Air Fryer Cooking: Frozen Burgers, Perfect Timing

Cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get your burger fix. It's easy to do and doesn't require any additional ingredients or oil. You can cook frozen burgers in an air fryer in as little as 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the patty. In this article, we'll cover the steps to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer, provide cooking times and temperatures, and offer tips for achieving the best results.

How long to cook frozen burgers in an air fryer

Preheat settings

Preheat Temperature Recommendations

• Some sources suggest preheating the air fryer to 350°F before cooking frozen burger patties. This temperature setting is recommended to ensure thorough cooking and browning of the patties.
• Another suggested preheat temperature is 370°F. Preheating the air fryer to this temperature aims to create a cookout-quality burger with a juicy texture.
• One recipe recommends cooking frozen burgers at 390°F for 5 minutes, followed by an additional 4 minutes at the same temperature after flipping the patty. This higher temperature setting contributes to a quicker cooking process.

Preheat Consistency

It is worth noting that not all recipes for frozen burgers in an air fryer require preheating. Some instructions advise placing the frozen patties directly into the air fryer without preheating, simplifying the cooking process.

Internal Temperature Guidelines

Regardless of the preheat settings, it is crucial to ensure that the internal temperature of the burgers reaches the recommended level. The target internal temperature for a well-done burger is typically around 160°F to 165°F. Adjustments may be needed based on your preferred doneness, with shorter cooking times for medium-rare and longer times for well-done burgers.

Cooking times

The cooking time for frozen burgers in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness, the size and thickness of the patties, and the air fryer temperature.

For medium-rare burgers, cook at 360°F for 10 minutes, or at 370°F for 15 to 17 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. For a well-done burger, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. If you prefer your burgers medium, cook them for 15 to 17 minutes at 360°F, or 15 minutes at 370°F. You can also cook frozen burgers at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of your patties. Thicker patties may require a couple of extra minutes, while thinner patties may be ready in less time. Additionally, the desired level of doneness will impact the cooking time, with well-done burgers requiring more time in the air fryer than medium-rare or medium burgers.

When cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature and cook the patties in a single layer to ensure even cooking. There is no need to defrost the patties before cooking, and you can season them generously with salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice.

Toppings and seasoning

When it comes to toppings and seasoning, the options are endless! You can stick to the classics like ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, or get creative with your favorite toppings. If you're a fan of spicy food, sprinkle some cayenne pepper on your burger, or add some curry powder for an exotic twist. You can also season your burger with salt and pepper, or try using kosher salt and black pepper for a more intense flavor. For a smokey flavor, try barbecue bacon smokehouse burger seasoning, or go for a steak seasoning blend. If you want to add extra flavor to your meat, spritz the patties with water before seasoning so the salt will stick.

If you're making cheeseburgers, it's best to add the cheese after removing the patties from the air fryer to avoid a mess. Cover the cheeseburger with a plate to help the cheese melt. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your perfect combination. Remember, the beauty of cooking is that you can make each dish your own!

Sides

Now that you know how to cook your frozen burgers in an air fryer, it's time to think about the sides! The great news is that your air fryer is perfect for sides, and you can cook them at the same time as your burgers.

One of the most popular sides to cook in an air fryer is potatoes. You can make rosemary potato wedges, French fries, or potato curls with the skin on. You can also make sweet potato fries. If you want to be a little more adventurous, try zucchini chips, or crispy, savory mushrooms. You could also try broccoli florets with olive oil and seasoning, or even crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup.

For a healthier option, try air-fried green beans with red pepper flakes, or a light and herby ratatouille. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try cheese fries or garlic knots. You could even make your own fried pickles or chicken tenders.

There are so many options for sides to cook in your air fryer, and these are just a few ideas to get you started. The possibilities are endless!

Reheating

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove your frozen, pre-cooked burger patties from the freezer and season them generously to your taste. There is no need to thaw the patties before reheating.

Place the seasoned patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-17 minutes for a medium internal temperature. For a more well-done burger, increase the cooking time, and reduce it for a medium-rare burger. Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

If you are making cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese to each cooked patty and close the air fryer. The residual heat will melt the cheese. You can also transfer the patties to a plate, add the cheese, and cover with tinfoil to achieve the same result.

For thinner patties, reduce the cooking time to 10 minutes, and for thicker patties, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions