Cooking burgers and fries at the same time in an air fryer is absolutely possible! With the right strategies and recipes, you can make these classic comfort foods together in one appliance for a quick and easy meal.
Can You Really Cook Burgers and Fries Simultaneously?
Yes, you can cook burgers and fries at the same time in an air fryer! The key is understanding how air fryers work and planning accordingly.
Air fryers circulate super hot air around food to crisp and cook it. This allows you to prepare different foods simultaneously, even if they have different cook times. The circulating air ensures even cooking.
To make burgers and fries together, you’ll want to strategically place the foods in areas of the basket that receive the most heat. Burgers should go towards the center and fries around the edges. You may need to shuffle them mid-cooking as well.
It’s also important to get the right internal temperature for burgers while sufficiently crisping the fries. Choosing thinner burgers and fresh-cut fries will make cooking easier. With the right recipe, you can absolutely achieve delicious results.
Tips for Cooking Burgers and Fries Together
Follow these tips for flawlessly cooking burgers and fries at the same time in an air fryer:
- Use thin burger patties, 1/2 inch thick. Thick burgers will be difficult to cook through.
- Cut fries uniformly for even cooking. Shoestring fries work best.
- Toss fries lightly in oil before air frying for crispiness.
- Brush or drizzle a bit of oil on burgers so they brown nicely.
- Place burgers towards air fryer center, fries around edges.
- Flip and shuffle foods midway during cooking.
- Insert meat thermometer in burgers to check doneness.
- Cook fries and burgers 5-10 minutes at 400°F, adjusting time as needed.
- Let burgers rest 5 minutes before serving.
With these guidelines, you can totally make juicy burgers and perfectly crisped fries using just your air fryer!
Best Air Fryer Models for Burgers and Fries
Look for these features when selecting an air fryer for cooking burgers and fries simultaneously:
- Large capacity – At least 5 quarts to fit multiple foods.
- Square basket – Allows more cooking area.
- Adjustable temperature and time – Up to 400°F, 60 minute timer.
- Multiple rack heights – Provides placement options.
- Digital display – Makes adjusting settings easy.
- Automatic shut-off – For safety.
The top air fryer picks for burgers and fries are:
| Air Fryer | Features |
|---|---|
| Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer | 7.6 qt capacity, dual zones cook at different temps |
| Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer | 6 quart square basket, 7 customizable programs |
| Cuisinart Airfryer Toaster Oven | 6.6 qt capacity, 7 functions including air fry |
| Philips Premium Airfryer XXL | 7.3 qt capacity, fat removal technology |
Look for a model with enough size, power, and flexibility to cook burgers and fries to perfection.
Best Practices for Air Frying Burgers and Fries
Follow these tips when making burgers and fries in your air fryer:
For the Burgers:
- Form thin, evenly shaped patties for quick, consistent cooking. 1/2 inch thick is best.
- Use 85% lean ground beef for juiciness and structure. Avoid leaner blends.
- Season just before cooking. Salt pulls out moisture so season at the last minute.
- Brush both sides lightly with oil. This helps form a nice crust.
- Place patties towards air fryer center where heat is concentrated.
- Flip once midway during cooking for even browning.
- Insert a meat thermometer to check doneness. 160°F for medium is ideal.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
For the Fries:
- Select a starchy potato like Russet or Yukon Gold for best results.
- Cut into uniform shoestrings or wedges for even cooking.
- Rinse fries in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Pat very dry before tossing lightly in oil. Excess moisture causes steaming.
- Use just 1-2 Tbsp oil for 1 lb fries. Air frying requires less oil than deep frying.
- Place fries around air fryer perimeter where air flow is strongest.
- Flip/shuffle midway during cooking for crispy outsides.
- Fry 5-10 minutes at 400°F until golden brown.
Following these preparation methods will give you restaurant-quality burgers and fries from your air fryer!
Juicy Burgers and Crispy Fries Air Fryer Recipes
When making burgers and fries in the air fryer, use these recipes for foolproof results:
Classic Air Fryer Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, etc.
Instructions:
- Mix beef, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into four 1/2 inch thick patties.
- Brush tops of patties lightly with oil.
- Place patties oiled-side down towards center of air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip patties and air fry 5 more minutes until browned and 160°F internally.
- Transfer patties to a plate and let rest 5 minutes.
- Place patties on buns and top as desired. Enjoy!
Crispy Air Fryer Shoestring Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 lb Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp each salt and garlic powder
Instructions:
- Cut potatoes into 1/4 inch thick shoestrings.
- Rinse fries in cold water then pat very dry.
- Toss fries with oil, salt, and garlic powder.
- Place fries in a single layer around air fryer basket perimeter.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking basket midway.
- Continue cooking until fries are crispy and browned.
- Season with more salt if desired. Serve hot.
Adjust times as needed based on your air fryer model and food amounts. Have fun designing your own burger and fry creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I flip the burgers and fries during cooking?
Yes, flipping and shuffling the burgers and fries midway through air frying is recommended. This helps ensure even browning and cooking on all sides. Carefully toss fries using tongs and use a thin spatula to flip burgers. Check temperatures and adjust cook times as needed.
Can I cook frozen fries in my air fryer?
You can cook frozen fries in an air fryer, but fresh cut fries are ideal for getting crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. The moisture content of frozen fries can make getting the right texture difficult. If using frozen fries, cook them separately from burgers for best results.
What temperature should I use to air fry burgers and fries?
400°F is the best temperature for air frying most burgers and fries. This high heat helps burgers brown and build a nice crust. It also crisps up fries properly. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of foods and your appliance.
How can I prevent burgers and fries from drying out?
Use thin burgers and fresh-cut fries to minimize drying. Cook fries in a single layer, tossing midway. Brush burgers with oil for moisture and doneness temping. Let burgers rest before serving to redistribute juices. Lastly, don’t overcook! Optimal air frying times and temps prevent drying.
Should I preheat my air fryer before cooking burgers and fries?
Yes, it’s best to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the food. This allows the air inside to fully heat up to the set temperature. Preheating helps ensure burgers brown and fries crisp right away for best textures.
The Bottom Line
Cooking burgers and fries simultaneously in an air fryer is entirely doable with the right tools and techniques. Use a large capacity air fryer, thin meats, fresh-cut fries, strategic ingredient placement, flipping/shuffling, and optimal temps. Follow recipes and adjust cook times as needed. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, juicy burgers and crispy fries straight from your air fryer!