Air Fryer's Burger Capacity: How Many Can It Cook?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook burgers, yielding delicious results with minimal cooking time compared to traditional methods. The number of burgers you can cook in an air fryer simultaneously depends on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of your patties. Most recipes instruct you to cook four burgers at a time, but you may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time for burgers

Cooking burgers in an air fryer is a quick and mess-free way to enjoy a juicy burger without the need for a barbecue. The air fryer's magic is in how it cooks the patties quickly, making the burgers crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Air Fryer Temperature

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 370°F/190°C. However, some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F/204°C.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for burgers in an air fryer will vary depending on the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook the patties for around 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For a well-done burger, cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Tips

• Add cheese during the last minute or two of cooking to let it melt beautifully without making the buns fly around.
• Add water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent smoking and keep the fat from dripping off the meat.
• Make an indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon to prevent the patties from bulging during cooking.
• Let the burgers rest for a minute or two after cooking to let the juices settle back into the patties.

How to stop burgers from sticking to the air fryer

If you're looking to cook juicy burgers without the mess of a grill or stovetop, an air fryer is a great option. To ensure your burgers don't stick to the air fryer, follow these steps:

Use parchment paper or oil

One of the easiest ways to prevent sticking is to use parchment liners designed for air fryers. These create a non-stick surface, making cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, you can lightly oil the basket with a high-smoke-point oil, such as canola or avocado oil, to prevent sticking and help the burgers crisp up.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and to prevent sticking. Make sure to preheat it for about 3-5 minutes before placing your burgers inside.

Don't overcrowd the basket

Always leave space around each burger to allow for optimal air circulation. Cooking in batches or investing in a larger air fryer can help with this.

Prepare your burgers properly

When forming your patties, use a light touch to avoid overhandling the meat, which can lead to a dense texture. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon to prevent the patties from bulging in the middle and sticking to the basket.

Flip your burgers halfway through

Flipping your burgers halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking and prevents one side from sticking to the basket and puffing up more than the other.

Allow burgers to rest before serving

After cooking, let your burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to stabilize, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful burger. It also helps prevent the burgers from puffing up and sticking to the basket as they continue to cook after being removed from the air fryer.

How to stop burgers from smoking in the air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook juicy burgers without the mess of splattering grease. However, it's not uncommon for them to smoke up your kitchen, especially when cooking fatty foods like burgers. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

Keep Your Air Fryer Clean

A dirty air fryer is more likely to smoke, so it's important to clean it regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods. Make sure to wipe down the baskets and trays with a soft sponge to remove any dirt and grease buildup.

Use Bread to Absorb Grease

This trick works for air fryers with a basket or shelf design. Place a slice of bread at the bottom of your fryer to catch the dripping grease. The bread will soak up the grease, preventing it from smoking. However, be sure to test the bread in your fryer first to ensure it doesn't interfere with the operation.

Add Water to Diffuse Grease

For basket-style air fryers, adding a tablespoon or two of water to the outer basket can help prevent smoking. The water diffuses the dripping grease, preventing it from burning and smoking. Be cautious, as too much water can create a steaming effect, resulting in mushy food.

Choose Leaner Meats

Opt for leaner meats with lower fat content. Ground beef with an 80/20 or 85/15 blend is less likely to smoke than fattier blends. You can also try alternative proteins like turkey or chicken, but ensure they are cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F/73°C.

Reduce Oil and Fat Content

Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food quickly, but fatty foods can cause smoking. Reduce the amount of oil or fat used when cooking burgers. You can also try cooking at a lower temperature to reduce the risk of smoking.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, juicy burgers from your air fryer without the unwanted smoke. Remember always to exercise caution when combining water and electricity, and don't leave your air fryer unattended when trying new cooking methods.

How to reheat burgers in an air fryer

Reheating burgers in an air fryer is a great way to make them taste fresh and juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, take your leftover burgers out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the burgers reheat more evenly and avoids cold spots in the middle.

Next, place the burgers in the air fryer basket or on a tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them for even cooking. You can add cheese to your burgers at this point if desired.

Now, it's time to reheat the burgers. Set your air fryer to 300-350°F and cook the burgers for 2-4 minutes, or until they are heated through. The cooking time will depend on the brand and power wattage of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust it accordingly. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

If you are reheating cheeseburgers, it is best to remove the cheese before placing the burgers in the air fryer, as lots of melted cheese can make a mess. You can then add a fresh slice of cheese before serving.

If you are reheating fast-food burgers, you may want to remove any toppings such as lettuce and tomato, as these will get slightly cooked during the reheating process.

Once the burgers are heated through, serve them with your favourite sides and toppings. Enjoy!

Some additional tips for reheating burgers in an air fryer:

• If you are reheating buns, place them in the air fryer for the last minute or so of cooking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• If you find any cold spots on your burgers after reheating, simply pop them back into the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• You can also reheat burgers in the oven at 350°F for 7-10 minutes, or on the stove in a pan with a little butter or beef broth.

What to serve with air fryer burgers

When it comes to serving air fryer burgers, you have a variety of options for side dishes and toppings. Here are some ideas to make your burger meal delicious and complete:

Side Dishes

A pile of golden and crispy French fries is a classic choice to serve with burgers. You can also make sweet potato fries in the air fryer, which taste amazing with the savoury burger. For something lighter, you can try a refreshing coleslaw or a Greek salad. Air fryer corn on the cob is another tasty option, especially with butter and salt.

Toppings

You can top your burgers with classic toppings or experiment with new favourites. Here are some ideas for toppings:

• Easy hamburger sauce: Mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, apple cider vinegar, honey, and ground black pepper.
• Cheeseburger: Use cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese and let it melt on top of the burger.
• Bacon: Add some crisp bacon for a smoky flavour.
• Spicy: Include some cayenne pepper and top with pickled jalapeños for heat.
• BBQ: Brush the burgers with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavour.
• Mediterranean: Opt for sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and crumbled feta cheese for a fresh taste.
• Mushroom and onions: Sauté mushrooms and onions and top your patties for extra flavour.

Frequently asked questions