If you’re wondering how long to cook bacon wrapped burgers in air fryer, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will give you the perfect timing and tips for a fantastic meal. Air fryers make this classic dish easier and less messy than traditional methods. You get a juicy burger with perfectly crispy bacon everytime.
It’s a simple process, but a few key steps ensure success. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right meat to the final cook time. Let’s get started so you can enjoy these delicious burgers soon.
How Long To Cook Bacon Wrapped Burgers In Air Fryer
The direct answer is that bacon wrapped burgers typically take 12 to 16 minutes in an air fryer. However, the exact time depends on your preferred doneness and your specific air fryer model. For a well-done burger, aim for the 14-16 minute range. Always use a meat thermometer to be sure.
Here’s a quick reference guide for cooking at 375°F (190°C):
- Medium-Rare (130-135°F): 10-12 minutes
- Medium (140-145°F): 12-14 minutes
- Medium-Well (150-155°F): 14-15 minutes
- Well-Done (160°F+): 15-16 minutes
Remember, the bacon needs to be safe to eat and crispy. This usually means cooking to at least a medium-well temperature. Always check that the bacon is fully cooked and not rubbery.
Essential Ingredients and Tools
You only need a few simple ingredients to make great bacon wrapped burgers. Using quality components makes a big difference in the final taste.
- Ground Beef: 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal. The fat keeps the burger juicy during the air frying process. Avoid extra-lean meat.
- Bacon: Use regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut. Thin bacon wraps easier and crisps up better in the air fryer’s rapid heat.
- Burger Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite steak seasoning. Keep it simple to let the beef and bacon shine.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: A light spray helps the bacon crisp and prevents sticking.
- Cheese (Optional): Slices of cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss for melting on top.
- Tools: Your air fryer, a meat thermometer, toothpicks, and a mixing bowl.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Proper preparation is crucial. It ensures your burgers cook evenly and the bacon stays put. Follow these steps carefully.
1. Preparing the Burger Patties
Start by gently forming your ground beef into patties. Make them about ¾-inch thick. Create a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents the burger from puffing up into a ball during cooking.
Season both sides of the patties generously. Don’t season the meat before forming the patties, as over-mixing can make them tough. Handle the meat as little as possible for the best texture.
2. Wrapping with Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and stretch it slightly. This helps it from shrinking too much. Wrap one slice around the edge of each patty, securing the ends with a toothpick. For larger patties, you might need one and a half slices.
Ensure the bacon ends overlap slightly. The toothpick should go through the overlap to hold it securely. Don’t wrap the bacon over the top of the patty; just around the sides. This allows the burger top and bottom to cook directly.
3. Preheating the Air Fryer
Most air fryers cook best when preheated. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it run for 3-5 minutes. This ensures immediate, even cooking when you add the burgers.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. You can also place the burgers on a parchment paper liner with holes for airflow. This makes cleanup a breeze.
The Cooking Process
Now for the main event. Cooking bacon wrapped burgers in the air fryer is mostly hands-off, but a couple of checks are needed.
- Place the wrapped patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them. There should be space for air to circulate around each one.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the basket and carefully flip the burgers using tongs. Use a spatula for support to prevent the patty from breaking.
- Continue cooking for another 4 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the beef patty, not through the bacon.
- If adding cheese, place a slice on each burger during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to let it melt nicely.
- Once done, remove the burgers and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common errors will guarantee a much better result. They’re easy to fix once you know about them.
- Using Thick-Cut Bacon: It often remains chewy and doesn’t crisp up fully before the burger is done.
- Overcrowding the Basket: This leads to steamed, soggy bacon and unevenly cooked burgers. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Not Using a Thermometer: Guessing doneness is risky. A instant-read thermometer is the only reliable tool.
- Skipping the Preheating: Starting in a cold air fryer can throw off your timing and texture.
- Forgetting the Toothpicks: The bacon will unravel during cooking without them.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
These pro tips will take your bacon wrapped burgers from good to great. They address common issues and enhance flavor.
