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How to Cook Ground Beef in Air Fryer

Name: How To Cook Ground Beef In Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1-2 Pounds lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1-2 teaspoon steak seasonings

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Learn how to cook Ground Beef in Air Fryer for all of your favorite ground beef recipes! This is such an awesome air fryer hack and one that I have been doing for years. You’ll get perfectly cooked ground beef without any excess grease in just 15 minutes, start to finish!

Ground Beef in Air Fryer

If you’ve never made taco meat or cooked ground beef in air fryer, then let me tell you — it’s so easy! Maybe best of all, you only have one pan to clean. It’s truly easy-peasy.

I first tried it out with my son and his friends at a hotel during a hockey tournament. We made taco meat, and I thought, wow, this is so cool. I loved that it didn’t require me to stand over the stove and stir.

When it’s ready, all you need to do is drain out the fat. You don’t even have to watch it as it cooks! It’s perfect for trips where you don’t have access to a stove and a skillet.

Keep this ground beef air fryer recipe on hand! You’ll love how simple it is.

If you’re looking for other Air Fryer Beef Recipes, my favorites are AIR FRYER BEEF TACO SALAD, AIR FRYER CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS, AIR FRYER STREET TACOS, AIR FRYER GROUND BEEF TACO BOWLS, and AIR FRYER BIG MAC EGG ROLLS!

closeup: ground beef air fryer burger with a bite taken out of it

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Air Fryer Recipe

So quick — perfect for busy weeknights!
Less mess
No excess fat
Cooked evenly every time
Incredibly versatile
Super flavorful
So convenient
Easy cleanup

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Ground Beef

Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or more, you’ll find everything you need to make ground beef in air fryer below.

For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as the nutritional information, keep on scrolling until you get to the bottom with a printable recipe card.

Ground Beef: Choose a fat content that suits your recipe needs — leaner beef for healthier dishes or a higher fat content for juicier outcomes. The versatility of ground beef makes it perfect for various air-fried dishes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper will enhance the natural flavors of the beef and provide a simple yet effective seasoning base.
More Seasonings: Depending on your recipe, add garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, paprika, or your favorite spice blend to give the ground beef a unique flavor profile. You can choose any seasonings that you want. Here I used simple seasonings. If you want to make taco meat specifically, add the taco seasonings to the ground beef and mix well before you air fry.
Cooking Spray/Oil: A light coating of cooking spray or a little olive oil on the pan prevents sticking and helps achieve a more even crust on the meat.

How to Air Fry Ground Beef

This ground beef air fryer recipe will work with either frozen or fresh ground beef. Below are step-by-step photos so you can follow along!

overhead: raw ground beef and seasonings in a metal baking dish

Step 1: Recipe prep

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3-5 minutes. In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you use. Mix gently to distribute the seasonings without overworking the meat.

overhead: raw ground beef in an air fryer basket

Step 2: Air fry

Place the beef in an oven/air fryer-safe baking pan in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook in batches if you have to!

Air fry for 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces halfway through the cooking time.

Step 3: Check for doneness & rest

Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and reaches a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees F. For crispy ground beef, add a couple of extra minutes.

Allow the cooked ground beef to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ground Beef in Air Fryer Pro Tips

Choose the Right Fat Content: Extra lean meat (90/10) is great for tacos and sauces, while a higher fat content (80/20) is ideal for juicy burgers and meatloaf.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Ground beef absorbs flavors well, so season with salt and your favorite seasonings liberally before cooking to enhance its natural taste.
Preheat your air fryer so it’s nice and hot before you add the ground beef. This helps sear the meat to lock in juices and flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend in avoiding undercooked or overcooked beef.
Let It Rest: After cooking, allow your beef to rest for a few minutes, especially if it’s a larger patty. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist bite.
Drain Excess Fat: For dishes where extra grease isn’t desired, drain the fat off after cooking. This is particularly important for higher-fat ground beef to avoid oily finished dishes.
Ground beef is incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs, parmesan cheese, spices, and seasonings to discover new flavor profiles.

overhead: cooked ground beef from air fryer over shredded cheese on a cutting board

Air Fryer Ground Beef Seasoning Tips

Start with the Basics. Salt and freshly ground black pepper can go a really long way. They enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
Add Aromatics: Incorporate garlic powder and onion powder to introduce depth and richness. A half teaspoon of each per pound of beef is a good starting point.
Introduce Herbs: For a fresh note, mix in dried or fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil. Dried herbs are more potent, so use them sparingly.
Incorporate Spices for Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance.
Experiment with Specialty Seasonings: Don’t shy away from using specialty blends like taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Consider the Dish: Tailor your seasoning to complement the final dish. For example, use Italian herbs for pasta sauces or bold spices for tacos.
Let It Marinate: If time allows, let the seasoned ground beef sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavors even more.

Ways to Use Ground Beef in Air Fryer

Tacos and burritos
Pasta sauce
Casseroles
Stuffed peppers
Chili
Sloppy Joes
Nachos
Salads
Quesadillas
Pizza
Soup

side view closeup: air fryer cheeseburger sliders with ground beef

Ground Beef Air Fryer FAQs

Can I air fry ground beef without preheating it first?

Preheating the air fryer is recommended to ensure the ground beef cooks evenly and gets a good sear. Most recipes benefit from starting at the right temperature.

How do I keep the ground beef from drying out in the air fryer?

Avoid overcooking by checking the beef’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent drying. Cooking at a slightly lower temperature for longer can also help retain moisture.

Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, you can cook frozen ground beef in air fryer, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If working from frozen, expect to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time break it apart and stir more frequently.

What’s the best way to clean the air fryer after cooking ground beef?

Let the air fryer cool down to clean, then remove the basket and pan to wash with hot, soapy water. For tough residue, soaking might be necessary. Some air fryer parts are also dishwasher safe.

How long to cook ground beef in air fryer?

The amount of meat you use will determine how long to cook ground beef in air fryer, as well as your specific model. It typically takes between 8 to 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temp is at least 160 degrees F before removing it.

How do you drain ground beef?

I usually pour the cooked ground beef into a colander and then drain it. Use your spatula to move the meat around so that all of the greases pour out. This will ensure that your meat is drained well.

Storage

If not using immediately, store cooked ground beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, or freeze it.

To freeze, let the cooked meat cool to room temperature, then place in a freezer-safe container. Browned ground beef will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Remember to let it thaw in the fridge before reheating. You can reheat in your air fryer, on the stovetop, in the oven, or in your microwave. Whatever method you choose, use gentle heat to keep it from drying out.

More Easy Air Fryer Beef Recipes

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