Air Frying Ground Beef: How Long Should You Fry?

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from casseroles and tacos to sloppy joes and chillis. Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is not only quick and easy but also results in a more flavourful and healthier dish. The fat drains to the bottom of the air fryer during cooking, leaving you with tender, juicy meat that isn't sitting in excess oil. This method also requires very little clean-up and no splatter.

How to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Ground mustard (optional)
• Smoked paprika (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, set the temperature to 400°F and let it run for 5 minutes.
• Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket. If you're using lean ground beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the meat from drying out.
• Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef into small pieces. Make sure not to cover the air fryer basket completely, as this will restrict airflow.
• Season the ground beef with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder, or use a store-bought or homemade taco seasoning mix.
• Air fry the ground beef at 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and break up the ground beef again, mixing it thoroughly.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked.
• Once the beef is cooked to your liking, crumble it with a wooden spoon and season to taste.
• Remove the basket and discard any excess fat and liquid that has drained to the bottom of the air fryer.

Tips:

• The total cook time will depend on the amount of ground beef you are cooking and the temperature of your air fryer. Half a pound of ground beef at 400°F should take between 6-8 minutes.
• Remember to break up the ground beef while it's cooking to ensure even cooking and to avoid large chunks of meat.
• If you're using frozen ground beef, cook it at a lower temperature for 5-6 minutes to partially defrost it before increasing the heat and cooking as instructed above.

How to drain the grease from air-fried ground beef

Air-frying ground beef is a great way to achieve tasty, healthier meat with minimal clean-up. The fat drains to the bottom of the air fryer, leaving the meat cooked by circulating air. This means that, unlike with stove-top cooking, there is no need to strain or scoop out the fat manually. However, if you want to remove the grease from your air-fried ground beef, here are some methods you can use:

Using a Colander

• Place a colander over a glass or ceramic bowl.
• Pour the ground beef and grease into the colander.
• The colander will separate the grease from the beef, with the beef remaining on top.
• Grease may melt a plastic bowl, so it is important to use glass or ceramic.

Absorbing with Paper Towels

• Take 2-3 paper towels and dab the grease.
• Continue to dab with more paper towels if needed.
• Make sure not to touch the metal part of the pan to avoid burning yourself.
• Let the paper towels cool before throwing them away.

Using a Turkey Baster

• Squeeze the bulb of the baster.
• Place the tip of the baster into the grease.
• Release the bulb to suck up the grease.
• Be careful not to let hot grease into the bulb of the baster, as it may melt.

Spooning into a Bowl

• Line a bowl or cup with aluminium foil.
• Use a large metal spoon to remove the grease from the pan and place it into the lined bowl or cup.
• Alternatively, you can spoon the grease into a spare can to dispose of later.

Remember, it is important to wait for the grease to cool before disposing of it. Do not pour grease down your drain, as it can cause damage to your pipes.

How to season ground beef for the air fryer

Ground beef cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season ground beef for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Start by ensuring you have thawed ground beef. If your ground beef is frozen, it is best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature if you plan to cook it on the same day. Place the ground beef into the air fryer basket. You can use up to 1 and a half pounds of ground beef. Break up the ground beef into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon or meat chopper. It is important to do this gently to avoid damaging the non-stick coating on the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Season the Ground Beef

Now it's time to season the ground beef! You can use a variety of seasonings to add flavour to the meat. Here are some options:

• Salt: Use kosher salt or sea salt to taste.
• Pepper: Ground black pepper will add a subtle kick to the beef.
• Garlic Powder: This will enhance the savoury flavour of the beef.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder can add depth to the flavour profile.
• Fresh or Dried Herbs: Try oregano, thyme, or basil for a fresh herbal note.
• Spices: For a spicy kick, incorporate chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes.
• Specialty Seasonings: Experiment with blends like taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika.

You can also try a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a classic flavour. If you want to make taco meat, add taco seasoning to the ground beef and mix well.

Step 3: Air Fry the Ground Beef

Once you have seasoned the ground beef, it's time to air fry it! Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Air fry the ground beef for 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. After the initial cooking time, remove the air fryer basket and break down any remaining lumps of ground meat. Add the spices and salt to the ground beef and mix well. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked. The ground beef is done when it is browned and there are no pink spots visible.

Step 4: Serve or Store the Ground Beef

Your air-fried ground beef is now ready to serve! You can use it in tacos, pasta dishes, breakfast meals, and more. If you have any leftovers, allow the ground beef to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days. You can also freeze cooked ground beef in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months.

How long to cook ground beef in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great time-saving alternative to cooking ground beef on the stovetop. Not only do they require less hands-on time and cleaning up, but they also drain the fat from the meat as it cooks. This makes the meat leaner and healthier.

The time it takes to cook ground beef in an air fryer depends on the quantity of ground beef and the temperature you are cooking at.

For example, half a pound of ground beef cooked at 400°F/200°C will take between 6-8 minutes. If cooked at a lower temperature of 375°F/180°C, it might take up to 10 minutes.

If you are cooking a larger quantity of ground beef, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For instance, one source recommends cooking 1 to 1 and 1/2 pounds of ground beef at 400°F for a total of 8-10 minutes, stirring the meat a few times throughout the cooking process.

It's important to note that ground beef tends to cook faster in an air fryer compared to other cooking methods, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Additionally, if you are using lean ground beef, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the meat from drying out. Alternatively, you can add a splash of water to the ground meat halfway through the cooking time.

Now that you know how long to cook ground beef in an air fryer, here are the simple steps to follow:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Ground Beef in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Make sure not to cover the air fryer basket completely, as this will restrict airflow.
• Season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
• Air fry the ground beef for 5 minutes at 400°F/200°C.
• Remove the basket and break up the lumps of ground meat. You might still see some uncooked pink meat.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.
• Once cooked, remove the basket and drain the excess fat that has collected at the bottom of the air fryer.
• Use the ground beef in your favourite recipes such as tacos, pasta dishes, burgers, or breakfast meals.

By following these steps and timing your cooking based on the quantity and temperature, you can easily cook ground beef in your air fryer with delicious and healthy results.

Air fryer ground beef recipes

Air-frying ground beef is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook. It's faster than stovetop cooking and requires very little hands-on time and less clean-up. The fat drains to the bottom of the air fryer, leaving you with tender, flavourful, and healthier meat that's not sitting in excess oil or fat.

It's best to use thawed, lean ground beef with a fat content of around 15-20%. If your ground beef is frozen, you can cook it in the air fryer, but it's best to defrost it first. If you must cook from frozen, air fry at 375˚F for 5 minutes to partially defrost it first, and then increase the heat to 400˚F and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Seasoning

You can season your ground beef with salt and pepper, and spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes. You can also add diced onions for extra flavour. If you're making taco meat, you can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning.

Step-by-step instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400˚F/204˚C for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Make sure not to cover the basket completely, as this will restrict airflow.
• Air fry at 400˚F/204˚C for 5 minutes.
• Remove the basket and break up the meat into smaller lumps. You might still see some uncooked pink meat.
• Air fry for another 3-5 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and cooked through.
• Add your chosen seasonings and mix to coat the meat.
• Air fry the seasoned ground beef for another minute until brown and crispy.
• Transfer the meat to a plate and discard the fat that has pooled at the bottom of the air fryer.

Storing and reheating

You can store leftover ground beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-6 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave, as reheating in the air fryer may make the meat dry and crispy.

Frequently asked questions