Indulge in the irresistible flavor of a juicy hamburger with a healthier approach. The air fryer revolutionizes the classic burger, offering perfectly cooked patties that are both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
This convenient method allows you to whip up restaurant-quality burgers at home in a fraction of the time, with less fat and mess involved.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is recommended for juiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Hamburger buns (to your preference)
- Cheese slices (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat: In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Use a fork to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
2. Shape the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and form them into patties that are slightly larger in diameter than your hamburger buns. This is because the burgers will shrink a bit during cooking. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up in the middle while cooking.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
4. Cook the Burgers: Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.
5. Air Fry the Burgers: Cook the burgers for 6-8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 160°F for medium-well done.
6. Cheese (Optional): If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on top of each burger in the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked through, transfer the burgers to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before assembling your burgers with your favorite toppings on hamburger buns.
Tips
- For extra juicy burgers, use a higher fat ratio ground beef (80/20).
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the burgers from cooking evenly.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and your air fryer model. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature.
- You can brush the burgers with a little olive oil or melted butter before cooking for added flavor.
- Get creative with your toppings! Some ideas include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, cheese curds, avocado, and bacon.pen_spark