Thank you for this recipe for juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers. They taste like they were just off the grill, but you don’t have to use a grill.
No need to stand outside flipping patties when it’s raining, snowing, or too hot to handle.
With the handy air fryer, you can get a burger that tastes like it was cooked on a grill quickly and from the comfort of your own home.
This post has all the information you need to make a burger that would be good enough to eat in a restaurant. It even has tips on how to keep your patties nice and juicy while air-frying them.
How Long to Cook Beef Patties in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide
Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to cook food quickly and efficiently using little to no oil. One dish you may be wondering about making in your air fryer is classic beef patties. With the right techniques, air frying beef patties can result in a juicy interior and crispy, golden exterior in much less time than oven baking.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook perfect beef patties in an air fryer, including
- Selecting the right ground beef
- Forming uniform patties
- Recommended air fryer temperature
- Cooking times based on doneness level
- Step-by-step cooking instructions
- Tips for cooking frozen patties
- Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- Flavoring ideas to customize your patties
Follow these tips and you’ll be enjoying tender, mouthwatering air fried beef patties in no time!
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
The first step in cooking exceptional beef patties is selecting high quality ground beef Look for ground beef with an 80/20 lean to fat ratio. The higher fat content helps keep the patties tender and juicy during air frying. Ground chuck or ground sirloin are great options. Grass-fed beef also provides excellent flavor Avoid using extremely lean ground beef, as it can become dry.
For food safety, only use fresh ground beef that hasn’t been previously frozen Make sure to pay attention to the expiration date and use within 1-2 days of purchasing. If using previously frozen ground beef, thaw completely in the refrigerator before forming into patties
Shaping Uniform Beef Patties
To ensure your beef patties cook evenly, it’s important to shape them into uniform sizes and thicknesses. Use your hands to gently form the ground beef into round patty shapes, being careful not to overwork the meat. Make patties approximately 4 inches wide and 3⁄4 inch thick for optimal cooking.
Resist the urge to densely pack the patties. Handle the meat lightly to keep the texture tender. Use your thumb to create a shallow divot in the center of each patty, which helps prevent bulging as the patties cook.
Refrigerate the shaped patties for 30-60 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and helps them hold their shape better during cooking. Remove patties from the refrigerator while you preheat the air fryer.
Air Fryer Temperature for Beef Patties
Preheating is a must when air frying beef patties. Most air fryer manufacturers recommend preheating at 400°F for 5 minutes. This high heat helps the patties develop a nice sear on the exterior while cooking through gently on the inside.
If your air fryer only uses temperature control without a preheat function, simply set it to 400°F and allow it to heat for 5 minutes before adding the patties. Maintain the temperature at 400°F while cooking.
Cooking Time Based on Doneness
Determining the ideal air fryer cooking time for beef patties depends on your desired doneness level. Use these guidelines for air fry times:
Rare: 6 minutes total
Medium-Rare: 8 minutes total
Medium: 10 minutes total
Medium-Well: 12 minutes total
Well-Done: 14 minutes total
Keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your patties and your specific air fryer model. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and determine doneness.
Here are the target internal temperatures for different doneness levels:
Rare: 120-125°F
Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
Medium: 140-145°F
Medium-Well: 150-155°F
Well-Done: 160+°F
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked beef patties every time:
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Form ground beef into 4-inch wide, 3⁄4-inch thick uniform patties. Make a divot in the center of each patty. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
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Refrigerate patties for 30-60 minutes before cooking.
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
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Place patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
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Air fry at 400°F for half the recommended cook time based on desired doneness, flipping patties halfway through. For example, cook 4 minutes per side for rare patties.
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Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Cook longer if needed to reach the target temperature.
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Allow patties to rest 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices.
And that’s it! Follow this easy process for juicy, tender air fried beef patties.
Cooking Frozen Beef Patties
Many people opt to buy frozen pre-made beef patties for convenience. While you can cook frozen patties in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind:
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Always thaw frozen patties completely before air frying. Cook directly from frozen can lead to uneven cooking.
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Pat thawed patties dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture from thawing.
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Add 2-3 minutes to the recommended cook times to account for the chilled temperature of the frozen patties.
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Watch patties closely and check internal temperature to prevent overcooking the exterior before the center is done.
