Air-Fryer Ground Beef: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare ground beef for your favourite recipes. You can use frozen or fresh ground beef, and the air fryer will result in a perfectly cooked and flavoursome meat. To cook ground beef in an air fryer, you'll need to season the meat, cook it at a high temperature, and stir it halfway through.

How to season ground beef for the air fryer

To season ground beef for the air fryer, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Mix the seasonings gently into the ground beef with a wooden spoon to evenly distribute them without overworking the meat. You can also add a light coating of cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and ensure a more even crust on the meat.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is heating up, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Mix gently to evenly distribute the seasonings.
• Place the seasoned ground beef in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spreading it out evenly.
• Air fry the ground beef at 400°F for 7-8 minutes or until browned and cooked through, stirring halfway through the cooking time to break up the meat.
• Once cooked, transfer the ground beef to a plate and use it as desired in your recipes.

Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the temperature and the quantity of ground beef you are using. For example, half a pound of ground beef cooked at 400°F will take between 6-8 minutes, while cooking at a lower temperature of 375°F may take up to 10 minutes.

How long to cook ground beef in an air fryer

You can cook ground beef in an air fryer in a few simple steps. First, make sure your ground beef is thawed. If you are using frozen ground beef, you can cook it from frozen, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Use a wooden spoon or meat chopper to break up the ground beef and stir the seasonings in.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Then, place the beef in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, stir the beef and break it up, mixing it up. Air fry at 400°F for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked. The total cooking time will be around 8-10 minutes, depending on the quantity of beef and your desired level of doneness.

If you are cooking from frozen, cook at 320°F/160°C for 5-6 minutes to partially defrost the meat, and then increase the heat to 400°F/200°C and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.

How to cook frozen ground beef in an air fryer

You can cook frozen ground beef in an air fryer. First, place the frozen meat in the air fryer basket. Then, cook at 320F / 160C for 5-6 minutes to partially defrost it. After that, increase the heat to 400F / 200C and cook for another 5-8 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked.

Before cooking, you can season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. You can also add a light coating of cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and ensure a more even crust on the meat.

Stir the beef halfway through the cooking process to break it up and ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the ground beef to a plate and use it as desired in your recipes.

How to cook ground beef in an air fryer without it sticking

To cook ground beef in an air fryer without it sticking, you can use a light coating of cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil on the pan.

First, make sure you have thawed ground beef. If using frozen ground beef, thaw the meat fully before cooking. Place the ground meat into the air fryer basket. Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon or meat chopper. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Mix gently to evenly distribute the seasonings without overworking the meat.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Place the beef in an oven/air fryer-safe baking pan in a single layer in the air fryer. Air fry the meat mixture at 400°F for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, stir the beef and break it up more, mixing it up. Air fry at 400°F for another 3-5 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked. Serve the cooked beef immediately.

How to serve ground beef once it's cooked in an air fryer

Once your ground beef is cooked in the air fryer, you can serve it in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Use it as a topping for nachos or tacos: Spread some tortilla chips or taco shells on a plate and top them with the cooked ground beef. Add your favourite toppings such as cheese, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
• Make a beef bowl: Cook some rice or quinoa and place it in a bowl. Top it with the air-fried ground beef and add some vegetables like sautéed peppers and onions. You can also add some sauce, such as teriyaki or BBQ sauce, to give it extra flavour.
• Create a beef salad: Combine the cooked ground beef with some leafy greens, chopped vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. You can also add some crumbled cheese or nuts for extra texture and flavour.
• Use it in a sandwich or burger: Place the cooked ground beef on a bun or between two slices of bread. Add some lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favourite condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
• Make a beef stir-fry: Sauté some vegetables in a wok or large pan and add the cooked ground beef. Stir in some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for extra flavour. Serve over rice or noodles.
• Create a beef pasta dish: Cook your favourite type of pasta and toss it with the air-fried ground beef. Add some tomato sauce, herbs, and spices to create a delicious and hearty pasta meal.

Frequently asked questions