Tiffany Haney
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook hamburgers, a new wave fryer could be your best friend. With this handy appliance, you can have juicy, evenly cooked burgers on the table in just minutes, without having to worry about the weather outside. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve the perfect air-fried burger, from preheating your fryer to shaping the patties and choosing the right toppings. We'll also offer some tips and tricks, like poking a hole in the centre of each patty to ensure even cooking and using butter for a richer, more flavourful sear. So, whether you're feeding hungry kids or hosting a barbecue, read on to master the art of cooking hamburgers with your new wave fryer.
How to cook hamburgers on a New Wave Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat fryer | 350°F (175°C) |
| Mixing bowl | Medium |
| Mixing utensil | Mix gently |
| Ground beef | 80/20 for juiciest burgers |
| Seasoning | Montreal steak seasoning |
| Cooking time | 6-8 minutes |
| Turning | Once |
| Temperature | 160° |
| Cheese | Place on patty and leave in fryer for 1-2 minutes |
| Probe temperature | 80°F |
| Stage 2 temperature | 325°F |
| Internal temperature | Rare: 110°F, Medium Rare: 115°F, Medium: 120°F, Medium Well: 130°F, Well: 155°F |
| Post-cooking temperature | Rare: 120°F, Medium Rare: 130°F, Medium: 135°F, Medium Well: 145°F, Well: 165°F |
| Storage | Up to 4 days in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer settings for hamburgers
Air fryer hamburgers are a quick, easy, and juicy alternative to grilling or pan-frying. They are ready in 20 minutes or less and are packed with flavour.
Pre-Cooking Settings
Before you begin cooking your hamburgers, there are a few settings to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use cold meat straight from the fridge for the best results. You can also use frozen patties, but you will need to add about 5–7 minutes to the cooking time. Frozen patties can be stored with parchment paper between them and will keep for about a month in the freezer. Secondly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking hamburgers is between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 195°C).
Cooking Settings
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can place the patties in the basket. Ensure that the patties are in a single layer and not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches. It is also important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your patties and your preferred degree of doneness. For rarer patties, cook for a shorter time, and for well-done patties, cook for a longer time. The ideal cooking time for a patty that is about 1/2" thick is 6 minutes on one side, then 3–5 minutes on the other side, or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If your patty is thicker, about 3/4"–1", the cooking time will be closer to
Post-Cooking Settings
After cooking your hamburgers, you can use the residual heat of the air fryer to melt cheese on top of the patties. Simply turn off the air fryer once the patties are done and let the heat melt the cheese. You can also toast the buns in the air fryer by placing them cut-side up in the basket and air-frying for 1 minute.
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How to shape the patties
Shaping burger patties is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it can affect the cooking time and the final texture of the burger. Here is a detailed guide on how to shape the perfect patties for your hamburgers:
Firstly, decide on the thickness of your patty. You can choose to make it thick, resembling a steakhouse-style burger, or go for an ultra-thin, diner-style patty. The thickness will also depend on the cooking method you plan to use, as some methods work better for certain patty thicknesses. For example, the smash-style burger is ideal for thin patties cooked in a skillet on the stove. On the other hand, thicker patties may be better suited for the grill.
Next, prepare your ground beef. Season the meat with your favourite spices. A common ratio for ground beef is 80% lean beef and 20% fat, as this results in juicy burgers. You can also add crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs to the mixture to help retain moisture and add flavour. Other optional ingredients include Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and milk. Use your hands or a spoon to combine the mixture until it is smooth and uniform.
Now, it's time to shape your patties. A simple method is to use a lid from a container, such as Tupperware, that is slightly larger than your hamburger bun. Cover the lid with plastic wrap to prevent the meat from sticking. Place a portion of your ground beef mixture inside the lid and press it down to shape it. Remove any excess meat and use it to form another patty. Flip the patty out of the lid and repeat the process until you have formed all your patties. You can also use a burger press or a ring mould to shape your patties. Remember to make the patty slightly larger than your bun, as it will shrink during cooking.
