Air Fryer Burger: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook burgers, with most recipes suggesting a cooking time of around 8-12 minutes for a well-done burger. However, this will depend on the size of the burger and the desired level of doneness. For example, an 8 oz burger will take around 8-10 minutes to cook, while a 4 oz burger will take closer to 4 minutes. It's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burger to ensure it's cooked to your liking.

How to get the perfect patty thickness

The thickness of your patty will depend on your personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is to make your patties between 1/2 an inch and 1 inch thick.

To get the perfect patty thickness, start by gently combining your ground beef with your chosen seasonings. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in dry, tough burgers. Next, divide the mixture into equal parts and form each part into a patty. If you're making an 8 oz burger, you'll likely only need to divide the mixture into two parts. Use your thumb to make a small indent in the centre of each patty—this will prevent the burgers from puffing up during cooking.

If you want a thicker patty, you can try pressing the meat down with a plate to get an even layer before indenting it. Just be careful not to compact the meat too much, as this can affect the texture of your burger.

Once you've shaped your patties, it's time to cook them! Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired doneness. For a well-done burger, cook at 350°F for 10 minutes or more. For a medium-well burger, cook for 8-12 minutes. If you prefer your burgers medium, cook them for 5-6 minutes, and for medium-rare, cook them for about 4-5 minutes.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your patties, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers. The ideal internal temperature for a well-done burger is 160°F, while a medium-well burger should be around 155°F.

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect patty thickness and cooking your 8 oz burgers to perfection in your air fryer!

Best toppings for air fryer burgers

Now that you've got the timing down for your 8-ounce burger, it's time to think about toppings. A burger is a very personal thing, and everyone has their own idea of what constitutes the perfect combination. Here are some ideas to get you started.

First, let's talk about the classic burger toppings. You can't go wrong with the traditional lettuce, tomato, and onion combo. This trio adds a fresh, crunchy texture and a tangy flavor to your burger. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even caramelize those onions for a touch of sweetness.

Next up, the condiments. Ketchup and mustard are the dynamic duo that often come to mind, but don't underestimate the power of a good smear of mayo or a dollop of thousand island dressing. These sauces add a creamy, tangy element that brings all the flavors together.

If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, spice things up with jalapeños, green chilies, or sauerkraut. These toppings will definitely wake up your taste buds and give your burger a zesty twist.

For a more savory experience, try roasted red bell peppers, a fried egg, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms. These toppings add depth and complexity to your burger, taking it to the next level.

Don't forget the cheese! Whether you're a cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or American cheese kind of person, that melty goodness is the perfect finishing touch to your burger masterpiece.

And if you're feeling extra indulgent, go for some over-the-top toppings like mac and cheese, onion rings, avocado slices, or even a dollop of guacamole.

Remember, the beauty of a burger is that you can make it your own. Mix and match these toppings to create your signature stack, or keep it simple with just a few choice ingredients. Happy stacking and enjoy your juicy 8-ounce burger!

How to get the best seasoning

Now that you know how long to air fry your 8 oz burger, it's time to focus on the seasoning. A great burger is all about the seasoning, and there are a few key things to keep in mind to get the best results.

First, when it comes to seasoning, less is more. You don't want to overpower the natural flavour of the beef, so stick to a few basic seasonings that will enhance the taste. The classic combination of salt and pepper is always a good place to start. You can also add a dash of onion and garlic powder, as fresh onion and garlic may not cook thoroughly in the air fryer. If you want a little extra kick, you can include some Dijon mustard in your seasoning mix. It adds a nice tang to the burger without being too overpowering.

Second, make sure your seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This is important to ensure that every bite of your burger is seasoned perfectly. To achieve this, gently mix the ground beef with your seasonings before forming the patties. Use a fork to combine the ingredients, being careful not to compact the meat too much, as this can affect the texture of your burger.

Third, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of salt. While regular table salt is perfectly fine, you can also try using kosher salt or sea salt for a slightly different flavour profile. These salts have a coarser texture and a milder flavour, which can enhance the taste of your burger.

Finally, don't neglect the bun! Toasting your bun with a little butter can add a nice crispy texture and extra flavour to your burger. Spread a thin layer of butter on the bun and place it in the oven or toaster oven on broil for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating the best-seasoned 8 oz burger for your air fryer. Enjoy!

What temperature to cook at

The optimal temperature for cooking an 8 oz burger in an air fryer is between 350°F and 375°F.

Some recipes suggest cooking at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. If you prefer your burgers well done, you can cook them for a few minutes longer.

Other recipes suggest cooking at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through. You can then add cheese and cook for a further 20 to 30 seconds.

One recipe suggests cooking at 370°F for 6 minutes, flipping the burgers, and then cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your burger and your preferred level of doneness. It's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your burger to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to get the perfect medium-rare burger

Ingredients

• Ground beef – an 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers without too much grease.
• Seasoning – keep it simple with salt and pepper, or add onion and garlic powder. Fresh onion and garlic won't cook in time, so it's best to use powders.
• BBQ sauce – this is optional, but it adds flavour and helps with caramelisation.
• Hamburger buns – brioche or pretzel buns are delicious, but regular buns or lettuce wraps also work well.
• Toppings – the classic combination of cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and barbecue sauce works, but you can also add jalapenos, bacon, or a fried egg.

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and form them into 4 equally-sized patties.
• Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burgers from swelling during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (some recipes suggest 375°F).
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each one.
• Cook for 7-10 minutes.
• Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Serve on buns or lettuce wraps with your chosen toppings.

Tips:

• Preheat the air fryer for consistent cooking.
• Use a little water or a piece of bread under the air fryer basket to catch grease and reduce smoke.
• Don't overwork the meat by mixing it too much, as this can result in dry burgers.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers.

Enjoy your perfect, juicy, medium-rare burger!

Frequently asked questions