of the bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers.
• To prevent smoking, add a little water to the basket of your air fryer, or place a piece of bread underneath.
• If you are using frozen patties, simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• If you are making your patties from scratch, be sure to shape them to fit into your air fryer basket.

Enjoy your delicious, world-class air fryer burger!

The best type of meat to use for an air fryer burger

Air fryer hamburgers are a fast, tasty, and easy way to get a quick meal on the table. You can use different types of meat to make air fryer burgers, but the most popular choice is an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This blend has the right amount of fat to keep the patties juicy without too much grease. If you prefer leaner meat, you can go as low as 85/15, but be careful as the patties can become dry.

Ground Beef

An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal for air fryer burgers. The fat content keeps the patties juicy and flavourful without excessive grease. This blend works well for both fresh and frozen patties.

Ground Turkey

If you're looking for an alternative to beef, ground turkey is a great option. It has a similar fat content to the 80/20 ground beef, resulting in juicy turkey burgers.

Other Options

You can also experiment with ground chicken or bison for your air fryer burgers. These alternatives will give you a different flavour profile while still providing a juicy burger experience.

Seasoning

No matter the type of meat you choose, seasoning is key. Salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder are classic choices. You can also add BBQ sauce for extra flavour and to help with caramelization.

Cooking Tips

When cooking your air fryer burgers, remember to preheat your air fryer, and cook the patties in a single layer. For a medium-rare burger, cook for about 5 minutes, and for a well-done burger, aim for 10 minutes or more. Always use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the patty, which should reach 160°F.

Customization

The beauty of air fryer burgers is that you can customize them to your taste. Experiment with different spices and sauces, such as BBQ sauce, onion powder, chilli powder, or smoked paprika. You can also get creative with toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onions.

So, the next time you're craving a juicy burger, don't let the weather stop you. Break out your air fryer and choose your favourite type of meat to create delicious, evenly cooked burgers with minimal cleanup!

How to store and reheat air fryer burgers

Air fryer burgers are a quick and easy meal to make, but what do you do if you have leftovers? Here's a guide on how to store and reheat your air-fried burgers so they stay juicy and delicious.

Storing Air Fryer Burgers

If you have leftover burgers, you can easily store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. It's best to place them in an airtight container or wrap each one individually in foil. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.

Reheating Air Fryer Burgers in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is an excellent way to reheat your leftover burgers. It's quick, simple, and keeps the burgers juicy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees F. This is an important step as it ensures the burger is heated evenly.
• Place the leftover burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping.
• Set the timer for 5 minutes for refrigerated burgers or 2-3 minutes for room temperature burgers.
• At the 3-minute mark, flip the burgers over and continue cooking for the remaining time.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and serve with your favorite toppings and sides.

Tips for Reheating Air Fryer Burgers

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Warm up one burger at a time to maintain proper airflow.
• Remove delicate toppings like lettuce and tomato before reheating. You can always add them back later.
• Avoid overcooking by keeping the time short. Don't leave the burgers in the air fryer for too long after the timer goes off.
• If you're reheating a cheeseburger, place the cheese on the top side of the burger for maximum melting.
• For extra juicy burgers, add a little butter or oil before reheating.
• If you're reheating a thicker burger, you may need to turn down the temperature and cook it for a bit longer to ensure it's warmed through.

Storing and Reheating Buns and Toppings

You can also reheat the hamburger buns and toppings, but they may not need as much time in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer for a minute or two to warm them up. You can also toast the bun separately for a crispy texture.

So, there you have it! A complete guide to storing and reheating your air fryer burgers. Now you can enjoy them again and again without sacrificing taste or texture.

Frequently asked questions