Ground Beef Air Fryer Recipes are the perfect way to cook easy, delicious, and healthier meals! An air fryer isn’t just for fries—it’s a fantastic tool for making crispy, juicy, and flavorful ground beef dishes with less oil and in less time.
From juicy burgers and crispy tacos to cheesy meatballs and stuffed peppers, ground beef air fryer recipes are perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prepping. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a healthier twist on your favorite dishes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
In this guide, we’ll cover why the air fryer is a game-changer for cooking ground beef, essential ingredients and tools, and a variety of mouthwatering recipes. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why Cook Ground Beef in an Air Fryer?
Ground beef air fryer recipes offer several benefits that make them a superior option compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods. Here’s why:
1. Faster Cooking Time
Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation, which speeds up the cooking process. Most ground beef recipes take less than 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Healthier Meals
Since air fryers require little to no oil, ground beef air fryer recipes automatically become lower in fat and calories compared to frying in a pan or deep-frying. The excess grease also drains away, leaving leaner meat.
3. Crispy & Flavorful Texture
Unlike stovetop cooking, ground beef air fryer recipes ensure even browning and crisping, creating a more flavorful and satisfying texture, especially for dishes like meatballs or patties.
4. Less Mess & Easy Cleanup
No more grease splattering on your stovetop! Air fryers keep your kitchen cleaner, and most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Ground Beef Recipes
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore some key ingredients that will enhance the flavor of ground beef air fryer recipes and make them even more delicious.
1. Best Types of Ground Beef
- 80/20 Ground Beef (80% lean, 20% fat) – Best for burgers and meatballs because it stays juicy.
- 85/15 Ground Beef – A balance between lean and flavorful, great for most recipes.
- 90/10 or Lean Ground Beef – Best for healthier options like taco meat or stuffed peppers.
2. Must-Have Seasonings & Spices
- Salt & Black Pepper – The foundation of every great ground beef recipe.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Add depth and richness.
- Paprika & Cumin – Essential for tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Italian Seasoning – Perfect for meatballs and stuffed peppers.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances umami flavors in burgers and Sloppy Joes.
3. Essential Tools for Cooking in an Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Basket or Tray – For even cooking and crispiness.
- Parchment Paper or Air Fryer Liners – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Meat Thermometer – Ensures your ground beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Silicone Spatula – Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef without scratching the air fryer basket.
Best Ground Beef Air Fryer Recipes
Now that you know why the air fryer is perfect for cooking ground beef and the essential ingredients to have on hand, let’s dive into some mouthwatering ground beef air fryer recipes. These dishes are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and cooked to perfection using the air fryer.
Air Fryer Ground Beef Patties
Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, these ground beef air fryer recipes for patties are perfect for burgers, meal prep, or serving with mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg (optional, for extra juiciness)
Want a hearty side dish? Try this Mashed Potato with Ground Beef Recipe—it pairs perfectly with these air-fried beef patties!
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the ground beef, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. If using, add the egg for extra moisture.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, making a small indentation in the center to prevent puffing.
- Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings or with a side of roasted veggies.
Air Fryer Meatballs
These crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside meatballs are a delicious addition to ground beef air fryer recipes, perfect for pasta, subs, or meal prepping.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature (should be 160°F).
- Serve with marinara sauce over pasta or enjoy as a protein-packed snack.
For a creamy twist, serve these meatballs with this rich and flavorful Ground Beef Alfredo Sauce Recipe—a match made in heaven!
Air Fryer Ground Beef Tacos
Crispy taco shells filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef—these ground beef air fryer recipes make taco night even better!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 6 small taco shells
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef and onions in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Drain any excess grease and add seasonings and tomato sauce.
- Mix well and air fry for another 3 minutes.
- Warm the taco shells in the air fryer for 2 minutes to crisp them up.
- Fill the tacos with the beef mixture and top with cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
Looking for more ways to enjoy ground beef? Check out these Quick and Tasty Ground Beef Ranch Recipes—many of them can be adapted for the air fryer!
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef
A healthy and satisfying meal, these ground beef air fryer recipes feature a flavorful ground beef filling that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Mix ground beef, cooked rice, tomatoes, seasonings, and half the cheese in a bowl.
- Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese and air fry for another 2-3 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Air Fryer Ground Beef Nachos
Loaded with beef, cheese, and toppings, these ground beef air fryer recipes for nachos are perfect for game night or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend)
- ¼ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (185°C).
- Cook ground beef in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add taco seasoning and salsa, then mix well.
- Layer tortilla chips in an air fryer-safe pan or foil-lined basket.
