If you’re following a strict carnivore diet, you know how important it is to keep meals simple yet satisfying. These beef burger patties with cheddar are a perfect fit. Using only a handful of ingredients, this air fryer recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results without any unnecessary carbs or fillers.
The high fat and protein content make it ideal for those on a zero-carb or low-carb diet. Plus, the air fryer ensures a crispy, golden crust while locking in all the rich, meaty flavors.
Benefits of Cooking Beef Patties in the Air Fryer
Cooking burger patties in the air fryer comes with a range of benefits that make it a go-to method for carnivore diet followers:
- Quick and easy: No need for flipping burgers on a grill or pan. The air fryer does the work for you.
- Less mess: Grease stays contained in the air fryer basket, making cleanup effortless.
- Even cooking: The circulating hot air ensures the patties cook evenly with a perfect sear on the outside.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer classic beef patties or want to add cheddar for a flexible carnivore version, the air fryer makes it easy to adapt.
- Juicy results: Unlike traditional cooking methods that can dry out the meat, the air fryer retains moisture, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
Flavor Variations for Carnivore Air Fryer Patties
Even with a simple recipe, you can enjoy different flavor profiles while staying true to your carnivore lifestyle. Here are some variations:
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- Bacon-Cheddar Patties: Top the patties with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese for extra indulgence.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the ground beef mixture before forming patties.
- Butter-Basted Patties: Brush the cooked patties with melted butter or beef tallow for an even richer taste.
- Garlic-Infused Patties: Mix a small amount of garlic powder into the beef to enhance the savory depth of flavor.
- Blue Cheese Patties: Swap cheddar for crumbled blue cheese if you want a bold and tangy twist.
Best Tips for Juicy Carnivore Air Fryer Burgers
To ensure your beef patties come out juicy and flavorful, follow these simple tips:
- Use 80/20 ground beef: The higher fat content keeps the patties moist and prevents them from drying out.
- Avoid over-mixing: Gently combine the beef and salt to maintain a tender texture.
- Make even-sized patties: This helps them cook uniformly in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer ensures a quick sear and locks in juices.
- Don’t overcook: Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F for medium doneness.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Carnivore Meal
These beef burger patties are satisfying on their own, but if you want to elevate your meal, consider these carnivore-friendly pairings:
- Bone broth: A warm, nutrient-rich broth makes a great side.
- Fried eggs: Serve your patties with a couple of fried or poached eggs.
- Butter-dipped shrimp: Add some air-fried shrimp tossed in melted butter for variety.
- Crispy pork belly: A side of crispy pork belly adds crunch and richness.
- Cheese platter: If you’re on a flexible carnivore diet, a small selection of aged cheeses pairs beautifully.
This carnivore diet air fryer recipe proves that simple ingredients can create a satisfying and delicious meal.
Beef Burger Patties with Cheddar Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 5 to 6-quarter air fryer
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef 80/20
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 slices cheddar cheese optional for flexible carnivore
- 1 tbsp tallow or clarified butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Form the patties: In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt. Divide into two equal portions and shape into patties.
- Grease the air fryer basket with tallow or clarified butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the patties: Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
- Add the cheese (optional): If using cheddar, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to let it melt.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Bacon-Cheddar Patties: Top with crispy bacon along with the cheese for extra flavor.
- Spicy Patties: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the ground beef before shaping the patties for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.