Blackstone Griddle With Air Fryer Recipes

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. And guess what? Your shiny Blackstone with that fancy air fryer attachment is about to become your new best friend. We’re talking maximum flavor, minimum fuss. Prepare for pure griddle-air fryer magic with these ridiculously delicious Smashed Burgers and Crispy Air-Fried Fries!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, first off, it’s a two-for-one deal: main course AND side dish, all cooking simultaneously. Talk about efficiency! This recipe turns simple ground beef and potatoes into a restaurant-level experience right in your backyard. Plus, it’s pretty much idiot-proof – even I didn’t mess it up, and my track record with kitchen appliances is… colourful. You get that ridiculously crispy edge on your burger patties and perfectly golden, fluffy-on-the-inside fries. It’s a flavor party, and everyone’s invited (especially your taste buds).

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Smashed Burgers:
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 is your BFF here for juicy results)
  • 4 hamburger buns (brioche if you’re feeling fancy, potato if you’re a classic soul)
  • 4 slices of cheese (American or cheddar, please! Melts like a dream.)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste, obviously)
  • Your favorite burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles (don’t skip the pickles, seriously)
  • Sauce: Ketchup, mustard, or some secret “special sauce” you’ve concocted.
• For the Air-Fried Fries:
  • 2-3 large Russet potatoes (the starchy kind that loves to get crispy)
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil, whatever’s chilling in your pantry)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (for color and a little kick)
  • Salt and pepper (again, to taste, my friend)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Time! First things first, grab your potatoes. Peel ’em if you’re into that, or leave the skin on for extra rustic charm (and nutrients, if we’re being technical). Cut them into even fry shapes – think about a quarter-inch thick. Consistency is key for even cooking, so don’t get too wild.
2. Fry Seasoning Fun: Toss those spud sticks in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re all coated like they’re ready for a spa day.
3. Air Fryer Activated: Pop the seasoned fries into your Blackstone air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd it, or you’ll have steamed fries, not crispy ones. Nobody wants soggy fries, right? Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let them cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. Griddle On! While the fries are doing their thing, fire up your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Let it get nice and hot – you want that sizzle.
5. Burger Ball Bliss: Divide your ground beef into four equal balls. Don’t press them yet! Just gently form them.
6. Smash Time! Place the beef balls on the hot griddle. Immediately use a sturdy spatula or a burger press to smash them thin. Press firmly for about 10-15 seconds. This creates that glorious, crispy crust. Season the top with salt and pepper.
7. Flip & Cheese: Cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see those lovely browned edges. Scrape underneath the patty to get all that delicious crust, then flip. Immediately add a slice of cheese to each patty.
8. Bun Toasting Bonus: While the cheese melts (another 1-2 minutes), quickly toast your buns face-down on the griddle until golden. Perfection!
9. Assemble Your Masterpiece: Remove the patties and buns. Build your burgers with your favorite toppings and sauces. Check on your fries – they should be golden and crispy by now.
10. Serve & Devour: Plate those beauties with your freshly air-fried fries. High-five yourself, you culinary rockstar!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Griddle/Air Fryer: Seriously, give your food some breathing room. Overcrowding equals steaming, not searing or crisping. Less is more here, folks!
• Not Seasoning Enough: Bland food is a crime. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper, especially on those burger patties.
• Ignoring the Sizzle: If your griddle isn’t hot enough to give you that immediate sizzle when you put the meat down, you’re missing out on the best part – the crust! Patience, young grasshopper.
• Flipping Too Soon: Resist the urge! Let that beautiful crust form on the burger before you flip it. Trust the process.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Beyond Beef: Not a beef person? Ground turkey or chicken can totally work for smashed patties, though they might not get quite as crispy. For a plant-based option, some veggie burgers are surprisingly good when smashed!
• Sweet Potato Fries: Want a different fry vibe? Swap Russets for sweet potatoes. They’re a bit softer but still delicious in the air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, they might cook a little faster.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to your fries seasoning for a fiery kick. Or throw some jalapeños on your burger if you dare!
• Cheese Whiz: Don’t have American or cheddar? Provolone or Swiss can work, but for that classic melty goodness, stick to the classics, IMO.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• “Do I *really* need a burger press to smash?” Nah, not really. A sturdy metal spatula and some elbow grease work just fine! Just make sure it’s flat and you’re pressing evenly.
• “My fries aren’t crispy enough! What gives?” Did you overcrowd the basket, perchance? Or maybe your potatoes weren’t dry enough before seasoning? Pat them down with a paper towel next time, and definitely cook in batches if needed. Drying them first helps a ton!
• “Can I use frozen fries instead?” Absolutely! Most frozen fries do great in the air fryer. Just follow the package directions for temperature and time, usually around 400°F for 15-25 minutes. No need to add oil, they usually have some already.
• “What if I don’t have cheese? Is it still a burger?” Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? A cheeseburger is a superior burger, fight me. But seriously, it’ll still be tasty!
• “Can I cook bacon on the griddle at the same time?” Heck yes, you can! Just make sure you have enough space and keep an eye on everything. Bacon grease can even add some extra flavor to your burger patties if you’re feeling adventurous!
• “How do I clean this thing without a major meltdown?” The griddle is easiest when it’s still warm but not scorching. Scrape it down, then use a little water or griddle cleaner. The air fryer basket usually has non-stick coating and can be washed with warm soapy water. FYI, a little cooking spray on the air fryer basket before adding fries can help with cleanup too!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Your new go-to meal for when you want maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss, all thanks to your awesome Blackstone griddle and air fryer combo. You’ve just created a culinary masterpiece that’s both satisfyingly greasy (in the best way) and perfectly crispy. Now go impress someone – or yourself – with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned those burger bragging rights!