Air-Fryer Magic: Making Two Juicy Burgers

Air fryers are a convenient way to make juicy burgers with a nice crispy exterior. They are easy to use, require little to no preheat time, and are less messy than traditional frying methods. This guide will show you how to make two burgers in an air fryer.

Choosing the right beef

The key to a delicious burger is choosing the right beef. Here are some tips to help you select the best meat for your air fryer burgers:

Fat Content

The fat content of the beef you choose is crucial to the taste and texture of your burger. A good burger should be juicy and flavourful, and the right amount of fat will help achieve that. Aim for beef with a fat content of around 15% to 20%. This will ensure your burger stays moist without becoming too greasy. Leaner beef, such as ground round or sirloin, will result in a drier burger. If you're using leaner cuts, consider mixing in some fattier meat to get the ideal ratio.

Type of Beef

When it comes to the type of beef, you have a few options. Chuck, round, and brisket are all great choices for burgers. Chuck is a popular option as it usually has an 80/20 ratio of lean meat to fat. Round is leaner, so you may need to add more fat, while brisket has a high fat content and a great beefy flavour. You can also mix different cuts to get the perfect blend. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what suits your taste.

Where to Buy

Where you buy your beef can also make a difference. While grocery stores are convenient, a good butcher or meat market may offer higher-quality meat specifically tailored to your burger needs. They can help you find the right blend of fat and lean meat and guide you in creating your perfect burger blend.

Cooking Method

Consider how you'll be cooking your burgers. If you're grilling them, a little more fat in the mix can be beneficial, as it will drip out during cooking. For pan-frying or air frying, a slightly lower fat content may be preferable to avoid excess grease.

Seasoning

While the right blend of beef is essential, don't forget the importance of seasoning. A good combination of salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powder can enhance the flavour of your burger. You can also add fresh herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Preparing the beef mixture

To make two burgers, you'll need around half a pound of ground beef. For the best results, use an 80/20 blend of ground beef to keep the patties juicy without too much grease.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef with your desired seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper with a dash of onion and garlic powder will do the trick, but you can also add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or barbecue sauce for extra flavour. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture as this can result in tough and dry burgers.

Once the beef mixture is ready, it's time to shape your patties. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and gently flatten and shape them into patties. A good tip is to make an indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This will prevent the patties from bulging up in the middle as they cook.

Now you're ready to cook your burgers in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to around 370°F and place the patties in the basket. Cook for about 6 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.

And that's it! You can now serve your juicy, perfectly cooked burgers on buns with your favourite toppings and condiments. Enjoy!

Shaping the patties

Start by preparing your ground beef. For the perfect blend of flavour and texture, opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This means that your beef will be 80% muscle and 20% fat. This ratio ensures that your burgers remain moist and juicy without being too greasy. You can also use ground turkey for turkey burgers if you prefer.

Once you have your ground beef, it's time to season it. Add in some salt and pepper to taste. You can also include a dash of onion and garlic powder to enhance the flavour. Fresh onion and garlic are not recommended as they won't have enough time to cook properly. Alternatively, you can use a signature blend of hamburger seasoning.

If you want to add a little extra flavour and help with caramelisation, you can add BBQ sauce to your mixture. However, this is optional and works well without.

Now it's time to shape your patties. Combine all your ingredients in a bowl and form them into equally-sized patties. A typical batch of beef will yield four patties. To ensure your burgers don't swell in the centre during cooking, use your thumb to press an indent into the middle of each patty. This will help you achieve a flat, even burger.

When shaping your patties, make them slightly larger than your bun. This is because burger patties tend to shrink a little during the cooking process. Making them slightly bigger will ensure a perfect fit for your buns once they're cooked.

Finally, when placing your patties in the air fryer basket, make sure to leave some space between them. This allows the air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking. If you're cooking more than two burgers, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cooking the burgers

Now that you've got your ingredients ready and your air fryer preheated to the desired temperature, it's time to cook those burgers!

First, make sure you don't overwork the beef mixture when combining the ground beef with your chosen seasonings. Overworking the mixture can result in tough and dry burgers. Gently combine the ingredients using your hands or a wooden spoon/spatula until everything is mixed together.

Next, it's time to shape your patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Don't forget to make a small indent in the centre of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon—this will prevent the patties from bulging up during cooking.

Now, you're ready to air fry! Place the patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the patties for about 6 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare burger, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (57°C); for medium, 140-145°F (63°C); and for well done, 160°F (71°C).

If you're adding cheese, now is the time to do it! Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute or two of cooking and let it melt.

Once your burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures each bite is juicy.

Finally, assemble your burgers with your favourite toppings and condiments, and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Classic Sides

For a classic diner experience, serve your air fryer burgers with a side of French fries or sweet potato fries. You could also try air fryer corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a Greek salad.

Burger Toppings

For toppings, you could go for the traditional cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, and standard condiments such as barbecue sauce, mayo, mustard, or ketchup.

If you want to get a bit more creative, try air fryer bacon, caramelized onions, guacamole, arugula, or pimento cheese. You could also add a sauce like garlic aioli, or even brush the burgers with BBQ sauce.

Burger Sauce

For an extra special touch, you could make a homemade burger sauce by mixing together ¼ cup mayo, 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.

Buns

Serve your burgers in soft hamburger buns, or keep it low-carb with a lettuce wrap. If you're feeling decadent, brioche buns are a delicious option, or try pretzel buns for something a little different.

Toasting your buns will also add an extra layer of flavour and texture. Spread a little butter on the sliced bread and place in the oven or toaster oven on broil for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Drinks

To drink, a milkshake or soda would be a classic choice to accompany your burger. Why not try making a milkshake at home with your favourite ice cream?

Frequently asked questions