If you are looking for the best way to cook frozen burgers, I think you are at the right place. In this article, I will instruct you on how to cook perfect frozen burgers in 4 different ways.
1. FAQs When Cooking Frozen Burgers
Do You Have To Defrost Frozen Burgers Before Cooking?
Defrosting frozen burgers before cooking is essential for better results. While it is possible to cook frozen burgers directly, defrosting them beforehand allows for more even cooking and better flavor.
When burgers are cooked from frozen, the exterior can become overcooked while the center remains undercooked.
How To Defrost Frozen Burgers Properly?
Refrigerator Thawing: Place the frozen burgers in a sealed container or on a plate and let them thaw in the refrigerator. This method usually requiring several hours or overnight, but it ensures a safe and gradual thaw.
Cold Water Thawing: If you need to defrost frozen burgers quickly, you can use the cold water thawing method. Keep frozen burgers in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. This method usually takes about 1-2 hours
Once the burgers are fully thawed, you can proceed to cook them using your preferred method.
What’s the Best Way To Cook Burgers From Frozen?
Sure! I would recommend cooking the frozen burgers on the stove.
This method works well because the heat from the stove and hot oil/butter will quickly cook the frozen burgers, and the skillet will help to create a nice sear on the outside of the burger.
Besides, cooking on the stove allows you to easily monitor the cooking progress of the burgers and adjust the heat if necessary.
2. How To Cook Frozen Burger on Stove
Ingredients
- 2 frozen burger patties
- 1 tbsp butter/oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
Place a cast-iron pan on medium heat on the stove, add the butter, and let it melt. Next, add the frozen burger patties in a single layer in the pan. Then sprinkle salt and pepper.
Cook for 8 minutes undisturbed over medium heat. After, flip the patties with tongs and cook for 7 minutes on medium heat.
Once the burgers are fully cooked, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments.
Note: If you prefer a moist burger patty, cover the pan while cooking. For the final 2 minutes, increase the heat to high and sear each side for a minute to get the browned partially crisp exterior.
3. How To Cook Frozen Burger in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 frozen burger patties
- 1 oil spray
- Salt & pepper
- 2 cheese slices
- 2 burger buns (for assembly)
Instructions
Spray oil on both sides of the frozen burger patties. Also, sprinkle some salt & black pepper and place it on the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 14 minutes at 370° F. At 7 minutes intervals, flip the patties using tongs.
Now, place the cheese slice on top of each patty and air fry for 1 minute till the cheese melts
Remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings
4. How To Cook Frozen Burger in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 frozen burger patties
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 4 cheddar cheese slices
Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven to 400 ° F.
Meanwhile, line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Next, brush oil on the frozen patties, season them with salt & pepper, and put them on the wire rack.
Slide the tray into the middle rack. Bake for 25 minutes at 400 ° F, flipping the patties with tongs after 12 minutes.
(Optional): You can lay a cheese slice on top of each patty, shift the tray to the upper rack and bake for a minute. You will don’t want it to melt too much or it’ll ooze off of the burger into the extra fat below!
Remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings
5. How To Cook Frozen Burgers on Charcoal Grill
Ingredients
- 4 frozen hamburger patties
- 4 hamburger buns
- Desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, cheese, etc.)
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Light the Charcoal: Start by lighting the charcoal in your grill using a chimney starter or arranging the charcoal into a pile. Let it burn until it’s covered with white ash (this takes about 15-20 minutes).
Set up the Grill: Spread the hot coals evenly across the bottom of the grill for direct heat, or create a two-zone fire with one side of the grill hotter than the other. This will give you more control over the cooking.
Step 2: Season the Burgers (Optional)
If you want to add some basic flavor, lightly season the frozen patties with salt and pepper on both sides. You can skip this step if you prefer not to season them yet, or you can do it after they start cooking.
Step 3: Place the Frozen Burgers on the Grill
Once the charcoal is ready, place the frozen burger patties on the grill over direct heat.
Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side. Avoid pressing down on the patties to keep the juices inside.
Step 4: Flip the Burgers:
After 5-6 minutes, flip the burgers over using tongs or a spatula.
Cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side, adjusting the heat if needed to prevent burning.
If you’re making cheeseburgers, add a slice of cheese (cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.) to the patties during the last minute of cooking, and close the grill lid to help it melt.
Step 5: Check for Doneness:
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For safe consumption, burgers should reach 160°F (71°C).
If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center to make sure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers:
Once the burgers are cooked through, remove them from the grill.
Place each burger patty on a toasted bun, and top with your desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, etc.).
Your homemade grilled burgers are ready to be served. Enjoy!
Now, you knew how to cook perfect frozen burgers in 4 different ways. I hope that after reading this article, you will have delicious hot burgers to enjoy. Good luck.
