
Ground beef is a staple in many households, and it is often cooked on a stovetop. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, many people are now cooking ground beef in an air fryer. This method is faster, easier, and less messy than traditional stovetop cooking. It also produces tender, flavourful, and evenly cooked ground beef. The fat drains to the bottom of the air fryer during cooking, leaving you with leaner meat and making cleanup a breeze. You can use air-fried ground beef in a variety of dishes, including tacos, pastas, casseroles, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hands-free cooking, leaner meat, easier cleanup, faster cooking time, more flavorful, tender beef |
| Drawbacks | Can be dry |
| Suitable for | Tacos, pastas, breakfast dishes, casseroles, sloppy joes, wraps, chili, Air Fryer Nachos, salads, Air Fryer Meatballs, Air Fryer Hamburgers |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, ground mustard, paprika, olive oil, cumin, kosher salt, sea salt, homemade or store-bought taco seasoning |
| Temperature | 400°F/200°C |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn

Air fryer ground beef tacos
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Taco seasoning
- Olive oil (optional)
- Corn tortillas
- Cheese
Method:
- Place the ground beef into the air fryer basket.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Air fry the meat at 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, stir the beef and break it up further.
- Air fry at 400°F/200°C for another 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked.
- Remove the basket and discard any excess fat and liquid.
- Add the taco seasoning to the ground beef and mix.
- Place four tortillas on a plate and top them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with the ground beef and cheese, then fold them in half.
- Spritz your air fryer basket with oil spray and place the tacos in a single layer in the basket.
- Fry the tacos in the air fryer until they are golden and crispy.
Tips:
- You can use either frozen or thawed ground beef. If using frozen, cook at 320°F/160°C for 5-6 minutes first to partially defrost, then increase the heat and cook as instructed above.
- If the beef is dry, you can add a tablespoon of water to the mixture.
- You can use flour tortillas instead of corn, but they may not hold their shape as well.
- You can also add cheese to the tacos before frying.
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Air fryer ground beef pasta
Air fryer ground beef is a versatile dish that can be used in various recipes, including tacos, salads, pasta, and sandwiches. Here is a step-by-step guide to making Air Fryer Ground Beef Pasta:
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Cumin powder
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Pasta of your choice
- Marinara sauce or pasta sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 392˚F (200˚C) for about 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is heating up, place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
- Add salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, cumin powder, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ground beef with the spices until they are well combined. Break down any large lumps of meat for even cooking.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned ground beef into the air fryer basket, spreading it out evenly to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the ground beef at 392˚F (200˚C) for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, stir the beef and break it up further, mixing it well.
- Air fry at 400˚F (200˚C) for another 3-5 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Prepare your pasta according to the package instructions.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce or pasta sauce.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the pasta and sauce mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Serve the Air Fryer Ground Beef Pasta immediately.
You can also get creative and add your favourite vegetables or seasonings to the pasta sauce for extra flavour and nutrition. Enjoy your delicious and easy Air Fryer Ground Beef Pasta!
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Air fryer ground beef nachos
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Cheese (cheddar, jack cheese, or pepper jack)
- Tortilla chips
- Green onions
- Black beans
- Salsa
- Taco seasoning
- Cayenne
- Salt
- Pepper
- Water
Optional Ingredients:
- Ranch-flavored tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Hot sauce
- Pickled jalapenos
- Black olives
- Nacho cheese sauce
- Mango avocado salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Smoky red pepper crema
Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F or 360°F for about 5 minutes.
- Line the air fryer basket with foil or a parchment liner, and spray with cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 3 minutes. Drain the grease.
- Add water, taco seasoning, cayenne, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well.
- Set tortilla chips in the basket, slightly overlapping so the cheese won't drip through the gaps.
- Sprinkle cheese over the chips.
- Add a couple of layers of chips with cheese in between, or just add a single layer and cook in batches.
- Evenly distribute ground beef and black beans over the cheese.
- Sprinkle green onions on top and add spoonfuls of salsa.
- Transfer the basket into the air fryer and cook for 3 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Remove the nachos to a serving plate, garnish with sour cream, and serve immediately.
- Put extra toppings in small bowls and let everyone customize their nachos.
Tips:
- Watch the nachos carefully while they cook, as they can burn easily.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer.
- For vegetarian or vegan nachos, replace the ground beef with black beans or refried beans.
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Air fryer ground beef chilli
Air fryer ground beef is a quick, easy, and versatile way to cook ground beef. It is a hands-off method that requires less clean-up and produces leaner meat. The fat drains away as it cooks, which can be beneficial for certain dishes, but it may also make the meat a little dry.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Ground mustard
- Paprika
Method:
- Combine the ground beef with the olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix gently to combine.
- Place the seasoned ground beef in the air fryer basket and spread it out evenly.
- Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 7-8 minutes, stirring halfway through to break up the meat.
- Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Remove the basket and discard any excess fat and liquid.
- Serve the cooked ground beef chilli with your choice of sides or use it as an ingredient in another dish.
Tips:
- The cooking time may vary depending on the quantity of ground beef and the temperature of your air fryer, so adjust as needed.
- Preheat the air fryer basket before adding the ground beef.
- If using frozen ground beef, partially defrost it by cooking at 320°F/160°C for 5-6 minutes, then increase the heat and cook as instructed.
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Air fryer ground beef casseroles
Taco Casserole
A taco casserole is a delicious, family-friendly option that is quick and easy to make. You can use 95% lean ground beef, browned in a skillet for 5 minutes, and then add in taco seasoning, bell pepper, diced tomatoes with green chilis, water, and cheese. Simmer for 3 minutes and then bake in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30 minutes. You can also add some extra toppings like sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, and salsa.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
This casserole is a hearty and filling dish, perfect for a busy weeknight. It features seasoned ground beef, corn, beans, and a light cornbread topping. You can also add some crispy bacon for an extra indulgent touch.
Mexican Casserole
A Mexican casserole is a simple, healthy, and budget-friendly option that is packed with flavor. It typically includes ground beef, beans, cheese, and Mexican spices. You can also add in some extra vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a healthier twist.
Hamburger Rice Casserole
This is a classic, cozy dish that combines ground beef with steamed broccoli and rice. It's a simple and tasty dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
A fun and tasty twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's a great option for a busy weeknight as it's easy to prepare and can be made with ground beef, biscuits, and your favorite Sloppy Joe sauce.
When cooking ground beef in an air fryer, you can season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices of your choice. Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, and then continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. The air fryer allows for hands-free cooking, leaner meat, and easier cleanup as the fat drains away during cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the ground beef in the air fryer basket and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir the meat with a wooden spoon and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Stir the beef again and cook for another 3-5 minutes until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
Ground beef is a staple ingredient in many households and can be used in a variety of dishes such as tacos, nachos, wraps, chili, casseroles, and sloppy joes.
Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is faster, easier, and healthier than cooking it on a stovetop. It requires less clean-up as the fat drains away while cooking, and the meat is cooked by circulating air, resulting in tender and flavorful beef.











































