Air-Fryer Beef Patty Perfection: Quick, Crispy, Juicy

Cooking beef patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. You'll want to preheat your air fryer to around 350-370°F (175-190°C) and make sure your beef mixture is well-combined but not overworked, as this can make the burgers tough and dry. Shape your mixture into four even-sized patties, making a small indent in the centre of each to prevent them from puffing up during cooking. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for around 6 minutes, then flip and cook for a further 3-5 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/175°C or 370°F/190°C

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C or 370°F/190°C. This is a crucial step in ensuring your beef patties cook evenly and efficiently. The optimal temperature for cooking beef patties in an air fryer is between 350°F and 370°F.

At 350°F/175°C, your air fryer will create a consistent cooking environment for your beef patties. This temperature is ideal for achieving a thorough cook without drying out the meat. By preheating your air fryer, you ensure that the cooking process begins immediately upon placing the patties inside, resulting in even cooking throughout.

Similarly, preheating your air fryer to 370°F/190°C strikes a balance between cooking efficiency and maintaining the juiciness of the beef patties. This slightly higher temperature can expedite the cooking process, reducing the overall cooking time. However, it is important to closely monitor the patties at this temperature to prevent overcooking.

The choice between 350°F and 370°F depends on your personal preference and the specific model of your air fryer. Some air fryers may cook faster or slower than others, so it is essential to refer to your air fryer's manual for precise temperature settings and cooking times.

By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range, you create the optimal conditions for cooking juicy and tender beef patties. This initial step sets the foundation for a successful cooking experience, ensuring your patties turn out just the way you like them.

Combine ground beef with seasoning in a bowl

To make juicy beef patties in an air fryer, start by setting your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allowing it to preheat. While the air fryer is heating up, combine the ground beef with your chosen seasoning in a medium mixing bowl. You can use your hands to mix the ingredients together, or a wooden spoon or spatula if you prefer. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough and dry.

Once the ingredients are combined, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Take each part and form it into a patty about 3/4 – 1 inch thick. You can use the bottom of a plate to press the patty into a cutting board, which will help you get an even layer. After shaping the patty, use your thumb to make a small indent in the centre. This will prevent the patty from puffing up during cooking.

Now you're ready to cook the patties in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Then, flip the patties over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the beef reaches 160°F. If you're using cheese, add it now and cook for another minute.

Finally, remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. Assemble your burgers with your favourite condiments and enjoy!

Divide the mixture into four equal parts

Once you've combined the ground beef and seasoning in a bowl, it's time to divide the mixture into four equal parts. This is a crucial step as it ensures that your beef patties are evenly sized and cook evenly in the air fryer.

To do this, use a spatula or spoon to gently divide the mixture into four portions. You can also use your hands to get a better feel for the texture and ensure that each portion is roughly the same size.

Now, it's time to shape each portion into a patty. Press the mixture down with a plate to form a patty about 3/4 – 1 inch thick. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indent in the centre of each patty. This indent is essential as it prevents the patties from puffing up or bulging in the middle during cooking.

By dividing the mixture into four equal parts and shaping them into patties, you're well on your way to cooking juicy and tender beef patties in your air fryer.

Form each part into a patty about 3/4 – 1 inch thick

To form each part into a patty about 3/4 – 1 inch thick, divide the meat mixture into four equal parts. Then, use your thumb to make a small indent in the centre of each patty. This will prevent the patty from puffing up during cooking. You can also use the bottom of a plate to press the patty into the cutting board to get an even layer before indenting.

It's important not to overwork the meat mixture when combining it, as this can make the burgers tough and dry.

Once you've formed the patties, you can cook them in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 370°F (190°C), depending on your preference. Place the patties in a single layer in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the beef reaches 160°F. If you're using cheese, add it now and cook for another minute.

Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes

After preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 370°F/190°C, place your beef patties in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Then, flip the patties and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. This will ensure that the beef patties are cooked evenly on both sides and achieve a nice sear.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the specific model of your air fryer. Thicker patties may require a few extra minutes of cooking time. It is important to keep an eye on the patties to ensure they don't overcook. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the patty, which should reach 160°F.

Additionally, the indent made in the centre of each patty before cooking will help prevent the patties from puffing up or bulging in the middle during this stage. This ensures that your patties cook evenly and maintain a uniform shape.

Frequently asked questions