You’ll love this recipe if you like these Shake and Bake Pork Chops and Parmesan Garlic Chicken Bites recipes.
This recipe is the easiest way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. Ground beef is usually affordable, especially if you buy it in larger packs. You can cook the whole batch quickly in your air fryer, then divide it up to use in multiple meals throughout the week. It stays tender, tastes great, and helps you avoid wasting ingredients or spending extra money on takeout.
It’s also perfect if you’re busy and want simple cooking that doesn’t make a mess. The air fryer does the work without oil splatters or a pile of dirty pans afterward. You get evenly cooked, browned beef in about 20 minutes, ready to turn into a quick meal after a long day.
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💛 Why you’ll love this recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes, start to finish.
- Uses pantry spices and 1 pound of beef.
- No stovetop babysitting; the air fryer does the work.
- Great for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
- Easy to scale for bigger batches.
➡️ Ingredients you’ll need
⏲ How to make this air fryer ground beef recipe
👉 Easy ingredient swaps
- Garlic Powder: Use Onion powder.
✨ Variations
- Herbs: Mix in dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning and a little onion powder; toss into marinara sauce.
- Sloppy Joe Base: Stir in ketchup and a splash of vinegar; finish on the stove with sauce if you like it saucy.
- Breakfast Hash: Add cooked diced potatoes and peppers after cooking.
〰️ How to serve
- Tacos or burritos — Spoon into tortillas with salsa, cheese, and lettuce.
- Pasta night — Stir into marinara or meat sauce and toss with spaghetti or ziti.
- Rice or grain bowls — Add to rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice with veggies and a sauce.
- Baked potatoes — Top potatoes with beef, cheese, green onions, and sour cream.
- Breakfast — Fold into scrambled eggs or a veggie hash.
- Snacks and meal prep — Fill lettuce wraps, mini peppers, or use in stuffed zucchini; portion for quick lunches.
💬 FAQs
Can I cook from frozen?
Yes. Start cooking in air fryer at 400 degrees F for 5-6 minutes to loosen the block, break it up, then continue cooking, stirring a few times, until browned and cooked through. Add a few extra minutes as needed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Cook it in batches so it browns instead of steaming. If your air fryer is large, you can do 1 ½ pounds at once; break it up well halfway through.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Don’t overcook. If reheating, add a spoonful of water or broth and heat gently.
How should this be stored and reheated?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth, stirring until hot. To freeze, allow cooked beef to cool, pack flat in zip-top bags, press out air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or in cold water.
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How To Make Air Fryer Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 or 90/10
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, (plus ¼ teaspoon more, based on taste preferences)
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400 °F (204 degrees C). Allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Season Beef: To a mixing bowl, add 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gently mix ingredients using your hands or a spoon until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, or beef can become tough.
- Add Beef to Air Fryer: Place seasoned beef in air fryer basket, breaking it into a few large chunks so it cooks evenly.
- Cook Beef: Air fry beef for 10-14 minutes (for 90/10 beef, start checking right at 10 minutes). Halfway through cooking, pause air fryer and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break beef into smaller pieces. Stir gently to help it cook evenly. If beef seems to be cooking too quickly, reduce cooking time slightly. Cook until no pink remains and the beef reaches 160 degrees F.
- Drain Excess Grease: After cooking, carefully remove basket from air fryer. Using a spoon or spatula, transfer beef to a bowl lined with paper towels, or carefully pour off excess grease. Taste and add more salt (up to the remaining ¼ teaspoon), as desired.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately in tacos, pasta dishes, casseroles, or store cooled beef in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months.
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