Air Fryer Quarter-pound Beef Burgers & Fries (2024)

A classic combination, this air-fryer version yields juicy hamburgers and crispy fries. The bonus of cooking hamburgers in the air fryer is that you can set them and forget them. No need to flip them and you still get an evenly cooked burger, every time. French fries can be cooked in either one or two layers but no more as it will prevent crisping. Note: Cook times suggested are based on a counter-top family-size air fryer**; times will vary with different appliances so always check for doneness with a reliable digital instant-read thermometer and texture cues and adjust cook time as necessary. Beef burgers are done when the thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).

Beef Burgers

½ lb (250 g) Lean Ground Beef

1½ tbsp (7 mL) Worcestershire sauce

¼ tsp (1 mL) garlic powder

⅛ tsp (0.5 mL) salt

2 hamburger buns, split

Condiments, as desired

Fries

½ lb (250 g) russet or yellow-fleshed potatoes (1 to 2)

Cold water

Cold water

Pinch salt

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1. Beef Burgers: Combine beef, Worcestershire, garlic powder and salt in a bowl; gently mix with a fork, just until combined (careful not to over-mix). Form the beef into 2 equal patties, about ¾-inch (2 cm) thick. Place on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in the fridge until ready to cook (for up to up to 24 hours).

2. Fries: Meanwhile, cut the potato lengthwise into ¼-inch (0.5 cm) thick fries. Submerge in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes.

3. Place beef patties in the air fryer basket. Set temperature to 400°F (200°C) and set time for 12 minutes. Cook burgers until a digital instant-read thermometer inserted sideways into centre of each burger reads 160°F (71°C).

4. Meanwhile, drain the potatoes and dry thoroughly with a lint-free towel. Toss potatoes with oil and salt in a bowl. Set aside

5. Remove burgers from air fryer, place on a plate and tent with foil. Set aside.

6. Arrange fries in the air fryer basket, in no more than two layers at a time. Set temperature to 400°F (200°C) and set time for 15 minutes. Cook fries, shaking the basket half-way through the cooking time, until crisp on the outside and potatoes are tender.

7. Serve burgers on buns garnished with desired condiments with Fries on the side.

**Note: A Philips Airfryer XXL model was used for testing.

Tip

To make Air Fryer Hot Hamburger Poutine, cook beef burgers and fries as directed. While the fries are cooking, prepare gravy: combine 1 cup (250 mL) beef broth, 1 tbsp (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp (10 mL) soy sauce and ¼ tsp (1 mL) pepper in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk 3 tbsp (45 mL) cold water with 4 tsp (20 mL) all-purpose flour in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk into the simmering broth and simmer, stirring, for about 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in ½ cup (125 mL) frozen peas, if desired, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed through; remove from heat.
Leave cooked fries in air fryer basket and crumble cooked beef burgers over top. Scatter ½ cup (125 mL) cheese curds over beef. Set temperature to 375°F (190°C) and set time for 5 minutes. Cook poutine until hot and cheese is melted. Divide poutine among plates and ladle gravy over top. (The extra beef burger(s) can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days.)