Air-Fried Beef Burgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to make juicy and delicious beef burgers with a crispy exterior and a perfectly cooked interior. They are a quick and convenient way to enjoy a burger without the mess of pan-frying or the hassle of getting out the BBQ. In this article, we will take you through the steps to make the perfect beef burger in your air fryer, with tips on cooking times, temperatures, and how to get the best results.

Choosing the right beef

Fat Content:

The fat content of the beef you choose will impact the juiciness and flavour of your burgers. An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal, meaning 80% muscle and 20% fat. This ratio ensures your burgers stay moist without being too greasy. Leaner blends, such as 90/10, can also work, but be aware that the lower the fat content, the drier your burgers may become.

Freshness:

Always opt for fresh, good-quality ground beef when making burgers. Fresh beef will have a better texture and flavour than frozen or pre-made patties. If you're buying pre-packaged ground beef, check the "best before" date to ensure it's fresh.

Seasoning:

Don't be shy when it comes to seasoning your beef! A well-seasoned burger is packed with flavour. Classic seasonings include salt and pepper, but you can also add onion powder, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, savoury taste. You can even add a little BBQ sauce to your beef mixture for extra flavour and to help with caramelisation.

Patty Size:

When forming your beef patties, make them slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. This will give you a perfect fit for your burger buns once they're cooked. Also, ensure your patties are evenly sized and shaped so they cook at the same rate.

Cooking Temperature:

The ideal cooking temperature for beef burgers in an air fryer is around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit or 180-200 degrees Celsius. Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your patties, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time slightly. Always use a meat thermometer to check that your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Resting Time:

After air frying your burgers, let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to settle back into the patties, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavourful.

By following these tips and choosing the right beef for your air fryer burgers, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked burgers every time!

Seasoning

Firstly, when it comes to seasoning, don't be shy! Seasoning the meat generously will ensure your burgers are packed with flavour. You can use a variety of seasonings, but some common options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. These seasonings provide a savoury and slightly salty flavour profile. You can also add some heat with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like your burgers spicy.

When preparing the beef mixture, combine the ground beef with your desired seasonings in a bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined, or you can use a wooden spoon or spatula if you prefer. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

If you want to add some extra flavour and moisture to the burgers, you can also include ingredients like BBQ sauce, butter, or beef bouillon. These additions can enhance the beefy flavour and give your burgers a unique twist.

Another tip for seasoning is to make sure you shape your patties evenly. This ensures that the burgers cook at the same rate and helps them cook evenly. Also, don't forget to make them slightly bigger than your buns to allow for shrinkage during cooking.

Lastly, if you want to get creative, you can experiment with different seasoning blends and themes. For example, you can try a Greek seasoning blend with Mediterranean toppings or add some liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky flavour. You can even make your own signature hamburger seasoning blend!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your beef burgers in the air fryer will depend on how well done you like your meat. For a rare burger, you are looking at an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C), whereas a well-done burger should be cooked to 160°F (71°C).

As a guide, most recipes suggest cooking your burgers for around 9-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you like your burgers well done, you may want to add an extra couple of minutes onto the cooking time. It is recommended that you use a meat thermometer to check that your burgers are cooked to your preference, and remember that the thicker your burgers are, the longer they will take to cook.

If you are cooking frozen burgers, you will need to add around 5 minutes to the cooking time, and if you are cooking cheeseburgers, simply place a slice of cheese on your patties during the last minute or two of cooking and let it melt.

Toppings

Easy Hamburger Sauce

Make a sweet and tangy sauce by mixing ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sweet relish, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of honey, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Cheeseburger

Top your air fryer burger with a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese and let it melt.

Bacon

Crisp up some bacon in your air fryer to add a smoky flavour to your burger.

Spicy

Add a kick to your burger by mixing some cayenne pepper into your seasonings and topping your burger with pickled jalapenos.

BBQ

Brush your burger with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavour.

Mediterranean

Top your patty with sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and crumbled feta cheese for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Mushroom and Onions

Sauté some mushrooms and onions and pile them on top of your patty for extra flavour.

Sides

There are many side dishes that pair well with beef burgers cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Fries and Chips

• French Fries
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Zucchini Fries
• Potato Chips

Vegetables

• Green Beans
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Okra
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Eggplant
• Radishes
• Corn on the Cob
• Peas
• Mushrooms

Starch

• Baked Potatoes
• Potato Wedges
• Hash Browns
• Tater Tots
• Baked Yams

Breads

• Garlic Bread
• Onion Rings
• Pizza Puffs
• Bread Rolls

Frequently asked questions