Tiffany Haney
Air fryers are a great way to cook hamburgers that are juicy and evenly cooked. The process is simple and quick, and you can even toast the buns in the air fryer! The key to success is to use meat with a little bit of fat so that the burgers stay moist and not to overwork the meat mixture when shaping the patties. You can also add your favourite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, or even sugar to the outside to get a good Maillard reaction. For the best results, brush the patties with butter or barbecue sauce and cook in batches for 9-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patties and the size of your air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or bison |
| Meat Blend | 80/20 or 85/15 |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Montreal steak seasoning, or sugar |
| Other Ingredients | Barbecue sauce, bouillon, butter |
| Patty Thickness | 1/2" to 3/4" |
| Patty Diameter | 4 1/2" |
| Patty Indentation | Press thumb into the center of each patty to prevent swelling |
| Patty Number | 4 |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
| Air Fryer Basket | Single layer of patties, with water or bread to catch grease |
| Cooking Time | 6-12 minutes, depending on thickness |
| Cheese | Optional, add in the last 1-2 minutes |
| Buns | Toast in the air fryer |
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What You'll Learn
How to choose the right fat content for your burgers
When it comes to cooking hamburgers in an air fryer, the fat content of the meat you choose will play a significant role in the taste and texture of your final dish. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right fat content for your burgers:
Lean-to-Fat Ratio
The lean-to-fat ratio of ground beef is typically expressed as a percentage, with the first number indicating the percentage of lean meat and the second number indicating the percentage of fat. For example, a ratio of 80/20 means the meat is 80% lean and 20% fat. This ratio is commonly used for burgers as it offers a good balance of flavour and juiciness without being too greasy.
Personal Preference
Your personal preference for taste and texture will be the deciding factor when selecting the fat content for your burgers. If you prefer a juicy and flavourful burger, a higher fat content, such as the 80/20 ratio, is recommended. This combination will result in a burger that is moist and packed with flavour, even when cooked to a medium or medium-well doneness.
Cooking Method and Doneness
Consider how you plan to cook your burgers and the desired doneness. For example, if you plan to cook your burgers in an air fryer, on a grill, or to a medium-rare to medium doneness, the 80/20 ratio is an excellent choice as it will provide a juicy burger without excessive grease. However, if you prefer your burgers well done, you may want to opt for a higher lean-to-fat ratio, such as 85/15 or 90/10, to prevent them from drying out.
Meat Type and Availability
The type of meat you choose will also impact the fat content. For instance, ground chuck typically has a higher fat content, usually falling within the 80/20 ratio. Ground sirloin, on the other hand, is leaner, with approximately 10% fat, making it ideal for those seeking a 90/10 burger. If you're looking for something in between, ground round is a good option, with around 12% fat. Keep in mind that the availability of specific meat types and fat ratios may vary depending on your location and the retailer.
Health Considerations
If you're conscious about making healthier choices, you can still enjoy juicy and tasty burgers by opting for a slightly higher lean-to-fat ratio. For example, choosing ground beef with an 80/20 ratio will give you a delicious burger while being a bit more health-conscious than higher-fat options. Remember that cooking methods, such as using an air fryer, can also reduce the amount of added fat during the cooking process.
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How to season your burgers
There are many ways to season your burgers, and the best approach is to experiment with different seasonings to find what works for you. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started on seasoning your burgers before cooking them in an air fryer.
Firstly, it is important to season your burgers generously just before cooking them. This helps to create a delicious crust on the outside of the patty. You can season the ground beef before forming the patties, but this can draw moisture out of the meat, potentially drying out your burgers. If you do choose to season the ground beef before forming the patties, break the beef into smaller chunks first, then gently fold in the seasonings with your hands. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the finished product tough.
When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are the most popular choices. You can use regular iodized salt, or kosher salt, and add some black pepper for a classic flavour. If you want to branch out, you can add herbs, spices, and onions. Fresh herbs, diced onion, or shallots can be mixed into the ground beef before forming the patties. However, if you are going to sprinkle the seasonings on the outside of the patty, it is best to use onion powder and garlic powder, as fresh onion and garlic may not cook through. You can also add a dash of balsamic vinegar and olive oil to the mix, or try Worcestershire sauce.
