Air-Fryer Ground Beef Burgers: Quick, Easy, Juicy

Air fryers are a great way to make burgers without the mess of pan-frying or the hassle of grilling. They're fast, easy to clean, and can produce juicy burgers with a delicious brown crust. The intense heat of an air fryer can create a fried taste with very little oil, making it a healthier option than traditional cooking methods.

To make ground beef burgers in an air fryer, simply combine the ground beef with your desired seasonings and form the mixture into patties. Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook for around 6-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a well-done burger, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F.

You can also add cheese to your burgers by placing a slice on top during the last minute of cooking or using shredded cheese, which melts more easily.

Choosing the right ground beef

When it comes to making hamburgers, an 80/20 blend of ground beef is often recommended. This means 80% muscle and 20% fat. This blend provides the right amount of fat to keep the patties juicy without being too greasy. However, the best blend for you will depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to cook your burgers.

Ground Beef Options

Ground beef can come from different cuts of beef and have varying fat content, which impacts the texture, flavour, and cooking performance. Here are some common options:

• Ground Chuck: Typically 80-85% lean, ground chuck comes from the shoulder area, which has more movement and marbling. It is the most flavourful and moist option, making it a popular choice for burgers.
• Ground Round: With 85-90% lean meat, ground round is a middle ground between the richness of chuck and the leanness of sirloin. It offers moderate fat content derived from the back leg and rump of the animal. While not as juicy as ground chuck, it still works well for burgers, especially with added condiments.
• Ground Sirloin: At 90-93% lean, ground sirloin is the leanest option. It comes from the sirloin primal cut near the rear of the animal and has minimal marbling. Sirloin patties can become dense and dry when cooked, so they require more careful handling and seasoning.
• Ground Beef: Without a specific cut denoted, ground beef is a mixture of trimmings from various primal beef cuts. The lean-to-fat ratio can vary, but it is generally budget-friendly and works well in dishes with multiple ingredients.
• Organic Ground Beef: Organic ground beef is more expensive but is raised naturally and can have a similar nutritional profile to conventional grain-fed beef.
• Wagyu Ground Beef: Wagyu ground beef has a richer flavour due to unique genetics and feeding practices. It is pricey but has exquisite marbling.

Factors to Consider

When choosing the right ground beef for your burgers, consider the following factors:

• Fat Content: The fat content will affect the juiciness and flavour of your burgers. For medium-rare burgers, an 80/20 blend is a good option. For medium-well, you can go with a 70/30 blend. If you prefer your burgers well-done, opt for a higher fat ratio, such as 60/40, to prevent them from drying out.
• Cooking Method: If you're grilling your burgers, you may want a little more fat in the mix, as some of it will drip out during cooking. For pan-frying, a slightly lower fat content is better, as you have more control over the heat and won't end up with as much grease in the skillet.
• Cut of Beef: Look for full-flavoured beef cuts like chuck, round, or brisket. Round is leaner, so you may need to increase the fat content by adding another cut, such as short ribs, for more intense beef flavour.
• Butcher or Meat Market: Consider seeking out a good butcher or meat market, as they can help you determine the best mix for your preferences and cooking method.

Remember, the key to a great burger is starting with the right blend of beef that suits your desired doneness and cooking method. Don't be afraid to ask questions and experiment to find the perfect blend for your taste!

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, don't hold back! Seasoning your ground beef generously will add a burst of flavour to your burgers. Start with a base of salt and pepper, which will enhance the natural taste of the beef. You can also add onion and garlic powder, as suggested by Spend With Pennies. Fresh onion and garlic are not recommended as they won't cook thoroughly in the short cooking time. You can also try their signature Hamburger Seasoning, or add some BBQ sauce for extra flavour and caramelisation.

Little Sunny Kitchen recommends Worcestershire sauce as a key ingredient in their seasoning. This adds a deliciously deep and slightly salty flavour to the burgers. They also suggest garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper, which you can mix into the ground beef with your hands or a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

Feel Good Foodie has a slightly different take on seasoning, suggesting paprika as one of their key ingredients. They also recommend salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. If you want to change things up, you can use your favourite burger seasoning blend. They also suggest that you can leave out the Worcestershire sauce if you don't have any, or try other substitutions and additions, such as ground chicken or turkey.

Well Plated uses a classic combo of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for their seasoning. They also add olive oil to their mixture, which helps to keep the burgers moist, especially if you're using a leaner type of beef. They also suggest Dijon mustard as an optional extra, which will add a little kick to your burgers.

When it comes to seasoning your ground beef burgers, don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds!