Following these guidelines will help ensure frozen beef patties come out evenly cooked and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes to avoid when cooking beef patties in an air fryer include:
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Overcrowding the basket which prevents proper air circulation
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Not preheating which leads to uneven cooking
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Flipping patties too frequently which can cause them to break apart
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Pressing down on patties while they cook leading to a dense texture
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Cooking at too high temperature which dries out the exterior
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Not using a meat thermometer to confirm safe doneness
By being mindful of these potential pitfalls, you can troubleshoot your technique and achieve air fryer beef patties just the way you like them.
Flavor Ideas and Toppings
One of the best parts of cooking beef patties yourself is customizing the flavor exactly to your liking. Here are some tasty ideas for seasoning and topping air fried beef patties:
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Sprinkle patties with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning before cooking
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Brush patties lightly with barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking
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Top cooked patties with slices of cheese, cooked bacon, avocado, grilled onions, or a fried egg
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Serve patties on brioche buns with traditional burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments
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For a inventive twist, make Greek burgers topped with feta, spinach, and tzatziki sauce
Let your imagination run wild and craft your ideal beef patty meal with the air fryer cooking method. The possibilities are endless!
The Takeaway on Cooking Beef Patties in an Air Fryer
Air frying makes whipping up juicy, flavorsome beef patties a breeze. With the right ground beef, proper shaping technique, recommended air fryer temperatures, and ideal cook times, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen. Pay attention to internal temperatures to nail your preferred doneness. And feel free to get creative with seasonings and toppings to craft the perfect burger or patty meal.
In 10-15 minutes, you can enjoy tender and succulent beef patties cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Ditch the greasy griddle and opt for this quick and healthy cooking method. Your family and friends will be amazed at the delicious patties you can effortlessly turn out. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to become the neighborhood’s go-to burger master!
How to Make Air Fryer Hamburgers
Meet the BEST air fryer hamburgers recipe!They are easy, much healthier than your standard burger, and flavorful.
Your seasoning is the key to making a juicy, flavorful burger that you won’t believe wasn’t cooked on a grill. I’ll show you how to do it right.
After you try this recipe, have fun cooking different kinds of burgers in your air fryer basket, like this Blue Cheese Burger.
- Beef. I use 90% lean ground beef. This is a leaner cut of beef than what is usually used for hamburgers, so it is better for you because it has less fat and cholesterol.
For more great ground beef recipes, check out Ground Beef Dinner Ideas.
Tips for Air Frying Hamburgers
- The air fryer should be set to 375 degrees F for the burgers.
- Don’t cram them in! If you have to, cook them in batches so that there is room between each one, and cook them in a single layer.
- Check for doneness early. When the first side of the burgers has been air-fried for 6 minutes, flip them over and cook for a few more minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer. Medium Well = 150 to 155. Well Done = 160 to 165. More than the time, let the internal temperature of your burger tell you how cooking it is done.
- To Store. Burger patties that have been left over can be kept in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.
- To Reheat. Cover and warm the patties in a skillet with a little water to keep them from drying out.
- To Freeze. There is a way to freeze cooked burger patties for up to three months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating.
How to Air Fry Burgers To Perfection
FAQ
How long does it take to air fry a burger at 400?
How long to cook raw beef patty?
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Doneness
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Color
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Cook Time (total)
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Medium-Rare
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red in the middle
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6 minutes
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Medium
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pink in the middle
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7-8 minutes
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Medium-Well
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smidge of pink
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9 minutes
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Well-Done
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no pink
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10 minutes
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Can you cook raw hamburger in an air fryer?
How long do you cook beef patties in an air fryer?
The cooking time for beef patties in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the patties, as well as your desired level of doneness. For medium doneness, we recommend cooking the patties for 7 minutes at 360°F, flipping them halfway through. For well-done burgers, add an additional 2 minutes of cooking time.
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Can you cook frozen beef patties in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen beef patties in an air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cook time and temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the patties for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. How Do I Make Beef Patties In An Air Fryer?
How long do you cook burgers in an air fryer?
One popular method is to preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the patties for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method is great for those who prefer their burgers cooked to medium or medium-well. Another method involves cooking the patties at a lower temperature of 325°F for 13-15 minutes.