Air-Fryer White Castle Burgers: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

White Castle burgers are a popular fast-food option, but if you're nowhere near a restaurant, you can get your fix by making them at home in an air fryer. This is a quick and easy way to enjoy these iconic mini burgers, achieving a mouth-watering balance between crispy exteriors and succulent interiors. Using an air fryer to cook these treats reduces the cooking time and gives them a slightly crispy edge while keeping the insides juicy.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your White Castle burgers start cooking immediately, achieving a consistent texture. Depending on your air fryer model, preheating may be necessary. If your air fryer requires preheating, set the temperature to between 370°F and 375°F (188°C) and let it run for about 2-3 minutes. This gives the burgers a head start and ensures they spend less time defrosting.

However, some recipes for White Castle burgers in an air fryer advise against preheating the appliance. This is because the burgers may burn if cooked for longer than the recommended time. If your air fryer is preheated or if you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

It's important to note that all air fryers are slightly different, so the cooking time and temperature may vary based on the model and brand. Keep a close eye on your burgers the first time you try this method to find the perfect settings for your specific device.

Prepare the burgers

Firstly, take your frozen White Castle burgers out of the freezer. If they are in a twin pack, you can separate them with a butter knife. Do not defrost the burgers.

Next, lightly spritz the frozen burgers with cooking spray on both sides for an extra crispy exterior. This step is optional, as the air fryer will crisp the burgers without the spray.

Place the frozen sliders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to cook the burgers in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and cook the burgers for 10-12 minutes. You don't need to flip them, but you can turn them halfway through for a more even crispness.

At the end of the cooking time, check the burgers. They should be hot throughout with a crispy exterior. If they need a little longer, add another 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Finally, carefully remove the sliders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite condiments, pickles, or sides.

Cooking spray (optional)

Cooking spray is an optional ingredient when making White Castle burgers in an air fryer. It can be used to achieve an extra crispy exterior on the burgers, but it is not necessary as the air fryer will crisp the burgers without it. If you do choose to use cooking spray, lightly spritz the frozen burgers on both sides before placing them in the air fryer. It is important to use the cooking spray sparingly, as too much can make the sliders greasy.

If you are cooking multiple burgers, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures better airflow, leading to even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Additionally, resist the temptation to flip the burgers during the cooking process. While it's not mandatory, giving the basket a gentle shake midway through can promote even browning.

The cooking time may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it is recommended to keep an eye on your burgers the first time you try this method to find the perfect cooking duration for your specific device.

Arrange the burgers in the air fryer

When arranging the burgers in the air fryer, it's important to ensure they are placed in a single layer and do not overlap. This is to allow for even cooking and to prevent overcrowding, which can impact the airflow and crispiness of the burgers. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.

For White Castle sliders, place the frozen sliders upside down in the air fryer basket. If your sliders are still in their packaging, carefully separate the top bun from the meat and cheese using a fork. This will ensure that the top bun doesn't get too crispy while the meat is cooking.

If you are cooking multiple burgers, space them out evenly in the air fryer basket. You can cook as many burgers as can fit in a single layer without overlapping. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to do this in batches.

Once the burgers are arranged in the air fryer, you can set the temperature and timer according to your recipe instructions. For White Castle sliders, a temperature of 370°F to 390°F for 10-12 minutes is recommended.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your burgers during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook.

Serve immediately

Air-fried White Castle burgers are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. This ensures you get the perfect blend of a crispy exterior and a hot, juicy interior.

If you're serving these to young children, it's recommended to cut the sliders in half first and let them cool down a little. You can also add your favourite condiments, such as ketchup or mustard, and toppings like cheese, pickles, or grilled onions.

To reheat any leftovers, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 2-3 minutes. This will restore the original texture, so you can enjoy your White Castle sliders all over again!

For those who don't have an air fryer, you can also cook these frozen sliders in an Instant Pot or use a microwave and then an air fryer to get that crispy finish. However, cooking them in the microwave alone may make them soft and soggy.

Frequently asked questions