Air Fryer Burger Secrets: Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Making burgers in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and tasty option for a weeknight meal. Air fryers are versatile, easy to use, and create less mess than other cooking methods. They also require less oil, which is an added bonus! You can make juicy, delicious hamburgers and cheeseburgers in your air fryer in about 20 minutes. The key to a good air-fried burger is in the preparation and seasoning of the meat, as well as ensuring the correct temperature and cooking time.

Choosing the right ground beef

Fat Content

For juicy burgers with a good flavour, opt for ground beef with a higher fat content. An 80/20 blend (80% muscle and 20% fat) is ideal, as it has just the right amount of fat to keep the patties moist without making them greasy. Leaner blends, such as 90/10, can also be used but may result in drier burgers. If you choose a leaner cut, consider adding a little oil or butter to the mixture to keep the burgers juicy.

Quality

Always choose fresh, high-quality ground beef from a reputable source. Look for ground beef with a bright red colour and avoid those with excessive amounts of liquid or fat. The texture should be coarse and slightly sticky, but not too wet or mushy.

Quantity

For air-fried burgers, a good rule of thumb is to use around 1/4 pound (110-120 grams) of ground beef per patty. This will give you a decent-sized burger that fits nicely within a standard hamburger bun. If you prefer larger or smaller burgers, you can adjust the portion size accordingly.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, don't hold back! Generously season your ground beef with salt and pepper, and feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour. You can also try a burger seasoning blend or make your own signature blend.

Preparation

When preparing the ground beef, use your hands to gently mix the meat and seasonings. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can make the burgers tough and chewy. Form the mixture into patties that are slightly larger than your bun, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. Make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from bulging during cooking.

Remember, choosing the right ground beef is just the first step to making delicious air-fried burgers. The cooking technique, toppings, and sides you choose will also play a significant role in creating the perfect burger.

Seasoning

The secret to a good burger is in the seasoning. You can use a pre-made burger seasoning or make your own. A classic combo is salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and/or mustard for extra flavour.

How Much Seasoning to Use

For 1 pound of ground beef, you'll want to use around 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can adjust the measurements to your taste, but remember that it's easier to add more seasoning than to take it away, so it's best to start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.

Combining the Seasoning

Place the ground beef and seasonings in a large bowl and gently mix with a fork or your hands. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough and dry.

Customising Your Seasoning

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect combination. You can try adding cayenne pepper for spice, or using different types of mustard (such as Dijon or English) to give your burgers a unique flavour profile.

Timing of Seasoning

It is best to season the meat just before cooking. This helps to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed and that the burgers will be juicy and flavourful.

Storing Seasoned Meat

If you're not cooking the burgers right away, you can store the seasoned meat in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also shape the mixture into patties and freeze them for future use.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your air fryer burgers will depend on how well-done you like your meat.

For rare burgers, cook to an internal temperature of 120-130°F (52°C). Medium-rare burgers should be cooked to 130-140°F (57°C). Medium burgers should be cooked to 140-150°F (63°C). Medium-well burgers should be cooked to 150-160°F (68°C). Well-done burgers should be cooked to 160-165°F (71°C). The FDA recommends that hamburgers be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure all bacteria is killed.

Most recipes recommend cooking burgers in the air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, again flipping halfway. One recipe recommends cooking at 370°F for 9 minutes in total, flipping after 6 minutes.

If you are cooking from frozen, you will need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Toppings

The fun part about making burgers is that you can get creative with toppings and condiments. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried burgers:

Traditional Toppings

Keep it classic with toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, and standard condiments like barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup.

Air-Fryer Add-Ons

Take advantage of your air fryer by making air-fried toppings such as pickles, bacon, or onion rings.

Next-Level Flavors

Try something new with toppings like pickled onions, roasted red peppers, Greek yogurt ranch dip, sautéed mushrooms, refrigerator pickles, or avocados.

Burger Sauces

Make your own burger sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, apple cider vinegar, honey, and ground black pepper. Alternatively, brush your burgers with barbecue sauce or top them with Greek yogurt ranch dip.

Mediterranean-Style

For a fresh and flavorful twist, top your patties with sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and crumbled feta cheese.

Spicy Kick

Add some cayenne pepper to your seasonings, and top your burgers with pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.

Bacon Cheeseburger

Crisp up some bacon in your air fryer, add a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese, and let it melt on top of your burger.

Sides

There are many side dishes that go well with air fryer burgers. Here are some ideas:

• French fries: You can make these in the air fryer as well, for a classic diner experience at home.
• Sweet potato fries: Also a great option to make in the air fryer, and a nice change from regular fries.
• Crispy air fryer cauliflower: A healthier alternative to fries, but still tasty and crispy.
• Potato salad: A classic side dish for a burger, and a good option if you don't want to use your air fryer.
• Creamy coleslaw: Another classic burger side, and a good choice if you're looking for something light and refreshing.
• Greek salad: This crunchy, vibrant salad would pair well with the burgers, and is a good option if you're looking for something on the healthier side.
• Air fryer corn on the cob: A great way to bring a summery vibe to your meal, and you can cook it in your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions