Air Fryer Turkey Burgers: Can You Cook Them?

Turkey burgers are a great option for a quick, healthy, and tasty meal. They can be cooked from fresh or frozen in an air fryer and are perfect for when you need a good burger. The air fryer ensures that the outside is seared and the inside remains moist and tender. The forced air browns and crisps the exterior, while the inside cooks and stays juicy. This is achieved with minimal oil or fat, making it a healthier option.

How long to cook them for

The cooking time for turkey burgers in an air fryer depends on the weight of the burgers, the model of the air fryer, and whether the burgers are fresh or frozen.

For fresh turkey burgers, preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 375°F and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a 4-ounce burger, 8 to 9 minutes should be enough. A 5-ounce burger will need 9 to 10 minutes, and a 6-ounce burger will take 10 to 12 minutes. For burgers larger than 6 ounces, add 3 minutes for every additional ounce.

Frozen turkey burgers can be cooked straight from the freezer, but they will need a little more time. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 400°F and cook for 10 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The best way to check if the turkey burgers are cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the burgers should be 165°F when they are done.

What temperature to cook them at

When cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer, the temperature you cook them at will depend on the weight of the burgers, whether they are fresh or frozen, and whether you are cooking them from room temperature or straight from the fridge.

For fresh burgers, a temperature of between 350-375°F is recommended. For a 4-ounce burger, cook for 8-9 minutes. For a 5-ounce burger, cook for 9-10 minutes. For a 6-ounce burger, cook for 10-12 minutes. For anything more than 6 ounces, add 3 minutes for every ounce.

For frozen turkey burgers, cook at 200°C/400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, cook at 350°F for 15-17 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Regardless of the cooking time, turkey burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to prepare the turkey mix

To make turkey burgers, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Dried onion flakes
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Grated garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil

Optional ingredients include:

• Mustard
• Cheese
• Egg
• Almond flour
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Avocado
• Bacon
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Jalapenos
• Red onion

You can also add spices such as:

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

First, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, salt, pepper, and any other optional ingredients and spices you wish to include in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to over-mix the meat.

Next, shape the mixture into four equal patties, each about half an inch thick. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the centre of each patty. This will help the patties hold their shape during cooking.

At this point, you can place the patties in the freezer for about 20 minutes to help them keep their shape, especially if you plan to cook them on a grill.

How to shape the burgers

Now that you've decided to make turkey burgers in the air fryer, it's time to shape the patties! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to shape the perfect turkey burgers:

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture

Before shaping the burgers, you'll need to prepare the burger mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients, such as ground turkey, spices, and any other mix-ins like onion, garlic, or breadcrumbs. Mix everything well until all the spices and sauces are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 2: Wet Your Hands

To prevent the meat from sticking to your hands and ensure a smooth shaping process, slightly wet your hands before handling the meat. This will make it easier to shape the patties and prevent them from becoming misshapen.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Take a handful of the burger mixture and start shaping it into a round, flat patty. You can use your hands to gently press and form the meat into the desired shape. Make sure the patties are uniform in thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, as they will shrink during cooking. Repeat this process until you have formed four patties from your mixture.

Step 4: Create a Divot

To prevent the burgers from shrinking too much during cooking, use your thumb to make a small indentation or divot in the center of each patty. This will help them hold their shape better.

Step 5: Refrigerate (Optional)

If you want your patties to firm up before cooking, you can place them in the refrigerator for a while. This step is optional but can help the burgers hold their shape better during cooking.

Step 6: Adjust Thickness

If you're making thicker patties, you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thicker patties may require a few extra minutes to ensure they cook through to the middle.

And that's it! You now have perfectly shaped turkey burger patties ready to be cooked in your air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer and grease the basket before placing the patties inside. Enjoy your juicy and delicious air-fried turkey burgers!

How to store and reheat them

Storing and reheating turkey burgers is a crucial step to enjoy the same taste and texture as you did when you first cooked them. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store and reheat your turkey burgers:

Storing Turkey Burgers:

You can store your leftover turkey burgers in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you plan to store them.

• Refrigerator Storage: Place the cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezer Storage: For longer storage, wrap the turkey burgers individually or place them in a shallow container and freeze them. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.

Reheating Turkey Burgers:

There are several methods you can use to reheat your turkey burgers. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on your preference and the equipment available.

• Microwave: This is the quickest option, but it may dry out the patties. Place a damp paper towel over the patties and heat them on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check the temperature and ensure it reaches 165°F before consumption.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap the turkey burgers in aluminium foil to retain moisture. Place them on a wire rack and bake for 10-15 minutes. This method ensures even heating but may take longer.
• Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grease it lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. Cook each side of the patty for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method gives a crispy exterior and tender interior but requires more attention.
• Toaster Oven: Set the toaster oven temperature between 320-340°F. Place the patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and reheat for 5-6 minutes. This method is quicker than a conventional oven but be careful not to overcook the burgers.
• Grill: Allow the patties to reach room temperature. Preheat your grill and coat it with oil or non-stick spray. Continuously turn the patties to ensure even heating for 2-4 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Grilling imparts a unique smoky flavour to the burgers.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Spray the basket with oil to reduce calorie intake and increase crispiness. Reheat the patties for 2-4 minutes or until heated through. If you have added cheese, it is best to remove it before reheating in the air fryer.

Remember to let your turkey burgers sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before reheating to ensure more even heating and avoid overcooking. Always ensure your turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming for food safety.

Frequently asked questions