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Perfect Ground Beef in the Air Fryer

Name: Perfect Ground Beef In the 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

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: June 4, 2021

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Learn how to cook Ground Beef in Air Fryer for all your favorite ground beef recipes! This simple air fryer hack delivers perfectly cooked beef with no excess grease in just 15 minutes, from start to finish.

Ground Beef in Air Fryer

If you’ve never made air fryer ground beef, let me tell you — it’s so easy! Best of all, there’s only one pan to clean, making it a hassle-free cooking option.

I first tried this method with my son and his friends at a hotel during a hockey tournament. We made taco meat, and I was amazed at how simple and convenient it was. I especially loved that I didn’t have to stand over the stove and stir constantly!

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 more Air Fryer Beef Recipes, my favorites are AIR FRYER BEEF TACO SALAD, AIR FRYER CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS, AIR FRYER STREET TACOS, AIR FRYER 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 anything in between, you’ll find everything you need to cook ground beef in the air fryer right here.

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: Customize the flavor of your ground beef by adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite spice blend. For taco meat, simply mix in taco seasoning before air frying to achieve that perfect flavor. Feel free to experiment with any seasonings you like to make it your own!
Cooking Spray/Oil: A light coating of cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil on the pan helps prevent sticking and ensures a more even crust on the meat.

How to Air Fry Ground Beef

This ground beef air fryer recipe works perfectly with both frozen or fresh ground beef, making it super versatile! Check out the step-by-step photos below 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. While it heats up, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Mix gently to evenly 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!

Cook the beef in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces halfway through the cooking time.

overhead: cooked beef in air fryer basket

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.

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 degrees F (71°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend in avoiding undercooked or overcooked beef.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let your beef rest for a few minutes, especially if it’s a larger patty. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite stays juicy and tender.
Drain Excess Fat: If you prefer a leaner dish, drain the fat after cooking. This is especially important for higher-fat ground beef to avoid oily, greasy results.
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: Add a fresh touch by mixing in dried or fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil. Since dried herbs are more potent, be sure to 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 Air Fried Ground Beef

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 to drain it. Use your spatula to move the meat around so that all of the grease strains 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 air fryer ground beef 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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