- Top with beef, cheese, onions, and jalapeños.
- Cook for 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.
More Ground Beef Air Fryer Recipes
Let’s keep the delicious ground beef air fryer recipes coming! Here are more creative and mouthwatering ways to enjoy ground beef using your air fryer.
Air Fryer Ground Beef Egg Rolls
Crispy on the outside and packed with flavorful beef and veggies on the inside, these ground beef air fryer recipes for egg rolls are a must-try!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart halfway through. Drain any excess grease.
- Mix in shredded cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Lay out the egg roll wrappers and place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center.
- Fold the sides over and roll tightly, sealing with water.
- Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
Air Fryer Ground Beef Empanadas
Flaky, crispy, and packed with a savory beef filling, these ground beef air fryer recipes for empanadas are a game-changer!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1 package store-bought empanada dough or pie crust
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef and onions in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway. Drain excess grease and mix in seasonings.
- Roll out the empanada dough and cut into circles.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto one half of each circle, add cheese if desired, and fold over. Seal edges with a fork.
- Brush the empanadas with an egg wash.
- Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Air Fryer Sloppy Joes
A healthier twist on a classic favorite, these Sloppy Joes are easy to make in an air fryer!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 4 burger buns
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef, onions, and bell peppers in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
- Cook for another 3 minutes to thicken the mixture.
- Toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 2 minutes.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the buns and serve warm.
Air Fryer Ground Beef Taquitos
Crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these taquitos make a perfect appetizer or meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart halfway. Drain excess grease and mix in seasonings.
- Place a small amount of beef and shredded cheese in each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray and place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Air Fryer Ground Beef Stuffed Mushrooms
A delicious low-carb appetizer with a savory beef filling!
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Drain excess grease.
- Mix the cooked beef with cream cheese, mozzarella, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stuff each mushroom with the beef mixture.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fried Ground Beef
- Avoid Dryness: If your ground beef is too lean (90/10 or higher), add a little olive oil or butter to keep it juicy.
- Use Parchment Paper: This helps prevent small ground beef pieces from falling through the basket.
- Shake the Basket: Stirring or shaking halfway through ensures even cooking.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ground beef should always reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cooked ground beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
FAQs: Answering Common Questions
1. Can I cook raw ground beef in an air fryer?
Yes! Just break it up into smaller pieces and stir it halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
2. How long does it take to cook ground beef in an air fryer?
On average, 6-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C) is enough for fully cooked ground beef.
3. Can I cook frozen ground beef in an air fryer?
Yes, but it takes longer—about 15-20 minutes, flipping and breaking it apart every few minutes.
4. Do I need to add oil when cooking ground beef in an air fryer?
Not necessarily, but adding a small amount can help keep leaner beef from drying out.
5. What are the best toppings for air fryer ground beef recipes?
Cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, and fresh herbs all enhance the flavors!
6. Can ground beef be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes! Ground beef can be easily cooked in an air fryer. It cooks quickly, and evenly, and comes out juicy with a slightly crispy texture. Whether you’re making burgers, meatballs, or taco filling, the air fryer is a great tool for cooking ground beef with less mess and minimal oil.
7. Can I cook raw beef in an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can cook raw beef in an air fryer, whether it’s ground beef, steak, or beef patties. Just make sure to cook it at the right temperature (375°F to 400°F) and check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef to ensure it’s safe to eat.
8. What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?
While an air fryer is incredibly versatile, there are a few things that don’t cook well in it:
- Wet batters (like tempura) – The batter won’t set properly and will drip.
- Leafy greens (like raw spinach or kale) – They fly around and may burn.
- Large cuts of meat (like a whole roast) – Uneven cooking may occur.
- Cheese alone – Without a coating (like breading), cheese melts and makes a mess.
9. Can I cook mince in an air fryer?
Yes! Minced (ground) beef can be cooked in an air fryer in small batches. Break it up with a spatula during cooking to ensure even browning. It usually takes 6-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to cook mince thoroughly. You can use it for tacos, pasta, or any recipe requiring cooked ground beef.
Conclusion
Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthier way to prepare delicious meals. From crispy taquitos and juicy burgers to stuffed peppers and egg rolls, there are endless possibilities to explore. Whether you’re meal-prepping, making appetizers, or just want a fast dinner, these recipes are sure to become family favorites.
If you have leftover ground beef, don’t let it go to waste! Make this comforting Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef or prep ahead with these Easy Ground Beef Freezer Recipes for Meal Prep to save time on busy days.
Ready to try these recipes? Grab your air fryer and get cooking! 😃🍔🔥