Air-Fried Bubba Burger: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Bubba Burgers are a convenient and tasty meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is an easy, quick, and delicious way to prepare them. Bubba Burgers are frozen hamburgers made with no artificial ingredients and are available in various proteins, including beef, turkey, and veggie. Cooking them in an air fryer yields juicy and flavourful results, with the added benefit of minimal cleanup. Here's a step-by-step guide to making mouthwatering Bubba Burgers in your air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your Bubba Burgers cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for the perfect Bubba Burger:

Firstly, it is important to consult the instructions for your specific air fryer model. Preheating instructions may vary slightly between models, so always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines first. However, most air fryers follow a similar preheating process, which we will outline below.

To begin, set your air fryer to the desired temperature. For cooking Bubba Burgers, a temperature of 370°F is recommended. This temperature setting is consistent across various air fryer models, including the Ninja Foodi and the Ninja Air Fryer. You can preheat your air fryer to this temperature while you prepare the frozen burger patties.

When preheating, it is essential to allow your air fryer sufficient time to reach the desired temperature. Depending on the model, preheating can take around 3 to 5 minutes. For example, the Ninja Air Fryer preheats for 3-5 minutes at 350°F.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the frozen Bubba Burgers. Place the desired number of patties on a sheet tray. It is important to ensure that the patties are frozen, as this is a key factor in achieving the desired cooking results.

At this stage, you can also add seasonings to your Bubba Burgers. Spray both sides of the patties with olive oil spray, and then season with your choice of spices. A simple option is to use seasoned salt and black pepper. However, you can also experiment with other seasonings like Montreal steak seasoning, Cajun or Creole seasoning, or blackening seasoning.

Remember, the preheating process should give you enough time to prepare the frozen patties before cooking, ensuring a seamless transition from preheating to cooking.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you are ready to place the seasoned patties into the air fryer basket. Ensure that the patties are in a single layer and not overlapping or touching each other. This arrangement allows the hot air to circulate effectively, ensuring even cooking.

Now, with your air fryer preheated and the patties prepared and placed, you are ready to begin the cooking process. Set the timer according to your desired level of doneness, and let the air fryer work its magic!

In summary, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect Bubba Burger. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your burgers cook efficiently and emerge juicy and flavorful every time.

Season the burgers

While the air fryer is heating up, take out the frozen bubba burgers and place them on a sheet tray. Spray both sides with olive oil spray (or another cooking spray of your choice) and season with salt and pepper, or another seasoning of your choice.

Some seasoning suggestions include:

• Seasoned salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Onion powder
• Cajun or creole seasoning
• Blackening seasoning

If you are using a seasoning without salt, it is recommended to add salt as well.

Cook the burgers

Cooking the Burgers

Now that you have your air fryer ready to go, it's time to cook your Bubba Burgers! Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Place the Frozen Patties in the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the frozen Bubba Burger patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping or overcrowded, as this will affect the cooking. You can cook 2 large patties or 4 regular-sized patties at a time.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to 370°F. The cooking time will depend on how well-done you like your burgers. For a rare burger, cook for 8-10 minutes, for medium, cook for 10-12 minutes, and for well-done, cook for 12-15 minutes. If you are cooking more than 2 patties at once, you may need to cook for a little longer.

Step 3: Flip Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking, flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.

Step 4: Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For beef burgers, the internal temperature should reach 160°F, and for turkey or veggie burgers, it should reach 165°F.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you want to add cheese to your burgers, do so after they have finished cooking. Place a slice of cheese on each burger and close the lid of the air fryer. The residual heat will melt the cheese in 30-45 seconds. You can also add the cheese after placing the burgers on a bun, and then wrap it in tin foil and put it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. You can serve them on a bun, roll, or even in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. Don't forget to add your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and sauce!

Melt the cheese

To melt the cheese for your Bubba Burger, simply place a slice of cheese on top of the burger once it's finished cooking. Then, place the air fryer basket back inside the air fryer and let it sit for 30-45 seconds. The cheese should melt and be ready to serve.

If you are using an oven, top the burgers with cheese and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

If you are using a skillet, add cheese and place the lid on top of the pan to melt.

If you are using a grill, add cheese and close the lid to melt.

If you are using an air fryer, you can also wrap the cooked burger in a bread bun with cheese and wrap it in tin foil. Put it back in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 200C.

Assemble the burgers

Now that your Bubba Burgers are cooked to perfection, it's time to assemble your mouth-watering meal.

First, carefully remove the burgers from the air fryer and place them on a plate or a bun. If you're a cheese lover, now is the time to indulge—add a slice of your favourite cheese on top of the hot burger, and let it melt to perfection. You can also place the burger and cheese in a bun and put it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.

Next, it's time to get creative with your toppings. The sky's the limit here—load up on your favourite veggies like lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickles. You can also experiment with different sauces to take your burger to the next level. Don't forget to serve your Bubba Burger with a side of your choice, like French fries, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad.

Finally, grab your burger with both hands, take a bite, and enjoy the juicy, flavourful masterpiece you've created! Don't forget to pair it with a refreshing drink of your choice. Bon appétit!

Frequently asked questions