Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to create crispy delicious foods without all the oil of traditional frying. This makes them a great option for cooking up tasty beef patties without the mess and fat of frying on the stovetop. But how long should you cook beef patties in an air fryer for perfect juicy results every time? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
Air Fryer Cooking Times for Beef Patties
The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your patties, as well as your desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
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1/4 lb patties 3/4 inch thick
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Rare – 4 minutes at 360°F
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Medium Rare – 5 minutes at 360°F
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Medium – 6 minutes at 360°F
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Well Done – 8 minutes at 360°F
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1/3 lb patties, 1 inch thick:
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Rare – 5 minutes at 360°F
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Medium Rare – 6 minutes at 360°F
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Medium – 8 minutes at 360°F
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Well Done – 10 minutes at 360°F
For best results, flip the patties halfway through the cooking time. And always use a meat thermometer to confirm they’ve reached your desired internal temperature.
Handy Beef Patty Air Fryer Time Chart
| Patty Thickness | Doneness | Time at 360°F | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 inch | Rare | 4 minutes | 125°F |
| 3/4 inch | Medium Rare | 5 minutes | 135°F |
| 3/4 inch | Medium | 6 minutes | 145°F |
| 3/4 inch | Well Done | 8 minutes | 160°F |
| 1 inch | Rare | 5 minutes | 125°F |
| 1 inch | Medium Rare | 6 minutes | 135°F |
| 1 inch | Medium | 8 minutes | 145°F |
| 1 inch | Well Done | 10 minutes | 160°F |
Tips for Air Frying Juicy Patties
Follow these tips for cooking moist, flavorful beef patties in your air fryer:
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Use 80/20 ground beef – The fat content helps keep patties tender and juicy. Avoid leaner beef.
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Don’t overcrowd – Cook patties in a single layer with space between to allow air flow.
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Brush with oil – Lightly coating patties with oil helps brown and prevents drying out.
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Flip halfway – Flipping ensures even cooking on both sides.
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Use a meat thermometer – This avoids overcooking and confirms doneness.
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Let rest 3-5 minutes – Allowing patties to rest helps retain juices.
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Avoid pressing patties – Pressing squeezes out flavorful juices, so handle gently.
Air Fryer Beef Patty Cooking Methods
There are a few different methods you can use to cook juicy beef patties in an air fryer:
1. Straight Air Frying
- Form patties and season as desired
- Arrange in air fryer basket lightly brushed with oil
- Air fry at 360°F, flipping halfway
- Cook until desired doneness is reached
2. Partially Pre-Cooking
- Partially pre-cook patties on the stove or grill
- Transfer to air fryer to finish cooking until done
- Helps ensure evenly cooked interior
3. Breading/Battering
- Coat patties in breadcrumbs, batter, or panko
- Air fry until coating is crispy and patties are cooked through
- Creates crispy, crunchy exterior
4. Smash Burger Style
- Form thin patties and season
- Air fry at 400°F for 2-3 minutes per side
- Smash patties with a spatula while cooking
- Creates crispy edges and tender interior
Serving Suggestions
Delicious ways to serve your air fried beef patties:
- Classic cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, onion
- Bacon cheeseburgers
- Mushroom Swiss burgers
- BBQ bacon cheddar burgers
- Patty melts on rye with sautéed onions
- Burger salad with lettuce, tomato, cheese
- Sliders with crispy onions and tangy sauce
- Patties on garlic bread buns with aioli
- Black bean burger patties with guacamole
With the right techniques and cooking times, you can easily make incredibly juicy, flavorful beef patties in your air fryer. Follow these guidelines for perfect results every time. Just set the temperature and timer – your air fryer does the rest!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know when the patties are done?
A: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to determine doneness. For medium, aim for 145°F.
Q: Can I cook frozen patties in my air fryer?
A: It’s best to thaw frozen patties overnight in the fridge before air frying for food safety and even cooking.
Q: What temperature should I cook beef patties at?
A: 360°F is ideal, producing crispy exteriors while keeping the insides juicy. Adjust time for thickness.
Q: How many patties fit in an air fryer?
A: This depends on the size of your air fryer. Avoid overcrowding and cook in batches if needed.
Q: Should I flip the patties when air frying?
A: Yes, flipping halfway through ensures the patties brown evenly on both sides.
The Takeaway
Cooking beef patties in the air fryer results in quick, easy burgers with crispy exteriors and juicy, flavorful interiors. Follow the recommended cook times for the size of your patties and use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. With the right technique, you’ll have delicious patties ready in just minutes without the mess and fat of frying.