Easy Air Fryer Ground Beef

Air Fryer Ground Beef is an easy, convenient, and less messy way to cook ground beef. Break it up in the air fryer basket, air fry for 8 minutes, and done. The results - perfectly cooked lean ground beef and easy cleanup. Great for tacos, enchiladas, nachos, or adding to your favorite recipes.

Air Fryer Beef Recipes

I'm totally obsessed with my air fryer! It makes dinner prep on crazy weeknights a breeze, saving me so much time and hassle. And when it comes to air fryer beef recipes, the air fryer boosts the flavor all while using less oil, and ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.

From classic favorites like Air Fryer Filet Mignon to inventive creations like Air Fryer Steak Bites and Air Fryer Meatballs, the versatility of the air fryer unlocks endless possibilities for making your favorite beef recipes quickly and easily without compromising on taste or texture.

Why cook ground beef in an air fryer?

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer offers many advantages that make it a preferred cooking method for many home cooks. This cooking technique is gaining in popularity for its convenient, quick and easy meal prep and healthier cooking option.

Effortless Hands-Off Cooking: Air frying fresh ground beef is a breeze. Simply place the ground beef into the bottom of the air fryer basket, break it up with a spoon, and let the air fryer work its magic. Unlike stovetop cooking, the air fryer makes it easy, freeing up your time to focus on the rest of your meal.

Leaner, Healthier Results: One advantage of air frying ground beef is its ability to render leaner meat. As the beef cooks, the excess fat drains away, resulting in a healthier and more nutritious final product.

No Fat Cleanup Hassles: When your air-fried ground beef is ready, all you need to do is lift out the basket, and the accumulated fat remains behind. There's no need for messy straining, which not only saves time but minimizes the mess in your kitchen.

Effortless Cleanup: Air fryers are known for their easy cleanup, and cooking ground beef in them is no exception. With less mess from splattering and the built-in fat drainage, you'll find that cleaning up is a breeze compared to stovetop methods.

Speedy Browning: Another aspect of air fryer ground beef is its lightning-fast cook time. In minutes, your ground beef is golden brown and ready to add to your favorite recipes. It's game-changer when you're short on time but crave a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Here's what you need for this air fryer ground beef recipe. The exact ingredient measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ground Beef - I recommend ground chuck (80/20), ground round (85/15), or ground sirloin (90/10). You can use lean (95/5) but it tends to be much drier after air frying. I would definitely stay away from extra lean meat using this cooking method.

Taco Seasoning - if you want to use the meat for tacos and other Mexican dishes. Otherwise, just season it with salt and black pepper or your favorite ground beef seasoning mix.

Water - air fried ground beef can be dry and this helps make it moist. It also helps seasoning to stick to the beef. You can also use beef broth or stock.

Cooking oil spray - to coat the air fryer basket before adding the meat.

How long to cook ground beef in air fryer?

The ground beef air fryer time can vary depending on how much ground beef you are cooking and your air fryer model. For air frying 1 pound of ground beef at 380°F, it takes about 7 to 9 minutes.

Air Fryer Ground Beef Temperature

According to the USDA, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the meat to make sure it’s fully cooked before removing it from your air fryer.

Recipe Variations

Not only can you air fry hamburger meat, but you can also use the air fryer to cook other ground meat:

• Air Fryer Ground Chicken
• Air Fryer Ground Lamb
• Air Fryer Ground Pork
• Air Fryer Ground Turkey
• Air Fryer Ground Venison

Simply swap the beef with your preferred meat.

Can You Cook Frozen Ground Beef in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen ground beef in an air fryer, but with some important considerations:

• Frozen Ground Beef Patties: Cooking frozen ground beef patties in an air fryer is a feasible option. These pre-formed patties are generally thin and cook relatively evenly from frozen. Follow the recommended air frying time and temperature for frozen patties provided by your air fryer's manufacturer or in the recipe you're using.
• Small Portions: If you need to cook a small portion of frozen ground beef (e.g., a couple of patties or a few ounces), the air fryer can do it. Cooking smaller portions helps ensure more even cooking and reduces the risk of overcooking the exterior while waiting for the interior to defrost.

How to Defrost Ground Beef in an Air Fryer:

If you have a larger amount of frozen ground beef or if you want to defrost it before cooking, follow these steps:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to a low temperature, typically around 250°F (120°C).
2. Place the Frozen Ground Beef in the Basket: Place your frozen ground beef in the basket of the air fryer. If you have a large quantity, consider breaking it into smaller portions to ensure even defrosting.
3. Monitor the Process: Check the ground beef periodically while it's in the air fryer. As it starts to defrost and soften, you may need to break it apart with a fork or spatula to help with even defrosting. Be cautious not to cook it; the goal here is solely defrosting.
4. Adjust Time as Needed: The defrosting time will vary depending on the quantity and thickness of the frozen ground beef. It could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes or more. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the air fryer once it's no longer frozen.
5. Cook as Desired: Once defrosted, you can proceed to cook the thawed ground beef according to your chosen recipe or preference.

What to Make with Ground Beef in Air Fryer

Wondering how to use the browned ground beef? Here are some ideas:

• Air fryer quesadillas
• Beef enchiladas
• Taco salad in a jar
• Stuffed peppers
• Stuffed shells

How to Store and Freeze Cooked Ground Beef

Storing and freezing cooked leftover ground beef properly is essential to maintain its quality and safety. Here's a guide on how to do it:

Storing Cooked Ground Beef

1. Allow the cooked ground beef to cool down to room temperature for about 30 minutes after cooking. This prevents condensation from forming when you store it, which can lead to moisture and potential spoilage.
2. Divide the cooked ground beef into portions that match your intended use. Smaller portions are more convenient for reheating and using in various recipes.
3. Place the cooled ground beef in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
4. If you plan to use the cooked ground beef within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It should remain safe to eat for up to 3-4 days when properly refrigerated at or below 40°F.

Freezing Cooked Ground Beef

If you want to store cooked ground beef for an extended period, freezing is a great option:

1. Allow the cooked ground beef to cool completely in the refrigerator before freezing.
2. Portion the cooked ground beef into meal-sized servings, and place each portion in a separate airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
3. For added protection, you can double-wrap the portions by placing them inside a larger freezer bag or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap before putting them in a container or bag.
4. Clearly label each container or bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. Place the labeled portions in the freezer.
5. When properly stored in the freezer, cooked ground beef can remain safe to eat for up to 3 months. While it may still be safe to consume beyond this period, the quality may begin to deteriorate.

Thawing Cooked Ground Beef

When you're ready to use your frozen cooked ground beef, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, you can also use the defrost function on your microwave. Once thawed, use it immediately or reheat it to a safe temperature for consumption (160°F).

More Amazing Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Cornish Hen
• Air Fryer Panko Shrimp
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Tuna Patties
• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Find lots of easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!

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