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for your ground beef burgers in the air fryer will depend on how well done you like your burgers.

As a general rule, air fry your burgers for 6 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 3-5 minutes. This will give you a medium-rare burger. If you prefer your burgers well done, you will need to cook them for a little longer. Check that the internal temperature of the burgers has reached at least 160°F/71°C. This is the minimum temperature to ensure the burgers are safe to eat.

If you like your burgers rare, cook them to an internal temperature of 120-125°F (52°C). For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (57°C). Medium-well burgers should be cooked to 150-155°F (68°C). Well-done burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your burgers, as well as the brand and size of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your burgers, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Some recipes suggest cooking the burgers at 370°F/190°C, while others recommend a temperature of 375°F. One recipe suggests cooking the burgers at 400°F (200°C) or 350°F (175°C), depending on the manufacturer's recommendation.

For best results, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef, which means 80% muscle and 20% fat. This will ensure your burgers stay moist and juicy. Form the beef mixture into 4 even-sized patties, about 1/2-inch thick, and make a small indent in the centre of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.

You can also brush the patties with a mixture of melted butter and beef soup base, or barbecue sauce, for extra flavour and a darker colour.

Now you know the ideal cooking temperature and time for your ground beef burgers in the air fryer, you can enjoy juicy, evenly cooked burgers any time!

Toppings and condiments

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 burger:

Classic Hamburger Sauce:

Mix ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sweet relish, ½ teaspoon of honey, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. This sauce will add a sweet and tangy twist to your burger.

Cheeseburger:

Place a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese on your patty during the last minute of cooking to let it melt and create a juicy cheeseburger.

Bacon:

Add a smoky flavor to your burger by crisping up some bacon in the air fryer.

Spicy:

Add a dash of cayenne pepper to your seasonings, and top your burger with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.

BBQ:

Brush your burger with BBQ sauce to give it a sweet and smoky flavor. This also helps with caramelization.

Mediterranean:

Go for a fresh and vibrant taste with sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, and crumbled feta cheese.

Mushroom and Onions:

Sauté some mushrooms and onions to add extra flavor and a juicy bite to your burger.

Zesty:

Try toppings like jalapeños, green chilies, sauerkraut, Chipotle Aioli, or a homemade garlic aioli for a zesty burst of flavor.

Savory:

Toppings such as roasted red bell peppers, a fried egg, bacon, or sautéed/air-fried mushrooms will add a savory touch to your burger.

Greek Yogurt Coleslaw:

For a light and refreshing twist, try a coleslaw made with Greek yogurt dressing instead of mayonnaise.

Pickled Onions:

Add a tangy crunch to your burger with some pickled red onions.

Avocado or Guacamole:

Avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole will bring a creamy texture and healthy fats to your burger.

Standard Condiments:

Keep it simple with traditional condiments like barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup.

Air Fryer Add-Ons:

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

Lettuce Wrap:

If you're going low-carb or keto, ditch the bun and wrap your burger in a crisp lettuce leaf.

Bun Options:

While brioche buns add a decadent touch, you can also try pretzel buns or go with the classic white-bread buns. Toasting your bun with a bit of butter can also enhance the flavor and texture.

Storing and reheating

Storing your beef burgers

If you have any leftover beef burgers, you can store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze your cooked burgers with parchment paper between each patty. They will keep for about a month in the freezer.

Reheating your beef burgers

There are several ways to reheat your beef burgers, including using an air fryer, an oven, a microwave, a frying pan, or a grill.

Air fryer

The easiest way to reheat your burgers is to put them back into the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C and heat the burgers for 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also reheat the buns in the air fryer after the burgers. Wrap them in foil and reheat for about three minutes at 300°F.

Oven

Before reheating your burger, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes. Disassemble the burger, removing the buns, patty, and toppings. Place the patty on a metal rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch any drippings. Reheat in the oven for three minutes, then flip and cook for another two minutes. You can add the buns to the rack when you flip the patty.

Microwave

Place the patty in the centre of a microwave-safe plate or paper towel. Cover the burger with a bowl to keep the moisture in. Microwave for one to two minutes on a lower power setting. For thicker patties, pause the microwave and turn them over before continuing.

Frying pan

Place the patty on an oiled pan over medium-high heat. Add 2–3 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover for one minute. This will steam the patty and lock in the moisture. Once the patty is done, remove it from the pan and reuse the same pan to toast the buns.

Grill

Place your patty on a preheated grill for one minute, then turn it over and cook the other side. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your patty.

Frequently asked questions