Air Fryer Burgers Recipe

Ground beef: The main ingredient for the burgers, providing the base flavor and texture.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.

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

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

To ensure your burgers are juicy and flavorful, avoid overworking the ground beef mixture when forming the patties. Gently mix the salt and pepper into the meat just until combined. This helps maintain a tender texture. Additionally, make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this prevents them from puffing up during cooking, ensuring an even thickness throughout.

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

• ground beef - Substitute with black bean patties: For a vegetarian option, black bean patties offer a hearty texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of beef.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the burger.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile for those who enjoy a spicier burger.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps provide a fresh and crunchy alternative to traditional buns.

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

• Allow the burgers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the buns 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 resealable freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date. Ground beef typically lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
• To reheat, thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave's defrost setting.
• Reheat the patties in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain their crispy exterior.
• If reheating in the microwave, place the patties on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Toast the burger buns separately in the air fryer or on a skillet for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
• Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy as if freshly made.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover burger patties in the 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 splash of water or beef broth to the pan to keep the patties moist. Place the burger patties in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
• If you prefer the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each burger patty in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes.
• For a quick microwave option, place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• To reheat the burger buns, lightly toast them in a toaster or in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for making crispy and juicy burgers without the need for excessive oil.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the ground beef, salt, and pepper thoroughly.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the salt and black pepper to ensure the perfect seasoning.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the patties halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

• Meat thermometer: A tool to check that the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

• Burger buns: The bread component to serve the cooked patties, providing a base and top for your burger.

• Serving plate: A plate to arrange the cooked burgers and buns before serving.

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

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

Use pre-formed patties: Buy pre-formed patties to skip the step of shaping the ground beef.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple patties in one go if your air fryer is large enough.

Prep toppings in advance: Prepare your burger toppings while the patties are cooking.

Quick cleanup: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.