Quick heads-up: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step away from the stove! Making ground beef in the air fryer is so simple you'll wonder why you hadn't tried this 10 minute method sooner!
Ground beef is incredibly versatile and we often find ourselves needing it for several meals per week. Whether you're making tacos, keto cheeseburger helper, or low carb ground beef stroganoff casserole, there always seems to be a reason to brown some ground beef.
Of course a different method for cooking ground beef in the air fryer would be making air fryer burgers. Be sure to check those out for another dinner this week, as well as these delicious air fryer bacon wrapped onion rings!
Why would you cook ground beef in the air fryer?
This method contains the ground beef and its juices in an oven-safe pan inside the basket. Check the pan fits with room for airflow before filling it; the air fryer pan guide covers materials and sizing. Use oven mitts when removing the hot pan to drain fat.
It's also a great option for if you're preparing meals while traveling, or don't have access to a stove for whatever reason. There is very little the air fryer can't do!
How long does it take to cook air fryer ground beef?
Use 10 minutes at 400°F (205°C) as a starting point for the pound of ground beef in this recipe, stirring and draining as directed in the card. Continue until the meat reaches 160°F (71°C), checking several spots without touching the hot pan. Browning or the absence of pink does not establish doneness.
How can I make my ground beef into a meal?
Of course taco seasoning is a super easy way to get delicious flavor into your ground beef fast. You can then use it to make air fryer tacos or a low carb air fryer taco casserole!
Another great option would be to use it for a delicious low carb cheeseburger casserole. The possibilities are endless!
Air Fryer Ground Beef
Step away from the stove! Making ground beef in the air fryer is so simple you'll wonder why you hadn't tried this 10 minute method sooner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- (or seasoning of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). In an oven-safe 6-inch round cake pan that fits with space for airflow, mix the ground beef with the water and seasonings. Press into an even layer.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully stir and break up the ground beef with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Cook for another 2 minutes. Using oven mitts, remove the pan and carefully drain excess fat into a heat-safe container.
- Return the pan to the air fryer and cook for about 3 more minutes to reach the original 10-minute starting time. Stir and check the meat in several spots without touching the hot pan. Continue cooking until it reaches 160°F (71°C); color alone is not a doneness test.
Notes
Pan depth and appliance performance affect cooking time. Use 10 minutes as a starting point and check for 160°F (71°C) throughout the meat. Use oven mitts and handle the hot pan and fat carefully.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 312Total Fat: 20gCarbohydrates: 1gNet Carbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 31g