Description
These Crispy Pita Smash Burgers are a delicious twist on the classic smash burger, featuring extra lean beef mince pressed inside thinly sliced pitas, air-fried to golden, crispy perfection. With melted cheddar cheese, aromatic spices, and optional gherkins for tang, these burgers are juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 23 minutes, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 500 g Extra Lean Beef Mince
- 120 g Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Pita and Toppings
- 4 Pitas
- 1 Egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- 2 tsp Sesame Seeds (optional)
- 4 tbsp Tomato Ketchup
- Gherkins, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a large bowl, combine the beef mince, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and grated cheddar cheese. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Portion the mixture: Divide the beef mixture evenly into 4 portions for the patties.
- Prepare the pitas: Carefully slice each pita open to create two thin rounds. To make slicing easier, microwave each pita for about 30 seconds until softened.
- Assemble the smash burgers: Press one portion of the beef mixture into one half of a pita, spreading it out evenly and flattening it right to the edges to ensure a good ‘smash’ effect.
- Close and egg wash: Close the pita over the beef layer, then brush the top of each stuffed pita with the whisked egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
- Air-fry the burgers: Place the stuffed pitas in the air fryer at 180°C. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- Add final toppings: Remove the crispy pitas from the air fryer and open slightly. Add tomato ketchup and sliced gherkins if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and crispy alongside a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Microwaving the pitas before slicing softens them for easier handling.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the burgers juicy and tender.
- If meal prepping, air-fry only the pitas you plan to eat immediately and store the rest refrigerated to cook later for best texture.
- Optional sesame seeds add a nice crunch and visual appeal but can be omitted.
- Gherkins add a tangy contrast that complements the burger but are optional based on taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
