Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook homemade, juicy hamburgers. They are perfect for a mid-week meal as they take less than 15 minutes to cook. The fatty grease drips off the burgers, and they cook evenly without needing to flip them. You can also toast the buns in the air fryer! In this article, we will cover the steps to cooking a delicious hamburger in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to elevate your burger experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 7-12 minutes, depending on thickness |
| Temperature | 350-400°F (175-195°C) |
| Patties per batch | 4 |
| Patty thickness | 1/2-3/4 inches |
| Patty diameter | 4 1/2 inches |
| Patty spacing | Leave room between patties for air circulation |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Resting time | 1-2 minutes |
| Patty indentation | Use thumb or spoon to make indent in centre of patty |
| Patty mixture | Combine ground beef with seasonings |
| Patty mixture consistency | Mixture should be loose, not overworked |
| Patty shape | Slightly larger than bun to allow for shrinkage |
| Basket preparation | Spray basket with non-stick spray or use parchment paper |
| Basket smoking prevention | Add 1/2-1 cup water or a piece of bread to the bottom of the basket |
| Leftovers | Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 4 months |
| Reheating | Reheat in a 400°F air fryer for 3-4 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect patty shape
Making your own hamburger patties has many advantages. You get to choose the type of ground meat you like, you're more likely to get fresher meat, and you can make the patties your desired size, shape, and thickness. You can also season the beef or other ground meat as you wish.
To get the perfect patty shape, start by keeping the meat in the fridge until you are ready to shape the patties. This makes the meat easier to handle and helps prevent bacteria from forming. When you're ready to start, take the meat out of the fridge and handle it as lightly and gently as possible while forming the patties. Most chefs recommend using 80/20 beef for beef hamburgers, as it has a higher level of fat and keeps the burgers nice and juicy. You can also use 90/10 if you prefer.
To shape the patties, you can use the lid of a jar or a small Tupperware lid for mini-sliders. First, form the meat into rounds about the size of a tennis ball. Cover the rounds with waxed paper and press down with the lid. The burgers will be just the right diameter and thickness. You can also use a hamburger press if you have one.
Once you've made the patties, form a depression in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up in the middle when you cook them. Make the dimple by using your thumb to press into the centre of the burger, about halfway through. The depression should be about 1 inch in diameter.
Finally, refrigerate the patties for at least 1 hour before frying or grilling. This will help them hold their shape during cooking.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking hamburgers in an air fryer depend on the type of patty and your preferred level of doneness. For fresh patties, most recipes recommend cooking at 350°F–400°F for 7–9 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 370°F–375°F for a total of 9–12 minutes.
For thicker patties, you may need to increase the cooking time. To ensure even cooking, create a small indent in the centre of each patty before placing them in the air fryer. Also, ensure there is sufficient space between the patties for air to circulate.
Frozen patties can also be cooked in an air fryer, but you will need to add about 5–7 minutes to the cooking time, depending on the thickness.
To achieve the perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F for hamburgers to ensure all bacteria are killed. If you prefer a medium-rare burger, cook it for a little less time, and for well-done, cook it for longer.
Additionally, you can add a slice of cheese to your burger and cook for an extra minute or two until the cheese is melted to your liking.
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How to get the perfect crispy exterior
To get the perfect crispy exterior on your hamburgers, follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of your patties. Therefore, it is crucial to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal results. As a general rule of thumb, set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C).
Before cooking, ensure your patties are about 3/4 inches to 1 inch thick, and make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking. This will help ensure an even cook and a nice, crispy exterior. Additionally, leave space between the patties in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the desired crispness.
When cooking, it is recommended to flip the patties halfway through to achieve an even cook on both sides. Depending on the thickness of your patties, the cooking time can range from 7 to 15 minutes. For a well-done burger, cook for a longer time, and for a medium-rare burger, cook for a shorter duration.
Lastly, it is important to note that the absence of oil when cooking in an air fryer may result in a slightly less crispy finish. However, the air fryer's hot air circulation will still create a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, reducing the calorie count of your meal.
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How to prevent the patties from sticking
Cooking homemade hamburger patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that yields tasty, juicy results. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your patties and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, it should take between 9 and 12 minutes to cook fresh beef patties in an air fryer, and you can add cheese during the last minute of cooking. Frozen patties will take an additional 5-7 minutes.
To prevent your hamburger patties from sticking to your air fryer, try the following:
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before adding your patties, allow your air fryer to preheat for a few minutes. This helps to evaporate excess moisture and create a non-stick surface.
Season Your Air Fryer Basket
Apply a thin layer of high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil, to the basket or tray. You can also use vegetable oil or cooking spray. This will create a non-stick coating and prevent food from sticking during the cooking process.
Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Liner
Cut a piece of parchment paper or silicone liner to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket or tray. This creates a protective layer that prevents food from sticking to the cooking surface. Just ensure that the liner does not block the air vents.
Don't Overfill the Basket
Avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket as this can cause the patties to release moisture and stick together or to the basket. Leave sufficient space between each patty and cook in multiple batches if needed.
Flip or Shake the Basket
During the cooking process, periodically flip or shake your patties. This prevents one side from becoming overly crisp while the other remains undercooked, and it helps to break any adhesion between the food and the cooking surface.
Adjust the Temperature
Experiment with different cooking temperatures to find the optimal setting that cooks your patties without sticking. High temperatures can cause food to cook too quickly, making it more likely to stick.
Allow Food to Cool Before Removing
After your patties have finished cooking, allow them to cool slightly before removing them from the air fryer. This helps any residual moisture to evaporate, reducing the likelihood of sticking.
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How to make cheeseburgers in the air fryer
Ingredients
- Ground beef – an 80/20 blend is recommended for the best texture and flavour
- Seasonings of your choice – salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder are popular options
- Cheese – Cheddar or any variety of your choice
- Hamburger buns
- Toppings of your choice – lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, etc.
Optional Ingredients
- Worcestershire sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Butter
- Beef soup base
Kitchen Tools
- Air fryer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Parchment paper (optional)
Method
- Prepare the Meat and Seasonings: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the ground beef with your desired seasonings. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in dry burgers.
- Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef mixture into four portions and form them into patties. Make the patties slightly larger than your hamburger buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. Also, make sure the patties are no thicker than 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking. Create a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to your desired temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F. Preheating is not always necessary, but it can help ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, depending on your air fryer's temperature and the desired doneness. For a 80/20 beef blend, the FDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety.
- Add Cheese: Once the patties are cooked to your liking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Turn off the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese. You can also return the patties to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes for melted cheese.
- Toast the Buns: If desired, you can use the air fryer to toast your hamburger buns. Place the buns in the air fryer for about a minute, either before or after cooking the patties.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the cooked patties with melted cheese on the toasted buns and add your desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- To prevent smoking, add a small amount of water or a piece of bread to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
- For crispy French fries to serve with your cheeseburgers, cook the fries first, set them aside, then add them back to the air fryer for 3-4 minutes while you assemble your cheeseburgers.
- Store any leftover cheeseburgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for later enjoyment.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 7 to 12 minutes to cook a fresh hamburger in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the patty and the desired level of doneness.
To ensure even cooking, make sure to leave space between the patties in the air fryer basket so that air can circulate. You should also make a small indent in the centre of each patty to prevent them from bulging in the middle.
Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.
To prevent smoking, add about half a cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. You can also add a piece of bread to the bottom of the basket to help absorb the grease.