To prevent your patty from bulging during cooking, create a divot or indentation in the centre of the patty. This can be done by using a butter knife to dock or dimple the top of the patty or simply pressing your thumb into the centre. This technique helps the patty cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming ball-shaped.
Finally, place your patties in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cooking. This will help them hold their shape during cooking and improve their texture.
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Using butter or oil
While it is not necessary to use butter or oil when cooking hamburgers, as the fat in minced beef is often enough to prevent sticking, some people prefer to use a little extra fat in the pan.
If you are using butter or oil to cook your hamburgers, a non-stick skillet is a good option. Cast-iron skillets are also a popular choice for cooking hamburgers. Preheat your skillet to a medium-high heat. When cooking with butter, some people find that it can cause more sticking and burning, so it is important not to have the heat too high. A little oil, such as olive oil, can be a good alternative to butter, and you only need a very small amount—less than a teaspoon is usually enough to keep the meat from sticking to the pan.
When you make your patties, form them by balling the ground beef, packing it, and then flattening it. Place a thumbprint in the centre of the patty so that it cooks flat. You can season the beef with a grill seasoning, A1, and Worcestershire sauce, or use a different combination of herbs and spices of your choice.
Place your patties in the skillet and cook without flipping for about 5 minutes. This will give the meat a good sear. After 5 minutes, flip the burgers and add cheese if you want a cheeseburger. Cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes or until the burgers are done to your preference.
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Choosing the right toppings
Classic Toppings
If you're a fan of the classics, you can't go wrong with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion. These traditional toppings are always a welcomed addition to any burger. You can also add cheese, such as American cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack, to give your burger a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
Creative Combinations
For those who want to get creative, there are endless possibilities. Consider adding a slice of avocado to your burger for a smooth and rich dimension. If you're feeling adventurous, try pickled red onions for a sweet and tangy twist, or go for the crunch with some crispy onion rings. You can even experiment with different types of cheeses, like blue cheese or feta, to add an extra punch of flavour.
Condiments
Condiments are key to enhancing the flavour of your burger. The classic combination of ketchup and mustard is a timeless favourite, but don't be afraid to mix it up. Try experimenting with barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, or even a spicy Tabasco mayonnaise for an extra kick. If you're feeling really adventurous, whip up some garlic aioli or a Mediterranean sauce with fresh garlic for a complex, savoury flavour.
Protein Pairings
Consider the type of protein you're using for your patty when selecting toppings. Beef burgers can handle bold flavours like caramelized onions or crispy bacon. Chicken or veggie burgers, on the other hand, pair well with milder ingredients like avocado or tzatziki sauce. Lamb burgers can be enhanced with a fresh feta cheese spread, while turkey burgers can be amped up with pickled veggies and spicy mayo.
Stacking Strategy
Finally, don't forget to consider the architecture of your burger. The order in which you stack your toppings can impact the taste and eating experience. Place slippery veggies like lettuce and tomato beneath the patty to prevent them from slipping. Distribute your condiments between the top and bottom buns to preserve their distinct flavours and create a "mortar" to secure toppings in place.
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Cooking times and temperatures
To cook hamburgers on a New Wave fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). You can then cook the burger patties for six to eight minutes, turning once, until a thermometer reads an internal temperature of 160°F.
If you are cooking cheeseburgers, place a slice of cheese on each burger in the air fryer, turn the air fryer off, and let the burgers sit for one to two minutes until the cheese has melted.
For a well-done burger, you will need to cook the patty to an internal temperature of 155°F. For medium-well, this temperature should be 130°F to 145°F. A medium burger will be done at 120°F, a medium-rare burger at 115°F, and a rare burger at 110°F.
If you are using a New Wave oven, you will need to set the oven to 350°F and cook the burgers for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until a thermometer reads 160°F.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook hamburgers in a new wave fryer, start by setting your fryer to 350°F (175°C) and letting it preheat. Then, combine your ground beef with Montreal steak seasoning. Form the mixture into patties and cook them in the fryer until a thermometer reads 160°F. This should take around six to eight minutes, turning once.
Hamburgers in a new wave fryer should be cooked for around six to eight minutes. Thicker hamburgers may take longer to cook if not pressed down properly.
Your hamburgers are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
