Air Fryer Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: The main ingredient for the patties, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the patties.

Burger buns: The vessel for your burger, choose your favorite type.

Cheese: Optional, but adds a creamy and melty layer to the burger.

When forming the patties, make a small indentation in the center of each one. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle. Additionally, avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula while they cook, as this can squeeze out the juices and make the burgers dry.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground beef - Substitute with black bean patties: For a vegetarian option, black bean patties offer a hearty texture and can be flavored to mimic traditional burgers.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor and also provide the necessary saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used in place of black pepper.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps are a low-carb alternative that can still hold the burger and toppings together.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole grain buns: Whole grain buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to regular burger buns.

• cheese - Substitute with avocado slices: Avocado slices can add a creamy texture and healthy fats, making them a great alternative to cheese.

• cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese can provide a similar taste and texture.

• Allow the burgers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the patties soggy.

• Wrap each burger patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the burgers have been stored.

• Store the burgers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last up to 3 months.

• To reheat, thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 8-10 minutes.

• For added flavor, consider reheating the patties with a slice of cheese on top for the last 1-2 minutes. This will melt the cheese perfectly.

• Serve the reheated burgers on fresh burger buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover burger patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the burger patties in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

• If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each burger patty in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes.

• For a microwave option, place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

• To reheat the burger buns, you can place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes or toast them lightly in a skillet with a bit of butter until golden brown.

• If you have leftover cheese on the burgers, add it during the last minute of reheating to ensure it melts perfectly without overcooking the burger patties.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the burgers, providing a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground beef, salt, and black pepper thoroughly.

• Meat thermometer: Essential for checking that the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties halfway through the cooking process.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to form and shape the burger patties.

• Knife: Useful for slicing any additional toppings you might want to add to your burgers.

• Tongs: Can be used to safely place and remove the patties from the air fryer basket.

• Plate: For assembling the burgers once they are cooked and ready to be served.

Pre-mix the seasoning: Combine salt and black pepper in advance to save time when preparing the ground beef.

Shape patties ahead: Form the patties the night before and store them in the fridge, so they're ready to cook.

Use parchment paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup and quicker cooking.

Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating the air fryer while mixing the ground beef to save time.

Melt cheese quickly: Use a microwave to melt the cheese slices slightly before placing them on the patties to reduce cooking time.