If you want to get creative, you can try using smoked paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick. You can also add ground pork to your beef for a fast-food flavour, or even try making salmon burgers with red onion, capers, and Kalamata olives.
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How to form your burgers into patties
To form your burgers into patties, start by seasoning your ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add in some onion and garlic powder, or even BBQ sauce, to taste. Next, form the seasoned beef into 4 equally-sized patties, each slightly larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage during cooking. The ideal thickness of each patty is around 0.5 inches, with a small indentation in the centre to prevent bulging during cooking. You can use a lid, a biscuit cutter, or a jar lid to help shape the patties, and ensure they are uniform and consistent in size.
For the best cooking results, it is recommended to refrigerate the patties for at least an hour before placing them in the air fryer. This helps the meat cook more evenly. Additionally, bringing the meat to room temperature before cooking can also improve the texture and cooking results.
If you are cooking your burgers from frozen, simply increase the cooking time in the air fryer by about 5 minutes. Frozen patties can be stored with parchment or wax paper between them and will keep for about a month in the freezer.
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How to cook your burgers in the air fryer
Air-fried hamburgers are a great option when you don't want to go outside and start the grill or use a pan or the oven. They are fast, easy to make, and cook evenly without needing to flip them. Plus, you can toast the buns in the air fryer, too!
Ingredients
- Ground beef – an 80/20 blend is recommended for juiciness, but you can also use 85/15.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
- Montreal steak seasoning (optional)
- Cheese (optional)
- Water or a piece of bread
- Non-stick spray
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. You can also add barbecue sauce if you like.
- Form the mixture into four patties, each about 0.5–1 inch thick, making them slightly larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage.
- Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from puffing up during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 370°F, depending on the recipe.
- Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6–12 minutes, depending on the recipe and the thickness of your patties.
- Carefully flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- If desired, add cheese to the burgers and cook for another 1–2 minutes until melted.
- If you like, add the buns to the air fryer for a minute or two to toast them.
- Serve with your favourite toppings and enjoy!
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How to serve your burgers
Now that you've cooked your burgers in the air fryer, it's time to serve them!
First, you'll want to choose the right bun. A potato bun is considered the best option, and if your burger has a lot of toppings, a sesame potato bun will hold up nicely. If your burger is relatively simple, a brioche bun will do. You can toast your buns in the air fryer for a minute or two.
Next, you'll want to select your toppings. A recent survey found that 71% of Americans believe a burger should be topped with American cheese, with 46% selecting ketchup as the most popular sauce. However, you might want to add a little mayo or avocado to ensure your burger isn't too dry. For a winning combination, try a sesame potato bun, beef patty, avocado, lettuce, American cheese, and a spicy ketchup-mayo sauce. You can also add bacon, a fried egg, or sautéed or air-fried mushrooms. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add guacamole, jalapeño peppers, salsa, or sauerkraut.
Finally, choose a side dish to round out your meal. Fries are a classic choice, but you could also try tater tots, onion rings, or fried zucchini sticks. If you're looking for something lighter, a fresh, cold salad can complement the bold flavors of your burger. Go traditional with a tossed salad, potato salad, or coleslaw, or make a pasta salad with lots of veggies. Grilled vegetables, such as corn, squash, zucchini, and eggplant, can also be a delicious option.
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Frequently asked questions
Hamburgers can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 9 minutes, but the total cooking time depends on the thickness of the patties and the size of the air fryer. Frozen patties will take longer to cook, so you should add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Set your air fryer to between 350°F (175°C) and 400°F (195°C).
To prevent overcooking, check your hamburgers early and often. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your patties—they are done when they reach 160°F (71°C).
To prevent your hamburgers from drying out, avoid overworking the meat when mixing it. Also, be sure to add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer to catch the grease and prevent smoking.
Yes, you can cook frozen hamburgers in an air fryer. Just be sure to add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
