Air-Frying Bubba Burgers: How Long Until They're Done?

Bubba Burgers are a convenient and tasty meal option, ready in under 15 minutes. These frozen hamburgers are crafted from premium ingredients, with no artificial additives, and are available in beef, turkey, and veggie varieties. Cooking Bubba Burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process, taking around 13-15 minutes, and resulting in a juicy and flavoursome burger.

How to cook Bubba burgers from frozen

Bubba Burgers are a great weeknight dinner idea. They are frozen hamburgers that are ready to cook and made with no artificial ingredients. They come in a variety of proteins, including 100% USDA choice chuck beef, turkey, and veggie. The best part is that they cook from frozen and are ready in less than 12 minutes!

Air Fryer Method:

• Place the frozen Bubba burger patties on the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap or overcrowd the basket.
• Set the air fryer to cook at 370°F.
• Cook for a total of 13 to 15 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through, until the desired level of doneness is achieved. For a rare burger, cook for 8-10 minutes, for medium, cook for 10-12 minutes, and for well done, cook for 12-15 minutes.
• If desired, add a slice of cheese to the burger and place the basket back in the air fryer for 30-45 seconds to melt the cheese.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and serve hot.

Alternative Methods:

• Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high and place the frozen Bubba burger patties on the grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey and veggie burgers.
• Stovetop: Add a small amount of neutral-flavored oil to a skillet and heat to medium-high. Place the frozen Bubba burger patties in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey and veggie burgers.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place frozen Bubba burgers on a greased baking sheet 1 to 2 inches apart. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, flip, and then bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef or 165°F for turkey and veggie burgers.
• Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot: Insert a trivet into the pressure cooker and add the recommended amount of water. Wrap the frozen Bubba burger patties in aluminum foil and place them in the pot. Cook on manual setting for 20 minutes, then quick release the pressure.

Tips:

• Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking frozen burgers.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the burgers in batches if needed to ensure proper airflow.
• Flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. Aim for 160°F for ground beef and 165°F for turkey and veggie burgers.
• Season the burgers with your favorite seasonings before cooking to enhance their flavor.
• Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite.

Enjoy your juicy and flavorful Bubba Burgers!

Air fryer temperature and time

The optimal temperature to cook Bubba Burgers in an air fryer is 370°F (187.7°C). The length of time you should cook them depends on how well-done you like your burgers.

If you like your burgers rare, cook them for 8-10 minutes. For a medium burger, cook for 10-12 minutes, and for a well-done burger, cook for 12-15 minutes.

Flip your burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.

If you're cooking a beef Bubba Burger, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). For turkey and veggie Bubba Burgers, the internal temperature should be 165°F (73.8°C).

You can add cheese to your burgers by placing a slice on top of the patty when there is one minute of cooking time remaining. The residual heat in the air fryer will melt the cheese.

Some air fryers may run hotter than others, so it's a good idea to check your burgers at the halfway point to ensure they don't overcook.

How to make a cheeseburger

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen Bubba Burger beef patties
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, gouda, or your choice)
• 1 bun
• Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.)
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)

Method:

• Place the frozen beef patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Set the air fryer to 370°F and cook for 6 minutes.
• Flip the patties and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your burger. For a rare burger, cook for a total of 8-10 minutes, and for a medium burger, cook for 10-12 minutes. Well-done burgers will take 12-15 minutes.
• Once the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, add a slice of cheese to each patty and place the air fryer basket back inside. Let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 30-45 seconds.
• Remove the cheeseburgers from the air fryer and place them on buns.
• Add your desired toppings and enjoy!

Tips:

• For easy cleanup, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with foil to catch any grease.
• Season the patties with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend before cooking to enhance the flavor.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can also cook Bubba Burgers on a grill, in an oven, on a stovetop, or in a pressure cooker/Instant Pot.

How to store leftovers

Leftover Bubba burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store leftovers, first, let the burgers come to room temperature, then seal them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover Bubba burgers, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the stove or grill.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the burgers and the model of your air fryer. Always ensure your burgers are thoroughly cooked before serving.

Why your air fryer might smoke

So, you want to cook a Bubba Burger in your air fryer, but you're worried about it smoking? Well, you're right to be cautious. Air fryers can smoke for several reasons, and it's important to understand these causes to prevent it from happening. Here are some detailed explanations and instructions to help you avoid a smoky situation:

Excess Grease and Fatty Foods

One of the main reasons air fryers smoke is due to excess grease and fatty foods. When cooking meats with a higher fat content, such as bacon, chicken thighs, sausages, or hamburgers, the grease can splatter and circulate onto the heating element. This results in smoke and burning smells. To prevent this, you can try placing a slice of bread at the bottom of the basket to absorb the grease or adding a tablespoon of water to the inner basket. These methods help minimize splattering and reduce the risk of smoking.

Food Buildup and Overcrowding

Another cause of air fryer smoking is food buildup and overcrowding in the basket. If there is too much food or the food is not spaced properly, it can cause the hot air to circulate improperly. This leads to uneven cooking and burning, which results in smoke. To avoid this issue, ensure that you do not overcrowd the basket and follow the recommended spacing guidelines for your specific air fryer model.

Burning Food Particles

Sometimes, it's not just the grease but also burning food particles that cause the smoke. If you're cooking breaded or battered foods, loose crumbs or batter can circulate with the hot air and land on the heating element, causing smoke. To prevent this, ensure that your food is properly coated and not overcrowded in the basket. You can also try spraying a little cooking oil on the outside of the food before cooking to help prevent crumbs from blowing off.

Temperature and Ventilation

The temperature setting and ventilation of your air fryer can also impact whether it smokes or not. If your air fryer is set to a very high temperature, it may cause the food to burn and smoke. Try lowering the temperature and cooking for a longer time if needed. Additionally, ensure that your air fryer is set up in a well-ventilated area. A small, closed kitchen can make even a small amount of smoke seem overwhelming. Open windows, turn on your vent hood, or ventilate your kitchen to minimize the impact of smoke.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Finally, proper cleaning and maintenance of your air fryer are crucial to prevent smoking. Leftover oils, grease, or crumbs from previous cooking sessions can build up and cause smoke. Clean your air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy or fatty foods. Use a warm soapy cloth to clean the inside of the unit and the basket. You can also refer to your air fryer's manual for specific cleaning instructions and dishwasher-safe parts.

By understanding and addressing these potential causes of smoking, you can confidently cook your Bubba Burgers in the air fryer without worrying about setting off the smoke alarm!

Frequently asked questions