Air Fryer Burgers: Perfect Timing For Juicy Results

Cooking burgers in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get a juicy burger without the hassle of firing up the grill. But how long do you need to put them in the air fryer for?

How to cook burgers in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Ground beef (ideally 80% muscle and 20% fat)
• Seasoning (e.g. salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, steak seasoning)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Cheese (optional)
• Condiments and toppings (e.g. lettuce, tomato, avocado, barbecue sauce, ketchup)

Method

• Combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings in a bowl. If you're using olive oil, add this to the mixture as well. Mix everything together, ideally with your hands, until combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture as this can result in tough and dry burgers.
• Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties. Each patty should be around 1/2 inch thick, with a small indent in the centre to prevent the patties from bulging during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 350-375°F.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one.
• Cook for around 4-6 minutes, then flip and cook for a further 3-5 minutes until the burgers are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness. If you're adding cheese, do so during the last minute of cooking.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and allow to rest for a couple of minutes before serving on buns or in lettuce wraps with your chosen toppings and condiments.

Tips

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness. For a well-done burger, the internal temperature should be at least 155-160°F.
• To prevent the patties from sticking, you can use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the burgers cook evenly and the outside gets crispy.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure the burgers cook consistently from the inside out.
• To reduce smoke during cooking, pour a small amount of water or place a piece of bread in the bottom of the preheated air fryer, underneath the basket.

How long to cook burgers for rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well-done

The cooking time for burgers in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of doneness, ranging from rare to well-done. Here is a detailed guide on how long to cook burgers in an air fryer for different levels of doneness:

Rare Burgers:

For rare burgers, cook the patties in the air fryer for about 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature of a rare burger should be around 120-125°F (52°C).

Medium-Rare Burgers:

To achieve a medium-rare burger, increase the cooking time to approximately 7 minutes, flipping the patties after 3-4 minutes. The internal temperature for a medium-rare burger should reach 130-135°F (57°C).

Medium Burgers:

Medium burgers require a cooking time of about 8 minutes in the air fryer. As always, remember to flip the patties halfway through. The internal temperature for a medium burger should be 140-145°F (63°C).

Medium-Well Burgers:

For medium-well burgers, extend the cooking time to approximately 9 minutes, flipping the patties after about 4-5 minutes. The internal temperature for a medium-well burger should be in the range of 150-155°F (68°C).

Well-Done Burgers:

Well-done burgers require the longest cooking time, around 9-10 minutes in the air fryer. As with the other levels of doneness, flipping the patties halfway through the cooking process is essential. The internal temperature for a well-done burger should reach 160°F (71°C).

It's important to note that the cooking times provided are averages and may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your burger patties. Always use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of your burgers to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to make burgers juicy

Ingredients

To make juicy burgers, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef (fresh)
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder)
• BBQ sauce (optional)
• Hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice

Method

Here's a step-by-step guide to making juicy burgers in an air fryer:

• Combine all the ingredients (except the buns and toppings) in a medium bowl.
• Form the mixture into four equally-sized patties, about 1/2" thick.
• Make a small indent in the middle of each patty with your thumb to prevent swelling during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
• Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
• If desired, add a slice of cheese to each burger and cook for 1 more minute.
• Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.

Tips for Juicy Burgers:

• Use meat with a bit of fat (an 80/20 blend is ideal) to keep the burgers moist.
• Don't overwork the meat mixture as it can make the burgers tough and dry.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the burgers in batches if needed.
• Check the burgers early to prevent overcooking, especially if your air fryer tends to run hot.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. For ground beef, the thickest part of the patty should reach 160°F.
• Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Customizations and Add-ons:

You can customize your burgers by using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or American. You can also get creative with toppings like caramelized onions, guacamole, arugula, or pimento cheese.

For a zesty kick, try adding jalapenos, green chilies, or Chipotle Aioli. If you're a fan of savory flavors, top your burger with roasted red bell peppers, a fried egg, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.

Side Dishes:

Serve your juicy burgers with a side of air fryer French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or potato salad. For a lighter option, pair your burger with a refreshing Greek salad.

Storing and Reheating:

You can store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 4 months. To reheat, place the burgers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through.

Final Thoughts:

Now you know the secrets to making juicy burgers in an air fryer! With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy delicious, flavorful burgers any day of the week. Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your perfect burger combination. Happy cooking!

How to stop burgers from sticking to the air fryer

There are a few reasons why your burgers might be sticking to your air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Clean the Air Fryer

Before cooking, make sure to remove any food or residue left in the air fryer from previous use. Warm water and a scrubbing pad can be used to clean the air fryer. Alternatively, you can heat up the air fryer a little and gently scrub off any residues.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for at least 5-10 minutes at a high setting. This will ensure the air fryer is hot enough when you put your burgers in, preventing them from sticking. You should hear a sizzle when you place the burgers in the air fryer.

Use Oil

Oiling your air fryer and your meat will help prevent sticking. Use a high-smoking point oil such as refined canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, or palm oil. Lightly coat the air fryer and the meat with oil before placing the burgers in the air fryer. Do not use too much oil, as it may catch fire.

Don't Flip Too Early

Allow your burgers to develop a good sear before flipping them. This will prevent them from sticking to the air fryer.

Don't Press Down on the Patty

Pressing down on the patty will cause the juices to escape, leaving your burger dry. It may also increase the likelihood of the burger sticking to the air fryer.

How to reheat burgers in an air fryer

If you have leftover burgers and want to restore that fresh-off-the-grill taste, an air fryer is a great option. Here's how to reheat burgers in an air fryer in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat. This is a good temperature for reheating, but you can also go up to 400°F (200°C) if your air fryer manufacturer recommends it.

Step 2: Prepare the Burgers

Place the leftover burgers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you're reheating cheeseburgers, place a slice of cheese on top of the patties.

Step 3: Reheat the Burgers

Put the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and reheat the burgers for about 2 to 4 minutes. The exact time will depend on how many burgers you're reheating and how powerful your air fryer is, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serve

Once the burgers are heated through, take them out of the air fryer and serve them on buns or lettuce wraps with your favourite toppings.

Tips:

• To reduce smoke during cooking, pour 1/2 cup of water or place a piece of bread in the bottom of the preheated air fryer, beneath the basket.
• If you're reheating cheeseburgers and the cheese hasn't melted, try turning off the air fryer and letting the burgers sit inside for about a minute. The residual heat should be enough to melt the cheese.
• If you're reheating frozen burgers, they will take longer to reheat. Increase the time to about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the burgers.

Frequently asked questions