Air-Fryer Frozen Burgers: Quick, Crispy, And Juicy

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to deep-frying, grilling or baking, especially when it comes to frozen food. They can cook frozen burgers in just a few minutes with minimal prep and mess. Frozen burgers can be cooked directly from frozen, with no need to defrost or even to flip them. You can use store-bought or homemade patties, and there's no need to add any extra ingredients unless you want to.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step to making delicious, juicy burgers. While some recipes suggest that preheating is not necessary, most recommend preheating your air fryer to a specific temperature. This is an important step as it ensures your burgers cook evenly and reach the desired internal temperature, leaving you with a burger that is neither undercooked nor overcooked.

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is between 350°F and 390°F. Preheat your air fryer to your desired temperature within this range. Different air fryers may have different preheating mechanisms, so be sure to consult your air fryer's instructions.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next steps of preparing your frozen burgers. Remember, it is important to ensure your burgers are cooked thoroughly, so aim for an internal temperature of at least 160°F to 165°F.

Season the frozen burger patties

Seasoning your frozen burger patties is a crucial step in enhancing their flavour and making them taste great. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season your frozen burger patties before cooking them in an air fryer:

Firstly, take your frozen burger patties out of the freezer. It is important to note that you do not need to thaw or defrost them beforehand. The beauty of cooking frozen burgers in an air fryer is that you can cook them straight from frozen, saving you time and effort.

Next, decide on the type of seasoning you want to use. You can opt for a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper, or get creative with other spices and herbs. Some popular choices include garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or steak seasoning. You can also use a store-bought seasoning blend or make your own homemade mix. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a unique combination like garlic salt and onion powder. The key is to choose flavours that complement each other and will enhance the taste of the beef.

Now, it's time to apply the seasoning. Lightly spritz or spray the frozen patties with water. This step will help the seasoning stick to the meat better. You can use a cooking spray or simply sprinkle some water on the patties with your hands. Once the patties are slightly moist, generously sprinkle your chosen seasoning blend on both sides of the patties. Make sure to coat them evenly, so the flavour is consistent throughout.

If you're using a wet marinade or a more liquid seasoning, you might want to adjust this step. Instead of spritzing the patties with water, place them in a bowl or container and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the patties are thoroughly coated, then proceed with cooking.

After seasoning, it's essential to let the patties sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to absorb into the meat. This step is especially important if you're using a dry rub or a blend of dried herbs and spices. Giving the seasoning some time to settle will ensure that your burgers are packed with flavour.

Finally, place the seasoned patties into the air fryer. Depending on the model and size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook according to your desired level of doneness, and remember to flip the patties halfway through for even cooking.

By following these steps, you'll end up with juicy, flavourful burgers that are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Place the patties in the air fryer

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your frozen patties are seasoned, it's time to place the patties in the air fryer.

Place the frozen patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overlap them, as this will cause them to cook unevenly. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may only be able to fit one patty at a time. If you have a larger air fryer, you can cook multiple patties at once, but be sure to leave enough space between them to ensure even cooking.

Once the patties are in the air fryer, you can set the timer and let them cook. There's no need to flip them halfway through unless they were overlapping when you first placed them in the air fryer.

Add cheese

Adding cheese to your frozen burger is a great way to take it up a notch. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

After your burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, open the air fryer and place a slice of cheese on each patty. You can use any variety of cheese you like, such as cheddar, provolone, or American cheese. Close the air fryer and let the residual heat melt the cheese. This should only take about a minute or so. If you're worried about the cheese sliding off, you can try using a toothpick to secure it in place.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of cheese and create your own unique cheeseburger combinations. For example, try using a sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda for a more robust flavour. Or, if you're feeling really bold, you could even try a blue cheese or a creamy brie.

Additionally, you can also add other toppings to your burger before closing the air fryer to melt the cheese. For example, you could add some bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh tomatoes. Just be sure not to overload your burger, as too many toppings might make it difficult to eat!

Once the cheese has melted to your liking, carefully remove the burger from the air fryer and place it on a bun. Be cautious, as the burger and cheese will be hot. You can now add any additional toppings and condiments that you like. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy air-fried burger!

Assemble the burger

Now that your burger patties are cooked, it's time to assemble your burger.

First, place a cooked patty on the bottom half of your bun. If you're making a cheeseburger, add a slice of cheese on top of the patty and close the air fryer for a minute or two to let the cheese melt. You can also melt the cheese by covering the burger with a plate or some tin foil.

Next, add your desired toppings. Classic toppings include lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, but you can get creative and add toppings like bacon, BBQ sauce, Big Mac sauce, or sauteed mushrooms and onions.

Finally, place the top half of the bun on your stack, and your burger is ready to serve!

Frequently asked questions