Air-Fryer Beef Burgers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great alternative to grilling or pan-frying burgers, especially when it's too cold to grill or you're looking for a quick meal without the fuss. You can cook fresh or frozen beef burgers in an air fryer, and the cooking time will depend on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the patties. On average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook a beef burger in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking beef burgers in an air fryer depend on how well you like your burgers cooked, the thickness of the patties, and the model of your air fryer.

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to flip burgers while cooking them in an air fryer. However, some air fryers may not require flipping to cook evenly.

For a medium-rare burger, it takes around 7 minutes to cook a medium-thick patty. If you prefer your burger to be medium to well-done, it will take 10-15 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen burgers, it will take a little longer, approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the patties.

For a well-done burger, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is recommended for 12 minutes. If you prefer your burger medium-rare, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes should suffice.

For a medium-well burger, you can air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

If you are using a 2.8-quart basket-style air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (195 degrees C) and air fry for 7 minutes for medium doneness, and an additional 2 minutes for well-done.

How to form the beef patties

Now that you know how long to air fry your beef burgers, it's time to learn how to form the perfect beef patties. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose the Right Beef Blend: Opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef, which means 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio keeps your patties juicy without making them too greasy.
• Add Seasonings: Season your beef blend with salt and pepper. You can also add onion and garlic powder for extra flavour. Fresh onion and garlic are not recommended as they won't cook thoroughly in the short cooking time.
• Optional BBQ Sauce: If you like, add some barbecue sauce to your beef mixture. It helps with caramelization and gives your patties a nice glaze.
• Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine your ground beef with the seasonings and any optional sauces. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat.
• Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties. Make them slightly bigger than your buns, as they will shrink a little during cooking. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the centre of each patty—this helps them cook evenly and prevents swelling.
• Size and Thickness: Aim for patties that are about 1/2" to 3/4" thick and 4 1/2" in diameter.
• Chill (Optional): If you want to prepare your patties in advance, you can cover and chill them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Take them out 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
• Brush with Butter (Optional): For a darker, grilled colour and extra flavour, brush both sides of the patties lightly with a mixture of melted butter and beef soup base or bouillon.

Now that your patties are ready, it's time to fire up your air fryer and cook those burgers to perfection!

How to prep the air fryer

To prep your air fryer for cooking beef burgers, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking sessions. Wipe down the interior and the basket with a damp cloth, and ensure the ventilation system is clear of any debris.

Next, preheat your air fryer. Different models may have specific instructions, but as a general rule, set the temperature to around 350-400°F (175-200°C) and allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it ensures your burgers cook evenly.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your beef patties. Combine your ground beef with any desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough. Form the mixture into patties, making them slightly larger than your buns to allow for shrinkage. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the centre of each patty—this helps them stay flat during cooking.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the patties in the basket. Place them in a single layer, leaving space between each patty to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! Set the timer and temperature according to your recipe, and let the air fryer work its magic. Remember to flip your burgers halfway through the cooking process for even browning.

With these prep steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, juicy beef burgers cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

What to serve with the burgers

So, you're making beef burgers in the air fryer – great choice! They'll be ready in no time, and you can serve them with a whole host of delicious sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fries

First up, let's address the classic: fries. If you're after a healthier option, try sweet potato fries. Seasoned with garlic powder and rosemary, they offer a brighter and crispier alternative to regular fries. Or, if you're after the real deal, you could try making Popeye's French Fries. Seasoned to perfection and baked in the oven, these are downright addictive.

Salads

If you're looking for something a little lighter, why not try a salad? A corn and avocado salad with a creamy dressing is a great way to add some freshness to your meal. Or, for something with a bit of crunch, go for a shaved fennel, zucchini, and celery salad. You could also try a tomato and avocado salad, adding a few slices to your burger as a topping.

Veggie Sides

There are plenty of other veggie sides to choose from, too. You could go for roasted sweet potatoes with a tangy dill dipping sauce, grilled asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you're a fan of spice, air fryer cauliflower is a great option – seasoned with garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes, it's a super healthy and satisfying side dish.

Something Heartier

If you're after something more substantial, you could try BBQ baked beans, mac and cheese, or a classic potato salad. For a fun twist, you could even make zucchini-panko fries or buttermilk onion rings.

Something Different

For something a little different, you could try a blueberry peach feta salad, or a blackberry peach salad. These fruit-based salads add a touch of sweetness to your meal and are perfect for a summer BBQ.

There you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to accompany your air-fried beef burgers. Enjoy!

How to store leftovers

Leftover beef burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in airtight containers for up to three months.

When it comes to reheating, simply pop them back into the air fryer! To reheat from chilled, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until heated through. Frozen burgers will take a little longer—about 10-15 minutes at the same temperature.

You can also reheat the burgers in the oven or on the stovetop if you prefer. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly, and you may want to add a little oil or butter to keep them from drying out.

Now you can enjoy your juicy air fryer beef burgers again and again!

Frequently asked questions