Imagine biting into a crispy, juicy hamburger patty perfectly nestled on a tender zucchini round, all cooked to golden perfection in just minutes. These Air Fryer Hamburger Hamlets Zucchini Zircles are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering a healthier, more exciting alternative to traditional burgers that will have your family begging for seconds. Get ready to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that's as fun to say as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini by washing thoroughly and slicing into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form small hamburger patties that are slightly smaller than the zucchini rounds, ensuring they will fit comfortably when placed on top of the zucchini slices.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange zucchini rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
- Place a small hamburger patty on top of each zucchini round, pressing down gently to ensure good contact.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Check the internal temperature of the hamburger patties to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Once cooked, remove from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a light dipping sauce of choice.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Make sure to thoroughly pat your zucchini slices dry with paper towels to prevent soggy results.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture when forming patties. Gentle mixing keeps the hamburgers tender and juicy.
- For extra flavor, try adding grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped herbs to your meat mixture.
- Ensure your air fryer basket is not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that hamburger patties reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let the zucchini zircles rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, dried herbs, or a touch of cayenne for a personalized twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
