Feb 25, 2024, Updated Oct 14, 2024 If you’re just getting started with air frying, don’t miss Air Fryer 101: How to Choose and Use an Air Fryer to learn all you need to know to get air frying!
Cooking Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer: Here’s Why It Works
Cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer is fast, easy, and gives great results. Here’s why it works so well.
Juicy: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food. This gives that desired crispy outer layer. Inside stays moist and tender. It’s the perfect combo for a burger. Quick: Turkey burgers in an air fryer cook quicker than traditional methods. You save time without sacrificing flavor. It’s a win-win. Healthy: Fat drips away, making air fryer turkey burgers a bit healthier, too. Less oil means fewer calories.
Don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step locks in the juices. You’ll notice the difference. I’ve been using my air fryer for turkey burgers a lot. I love the convenience and the taste. Give it a try. You might never go back to the old ways.
How to Cook Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer: Easy Step-By-Step Guide
I’ll share my go-to juicy turkey burger that I make in the air fryer all the time, but in case you’re looking for quick answers about store-bought turkey burgers, here is the short-and-sweet tips for cooking pre-made turkey burgers in an air fryer.
How to Air Fry Fresh Turkey Burgers
Prepare Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Ensure it’s fully heated before adding the burgers.
Cooking the Turkey Burgers
Spray the bottom or the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper (only do this right before you add the burgers.) Place prepared turkey burgers in the basket. Arrange burgers in a single layer for even cooking. If you don’t do this, parts of the burger not exposed directly to the heat may end up overcooked. Cook for 6 minutes. This initial time helps form a crust.
Flipping and Finishing
Flip each burger after 6 minutes. Use tongs or a spatula for safety. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Resting Before Serving
Let burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step locks in the juices.
Repeat for Remaining Batches
Cook in batches if necessary. Ensure each batch is cooked in a single layer.
How Do You Air Fry Frozen Turkey Patties?
If cooking store-bought frozen turkey burgers, here’s what you do differently: lower the air fryer temperature to 350ºF and expect to add up to 6 minutes more to the cooking time. Patties vary in thickness, so using a thermometer to confirm doneness for food safety is key. Here’s the step-by-step:
Start from Frozen: No need to thaw; cook them straight from the freezer. Decrease Air Fryer Cooking Temperature: lower the air fryer temperature to 350ºF so that the outside doesn’t overcook before the inside is done. Adjust Cooking Time: Increase the initial cooking time to 10 minutes before flipping, then cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. This accounts for the burgers starting frozen. Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
That’s it. Just a few tweaks and you’re set to enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked turkey burgers from frozen.
How Do You Know When A Turkey Burger Is Done?
When probed with a meat thermometer, you’ll know when a turkey burger is done with the internal temperature of the patty reaching 165°F (74°C). To check the temperature, insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the burger, ensuring it’s not touching the pan. Wait for a few seconds until the temperature reading stabilizes. The color of the meat or juices alone is not a reliable indicator of doneness.
What Color Should A Turkey Burger Be When Cooked?
When a turkey burger is fully cooked, the color should be an even light brown or tan throughout the entire burger. The center of the burger should not be pink or red but instead should be opaque with no visible pinkness. By using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your turkey burger is safe to eat and cooked to the appropriate temperature, regardless of the color of the meat.
My Favorite Air Fryer Turkey Burger Recipe
Made with just a handful of ingredients including ground turkey, fresh breadcrumbs, and minced onion, these burgers are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. With a touch of cayenne pepper and ground black pepper, and a couple of secret ingredients for added moisture, these turkey burgers are sure to satisfy your cravings. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Juicy and moist: Turkey is leaner than beef, so homemade turkey burger recipes are known for being dry. I’ve got the secrets for ensuring your turkey burgers are forever juicy. Loaded with flavor: herbs, cayenne, garlic, and mayo packed in many yummy flavors. Serious leftover/make-ahead potential: make a large batch and freeze patties to have them ready to go. Easy to make: quick and straightforward to put together. Family-friendly: these burgers will be loved by everyone at your table.
They are so deliciously moist and packed with flavor. Just like my favorite Turkey Meatloaf recipe.
Gather Your Ingredients to Make Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
Fresh or Panko breadcrumbs. My secret weapons are breadcrumbs soaked in milk. The crumbs retain a considerable amount of liquid that meat alone cannot. Milk. Whatever milk you usually use – dairy or plant-based is both excellent in this recipe. Olive oil. You can also use a neutral-tasting oil like avocado. Onion. Gives great texture and taste to the meat. Coarse salt. You can also use Himalayan or whatever salt you have in the cupboard. Garlic. Minced garlic is a stand-out savory and richness enhancer in this recipe. Mayo. Mayo adds a little additional fat and emulsifies, meaning the fat can stay suspended in the liquids. This provides extra insurance against a dry turkey burger. Parsley. Fresh or dried gives a lightness and freshness to these burgers. Cayenne pepper.Ground turkey is sweeter than ground beef, and I love a little bit of cayenne to add a little pop of flavor, but you can leave it out. Ground black pepper. For added heat and balance, it’s totally optional, of course. Egg. The key binding ingredient in the patty. Ground turkey. Choose a good quality lean ground turkey. Turkey carries flavors and seasonings beautifully. You can also make this recipe with ground chicken.
How To Make the Best Air Fryer Turkey Burger Recipe
What To Serve With Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Toppings:
Let guests build their turkey burgers up on toasted buns with these topping ideas:
Sliced tomato Sliced avocado Red onion slices Pickles Crisp lettuce leaves Shredded red cabbage
Spreads:
Slather the buns with these yummy sauces:
Avocado crema This fan-favorite Baja Sauce for a bit of creamy spice Lemon Yogurt Sauce Or classic mayo and ketchup
Sides:
To complete a bbq burger theme, whip these up and serve them with:
Creamy classic homemade potato salad with egg Easy couscous salad with lemon dressing and fresh herbs Creamy coleslaw My all-time best classic macaroni salad Strawberry Spinach Salad
Make Ahead Instructions
Shape the turkey burger mixture into patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the patties for about an hour or until they are solid. Once the patties are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Storage Instructions
Allow the cooked turkey burgers to cool down to room temperature, and then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Store the turkey burgers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze them if you want to store them for longer. Place the turkey burgers in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Air Fryer Turkey Burger Variations
Greek Turkey Burgers. Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, chopped fresh parsley, and dried oregano to the turkey burger mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce. Spicy Turkey Burgers. Mix the burger mixture in chopped jalapeños, green onions, cumin, and chili powder. Serve with guacamole. BBQ Turkey Burgers. Add BBQ sauce and chopped red onion to the turkey burger mixture. Serve with more BBQ sauce and sliced pickles. Italian Turkey Burgers. Sprinkle in a little Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and oregano into the burger mixture. Serve with marinara sauce and sliced mozzarella cheese.
Can This Air Fryer Turkey Burger Recipe Be Coated In Breadcrumbs?
Yes, if you want to add a crispy outer layer to the patties, you can brush them with a little beaten egg and coat them in crumbs. Spray the coating with cooking spray to crisp up the crumbs. Panko crumbs will give a lovely crunchy coating, but you can also use fresh breadcrumbs.
Pro Tips for Juicy Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
Achieving Juiciness: Avoid overcooking by adhering to recommended cooking times. A light coat of oil or spray on the burgers before cooking helps retain moisture. Ensuring Even Cooking: For even cooking, place burgers in a single layer. This promotes air circulation. Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding. Checking for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 165°F internally. This guarantees safety and juiciness. Resting Burgers: After cooking, let burgers rest for a few minutes. This step allows juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and texture.
