Air Fryer Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: The 80/20 blend is ideal for burgers, providing a perfect balance of fat and meat for a juicy patty.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef, making the burger more savory.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the burger patties.

Burger buns: Soft and fluffy, these buns are the perfect vessel for your burger patties.

Cheese slices: Optional, but they add a creamy, melty layer of flavor to your burgers.

To achieve a perfectly juicy burger in the air fryer, avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. This ensures that the natural juices remain inside, enhancing the flavor and texture. Additionally, when forming the patties, make a slight indentation in the center with your thumb. This helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up in the middle.

• 80/20 blend ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• 80/20 blend 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 beef burgers.

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

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper will add a bit of heat and spice, offering a different flavor profile.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps provide a low-carb alternative while adding a fresh crunch to the burger.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white buns.

• cheese - Substitute with avocado slices: Avocado slices add creaminess and healthy fats, making them a nutritious alternative to cheese.

• cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese provides a dairy-free option while still offering a cheesy flavor.

• Allow the burgers to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the burger patties in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• If you plan to freeze the burgers, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they maintain their shape and flavor.

• Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, thaw the burgers in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the patties for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for a few minutes on each side until they reach your desired temperature.

• For added flavor, consider brushing the patties with a bit of barbecue sauce or teriyaki glaze before reheating.

• Always check the internal temperature of the burgers to ensure they reach at least 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a quick and efficient reheating process. Place the leftover burger patties in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and regain their juicy goodness.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan to create a bit of steam, which helps keep the burgers moist. Cover the skillet and let the patties warm for 3-4 minutes on each side.

• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each burger patty in aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated through.

• For a microwave option, place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• To reheat the entire burger with the bun, use the oven method. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap the burger in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the bun soft while warming the patty.

• Air fryer: A countertop appliance that circulates hot air around the food to cook it quickly and evenly, perfect for making crispy burgers without the need for oil.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the ground beef with salt and pepper, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.

• Spatula: A flat tool used to flip the burger patties halfway through the cooking process in the air fryer.

• Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the salt and pepper for seasoning the ground beef.

• Burger press: Optional, but helpful for forming uniform burger patties from the ground beef mixture.

• Tongs: Useful for safely placing and removing the patties from the air fryer basket.

• Knife: Used to slice any additional toppings you might want to add to your burgers, such as tomatoes or onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing burger toppings and assembling the burgers.

Preheat efficiently: Start preheating the air fryer while you mix the ground beef to save time.

Batch preparation: Form all patties at once and store them in the fridge for quick access.

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

Quick toppings: Prepare your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onions while the burgers cook.

Cheese timing: Add cheese slices in the last minute to melt perfectly without overcooking.