- For extra crispy bacon, lightly brush or spray the bacon with a tiny bit of oil before cooking. This promotes browning.
- If you notice excessive grease pooling in the bottom of the air fryer, you can pause the cooking and carefully drain it. Be cautious of the hot grease and steam.
- Experiment with seasoning blends. A little smoked paprika or onion powder mixed into the beef can add wonderful depth.
- Letting the formed, wrapped patties chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better.
- Consider partially cooking the bacon strips (just until slightly flexible) before wrapping for an even crispier finish. This is an extra step but can be worth it.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
A great burger deserves great sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to complete your meal.
Classic Toppings: Serve on toasted brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your favorite sauces like ketchup, mayo, or burger sauce.
Side Dishes: Air fryer french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad pair perfectly. You can even cook some of these in the air fryer alongside the burgers.
Flavor Variations:
- Stuffed Burgers: Add a cube of cheese (like blue cheese or jalapeño cheddar) in the center of the patty before wrapping.
- BBQ Style: Brush the burgers with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Italian Twist: Mix grated Parmesan and Italian herbs into the beef before forming patties.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer Afterwards
Cooking bacon can leave behind quite a bit of grease. Cleaning your air fryer promptly makes it much easier.
Always unplug the appliance and let it cool completely. Remove the basket and tray. Wash them in warm, soapy water. For stuck-on grease, let them soak for a few minutes.
Wipe down the inside of the air fryer unit with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main unit in water. If grease splattered on the heating element, wipe it gently when it is fully cool to prevent smoke next time you cook.
FAQs About Bacon Wrapped Burgers in the Air Fryer
Can I use frozen burgers to make bacon wrapped burgers in the air fryer?
It’s not recommended. Wrapping frozen patties with bacon is difficult, and the cooking time becomes very unpredictable. The bacon may burn before the frozen center is cooked. Always start with thawed patties.
How do I prevent the bacon from becoming soggy?
Ensure your air fryer is preheated and don’t overcrowd the basket. The hot, circulating air is key to crispy bacon. Also, using regular-cut, not thick-cut, bacon helps alot. Draining excess grease halfway through can also improve crispiness.
What temperature should the burger be when done?
The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety. This is well-done. If you prefer a different doneness, refer to the temperature guide earlier in this article, but be aware of the slight increase in risk with lower temperatures.
Can I cook other things with the burgers in the air fryer?
Yes, but be mindful of space and cooking times. You can add vegetables like onion slices or halved mushrooms to the basket around the burgers. Avoid items that cook much faster (like asparagus) or they may burn.
Why did my bacon unravel during cooking?
You likely didn’t secure it well enough with a toothpick. Also, stretching the bacon slightly before wrapping creates tension that helps it stay in place. Make sure the toothpick goes through both ends of the bacon strip.
Is it necessary to flip the burgers?
Yes, flipping halfway through is essential. It ensures even cooking and crisping of the bacon on all sides. Use tongs and a careful hand to avoid breaking the patty.
Troubleshooting Guide
If something didn’t go as planned, here’s how to fix it next time.
Problem: Burger is done but bacon is still pale and soft.
Solution: Next time, spray the bacon lightly with oil. You can also finish cooking under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp the bacon, but watch it closely.
Problem: Burger is dry.
Solution: You may have overcooked it or used meat that was too lean. Use 80/20 beef and stick to the recommended cooking times with a thermometer. Letting the burger rest before eating also helps retain juices.
Problem: Excessive smoke from the air fryer.
Solution: This is usually from grease dripping onto the heating element. Ensure your air fryer is clean before starting, and consider adding a little water to the bottom drawer (if your model has one) to prevent grease from smoking.
Making bacon wrapped burgers in the air fryer is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With the right timing and these simple tips, you’ll get a juicy, flavorful burger with wonderfully crispy bacon. It’s a method that simplifies cleanup and delivers consistent result. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and get ready for a delicious homemade burger that’s sure to please.