Description
Le Burger Français is a delightful French-inspired twist on the classic burger, featuring juicy beef patties topped with melted brie cheese and rich red wine confit onions, all nestled in buttery brioche buns. Accompanied perfectly by crunchy French pickles, this elegant burger elevates a familiar favorite with sophisticated flavors and textures, ideal for an impressive yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Onion Confit
- 2 tbsp (1 oz) unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups (12 fl oz) dry red wine
Burger
- 4 brioche burger buns, cut in half horizontally
- 4 x 6 oz beef burger patties, 1-inch thick
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- Kosher salt, to season
- Freshly ground black pepper, to season
- 8 slices brie cheese
To Serve
- Mayonnaise
- Cornichons (French pickles)
Instructions
- Prepare Onion Confit: Melt the unsalted butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes until softened. Pour in the dry red wine and continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the wine has evaporated and the onions are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Toast Brioche Buns: Insert the wire rack into position 8 of the air fryer oven. Place the brioche buns cut side up into the air fryer basket, then insert the basket into position 3. Set the oven to Broil on High and toast the buns for 3 minutes. Check to see if the buns are lightly toasted; if not, broil for a little longer until golden.
- Prepare Oven for Burger Patties: Remove the buns and set aside. Move the basket to position 5 and place a roasting pan on the rack below to catch any drips. Select Phase Cook for P1 and set the oven to Roast with Super Convection at 400°F for 6 minutes. Then confirm P2 and set to Broil on High for 10 minutes, pressing Start to preheat. While this is preheating, move on to the next step.
- Season Patties: On a plate, brush the beef burger patties with vegetable oil on both sides. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook Patties: Once the oven is preheated, place the seasoned patties evenly spaced in the basket at position 5. Roast the patties for 6 minutes (Phase 1), then the oven will automatically switch to Phase 2 broil for up to 10 minutes. Check doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the center; it should read 145°F for well-done. Broil a little longer if needed, monitoring carefully.
- Melt Brie Cheese: Place two slices of brie cheese on each cooked patty and return them to the oven for 1 minute, using the residual heat to gently melt the cheese.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread a little mayonnaise on the cut base of each brioche bun. Top each base with a brie-topped burger patty, spoon over some red wine confit onions, then place the bun tops on. Serve each burger with cornichons on the side for that classic French touch.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure the patties are cooked to the proper temperature of 145°F for safe and juicy results.
- Keep an eye on the buns while broiling to avoid burning; air fryer ovens can vary in intensity.
- You can substitute the beef patties for plant-based alternatives if preferred, though the flavor profile will change accordingly.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with air-fried pommes frites for a complete French-inspired meal.
- Allow the residual heat of the oven to melt the brie gently instead of direct heat to avoid overcooking the cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: French
