If you are preparing burgers on a grill you are always flipping them, right? But what about the air fryer? Do you need to flip burgers in air fryer? Let’s find out in today’s article
In recent years, air fryers have been more popular. An air fryer works by using convection heat. There’s a fan inside the unit, which is what allows hot air to surround the food you are cooking. Users can set the time and temperature to cook food exactly the way they want it to be.
Among others, the best reason to use an air fryer when cooking burgers is convenience. It is quick and hassle-free. No need to set up the grill, which can be time-consuming. In addition, you don’t have to worry about complicated clean-up. Air fryers are easier to clean than grills and ovens. Lastly, air fryers are great for burgers because they can recreate the same grilled flavor.
Do You Need to Flip Burgers in Air Fryer?
An air fryer uses convection heat when cooking. This means that hot air will circulate evenly throughout the food, making sure all sides are properly cooked. Hence, even if you don’t flip the patties, they are cooked. However, despite such, many people still flip burgers.
So, while it’s alright to not flip burgers, I personally recommend that you flip them. Doing so requires minimal effort but can have a huge impact on the overall outcome.
Among others, one of the factors that will contribute to whether you’ll flip burgers is the temperature. Make sure that the temperature is hot enough (but not too high) to cook the burgers evenly. Otherwise, it is best to flip the patties to be sure that you cook all sides consistently.
In addition, flipping can also depend on the type of air fryer you’re using. For instance, you must consider whether you’re using a basket-style or oven-type air fryer. Most oven-style air fryers have multiple racks. This makes it easier for hot air to circulate both above and under the food. Hence, you might not need to flip the burgers. In contrast, it’s best to flip the burgers when you’re using a basket-style air fryer.
Another consideration is the time constraint. If you have the luxury of time, then you don’t have to flip the burgers. You can just wait until they are perfectly cooked. Nonetheless, if you’re in a hurry, it would be better to flip them to speed up cooking while also ensuring consistency.
Lastly, burgers can stick on the surface of the air fryer. All the grease and fats dripping can make it sticky, which can make cleaning a headache. If you’re using parchment paper, you don’t need to flip the burgers, but this is provided that the temperature is hot enough for even cooking.
Does It Matter If You Flip the Burgers or Not?
Yes, it matters. Truth be told, many people don’t flip burgers. Personally, however, I would suggest that you flip them for the best possible outcomes. If you don’t, you’re risking inconsistent or uneven cooking, especially if the patty is thick and the temperature is low. And because it promotes even cooking, it can also be effective in preventing food-borne illnesses.
Pros and Cons of Flipping Burgers in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the benefits of flipping burgers when cooking them in an air fryer:
- Can speed up cooking
- Prevents sticking from prolonged air frying
- Ensures even cooking on all sides
Nonetheless, it can also have drawbacks, including the following:
- Requires additional effort on your end
- Can make the meat tough and dry if you flip it too soon
Best Practices for Cooking Burgers in an Air Fryer
Aside from flipping burgers, here are other best practices to keep in mind:
- Preheat Before Cooking: Preheating the air fryer is recommended. This can provide additional crispness to the exterior while keeping the interior juicy. It’s best to preheat when cooking thick cuts of meat, including burger patties.
- Use a Thermometer: This is one of the handiest tools to have when you have an air fryer. It can help you check the internal meat temperature, so you’ll know once it’s done. This can also be a great way to prevent food poisoning as it makes sure the burger is cooked perfectly.
- Line the Air Fryer with Parchment Paper: Grease dripping from the burger can add to the flavor, but it can also make cleaning a burden. To make things easier, I suggest lying the cooking surface with an air fryer so the patties won’t stick.
- If you are cooking frozen burgers it needs more time for the perfect result. Check out our air fryer frozen food chart for reference.
Conclusion
So, do you need to flip burgers in air fryer? As noted above, it’s alright not to, but in most cases, it’s better to flip them for the best outcomes. It will ensure more consistent cooking and will prevent them from sticking on the surface. It’s a matter of personal preference, but if you’re asking for my opinion, flipping is better.
