Cooking frozen hamburger patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy burgers with crispy edges. Air fryers use super heated air and a fan to circulate the hot air around food to produce a fried finish without submerging food in oil. This makes them the perfect appliance for cooking frozen burgers to perfection.
The cooking time for frozen hamburger patties in an air fryer can vary based on the size and thickness of the patties, as well as the temperature and wattage of your specific model. Generally, it takes 8-14 minutes to cook frozen hamburger patties in an air fryer, depending on these factors.
When cooking frozen burgers in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat the appliance properly and flip the patties midway for even cooking. Tracking cook times and internal temperatures will help prevent under or overcooking. Continue reading for more details on how long to cook frozen burger patties in an air fryer for optimal flavor and food safety.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to cook frozen hamburger patties in an air fryer:
Size of the Patties
The size and thickness of the patties directly affects cook time. Larger, thicker patties take longer to cook through than thinner patties with a smaller diameter. A good rule of thumb is that 1⁄4 lb patties take 2-3 minutes less than 1⁄2 lb or larger patties.
Temperature Setting
Air fryers reach much higher temperatures than traditional ovens, often up to 400°F. The max temperature you set impacts how quickly the patties will cook. Higher heat means shorter cook times. Refer to your model’s manual for its max temperature.
Wattage
Higher wattage air fryers heat up faster and transfer heat more efficiently than lower wattage models. An air fryer with 1800 watts will cook food quicker than a 1300 watt model. Check your manual for the wattage.
Quantity
How many patties you cook also impacts total cook time. The more patties in the fryer basket, the longer they will take because the appliances have to work harder to circulate air around a crowded space. For best results, cook patties in a single layer and avoid overcrowding.
Preheating
It’s important to always preheat your air fryer before adding frozen patties. Starting with hot air shortens the cooking time. As a general rule, preheat for 3-5 minutes at your desired temp before adding patties.
Flipping
Air fryers cook food very quickly, so frozen patties should be flipped halfway during cooking. This ensures the meat cooks evenly and prevents burning. Set a timer for when to flip.
Cook Times Based on Patty Size
Here are general air fryer cook time guidelines based on the size of the frozen burger patties:
| Patty Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1/4 lb patties | 6-8 minutes |
| 1/3 lb patties | 8-10 minutes |
| 1/2 lb patties | 10-12 minutes |
| 2/3 lb patties | 12-14 minutes |
*Cook times are for frozen patties cooked at 400°F in a standard air fryer, flipped halfway.
As you can see, cook time increases as the size of the patties increases. Smaller 1⁄4 lb patties take 6-8 minutes, while larger 2⁄3 lb patties need 12-14 minutes to fully cook through.
These cook times are based on cooking 1-2 patties at a time. If cooking more, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Always check internal temperatures and adjust cook times up or down if needed. It’s better to undercook and then add time if needed rather than overcook the patties.
Internal Temperature
While the air fryer cook times above provide a general guideline, the best way to ensure frozen patties are fully cooked is to check the internal temperature using a food thermometer.
Burgers are safely cooked and ready to eat once the internal temperature reaches:
– 160°F for medium doneness
– 165°F for well done
Here are tips for properly taking burger temperatures:
– Insert an instant-read thermometer horizontally through the side of the patty, taking care not to touch any bones.
– Check temperature towards the end of recommended cook times.
– If under 160°F, return to air fryer for 2-3 more minutes and recheck.
– Allow patties to rest 3 minutes before serving or taking final temperature.
Always use a calibrated thermometer to confirm safe doneness rather than relying solely on cook times. Check in multiple spots to account for any cold spots. Reaching the proper internal temp kills harmful bacteria.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked frozen hamburger patties in your air fryer:
– Preheat air fryer fully before adding patties
– Use cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking
– Cook in a single layer and don’t overcrowd
– Flip patties halfway through
– Track cook times and take temperatures
– Add 1-2 minutes if cooking more than 2 patties
– Adjust time up or down as needed
– Let rest 3 minutes before serving
Properly preheating, monitoring, and flipping are key to achieving tender and juicy burgers without over or undercooking. Vary cook times based on patty thickness and your specific model.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are simple step-by-step instructions for cooking frozen hamburger patties in an air fryer:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
2. Spray basket with oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Add frozen patties in single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
4. Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes for 1⁄4 lb patties, 8-10 minutes for 1⁄3 lb, 10-12 minutes for 1⁄2 lb.
5. Flip patties halfway through cook time. Set a timer if needed.
6. Once cook time is up, check internal temperature in thickest part. Continue cooking if under 160°F.
7. Remove from basket and let rest 3 minutes before serving.
8. Enjoy your juicy air fried burgers!
Be sure to adjust times based on your specific air fryer model, patty sizes, and preferences. Checking temperature is the best way to prevent undercooked patties.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking frozen burger patties in air fryers:
Should I thaw patties first?
No, you can cook frozen burger patties straight from the freezer in an air fryer. No thawing required!
Can I crowd the basket?
It’s best to cook patties in a single layer with some space between to allow air flow on all sides. Overcrowding prevents even cooking.
Do I have to flip patties?
Flipping halfway through is highly recommended to promote browning and even cook temps.
What oil should I use to coat?
Any high heat cooking oil like avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil works well for air frying. Avoid butter as it can burn.
Do I need parchment paper?
You can use parchment to prevent sticking, but nonstick spray works just as well.
What temperature should I cook at?
400°F is the ideal air fryer temperature for cooking burgers thoroughly without drying them out.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen burger patties in the air fryer takes just 8-14 minutes for juicy, crispy results. Smaller 1⁄4 lb patties take less time than thicker 1⁄2 lb or larger patties. Be sure to preheat properly, flip halfway, and always verify safe internal temperatures.
Adjust air fryer cook times for frozen patties based on the thickness, your model, and quantity you cook. Following proper technique will ensure your burgers come out tender and delicious straight from the freezer. Enjoy your quick and easy air fried burgers!