Air-Fried Turkey Burgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are also incredibly simple to make in an air fryer, taking less than 20 minutes to cook. The air fryer's forced air browns and crisps the outside of the burger, leaving the inside juicy and moist. This is achieved with minimal oil or fat, making it a healthier option. The versatility of the air fryer also means you don't have to heat up the grill when it's cold outside! In this article, we will explore the process of cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.

Turkey burger ingredients and seasoning

Turkey burgers can be dry and bland, but adding certain ingredients and seasonings can make them juicy and flavourful.

To make turkey burgers, you will need ground turkey. Lean ground turkey is a good option, but fattier cuts also work. You can also make your own ground turkey by blending down turkey breast fillets in a food processor.

To make the burgers juicy, you can add an egg to the mixture. This will also help the burgers hold together. Another secret ingredient to keep the burgers moist is unsweetened apple sauce.

For seasoning, you can add garlic, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add more spices, smoked paprika, chilli powder, cumin, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning are all good options. You can also add finely chopped shallots or swap out the parsley for other herbs.

To prepare the burgers, mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Then, form the mixture into four flat patties. Place the patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. After that, they can be cooked in the air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer depend on various factors, such as the size of the patties, the number of patties, and whether they are frozen or not.

For fresh, homemade turkey burgers, preheat your air fryer to 350°F–380°F (180°C–200°C). Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or touch, as this will affect even cooking. For a 6-quart air fryer, it is recommended to cook no more than four patties at a time.

The cooking time for fresh turkey burgers varies from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the source of the recipe. Most recipes recommend flipping the burgers halfway through the cooking time. The ideal internal temperature for cooked turkey burgers is 165°F (74°C), which can be checked using a meat thermometer.

For frozen turkey burgers, preheat your air fryer to 350°F–360°F (180°C–200°C). Place the frozen patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or touch. The cooking time for frozen turkey burgers varies from 10 to 18 minutes, depending on the source of the recipe. Again, it is recommended to flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time. The ideal internal temperature for cooked frozen turkey burgers is the same as for fresh ones: 165°F (74°C).

Flipping halfway through

Flipping your turkey burgers halfway through the cooking process is an important step in ensuring they cook evenly. While it is not absolutely necessary, it is recommended to achieve that delicious, even browning on both sides. This is because air fryers cook by circulating hot air, so flipping the burgers helps to ensure that all sides are cooked properly.

When cooking your turkey burgers, it is important to ensure that they do not overlap or touch, as this will also prevent them from cooking evenly. Leaving some space between each burger will allow the hot air to circulate around them properly.

Depending on the recipe you are following, you may be instructed to cook your turkey burgers at different temperatures and for varying lengths of time. Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 350°F or 360°F, while others recommend 400°F. Cooking times can range from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the weight of the burgers and the wattage of your air fryer.

Regardless of the specific recipe you are following, it is important to ensure that your turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. Once they have reached this temperature, they are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Internal temperature of 165°F

Turkey burgers are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the minimum temperature required for safe consumption. It is recommended that you use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger, ensuring it is not touching the pan. Wait for the temperature reading to stabilize.

Turkey burgers pose a risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses if undercooked, so it is important to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. The burgers should not be pink or red when cooked.

If you are cooking frozen turkey burgers, the internal temperature should still reach 165°F. You can cook frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer straight from the freezer. However, the cooking time will be longer than for fresh burgers. For example, one source recommends cooking frozen turkey burgers at 380°F for 13-15 minutes, or 15-18 minutes, while another suggests lowering the temperature to 350°F and adding up to 6 minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the burgers and the type of air fryer being used. Therefore, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey burgers have reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Storing and reheating

Storing

After cooking your turkey burgers, allow them to cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure the container is shallow, and if you're storing multiple burgers, place a piece of parchment paper between each one to prevent them from sticking together. Properly stored leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze your cooked turkey burgers. Wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen burgers can last for up to 2 to 6 months.

You can also freeze uncooked turkey burger patties. Simply shape the mixture into patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour or until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Uncooked patties can be frozen for 3 to 4 months.

Reheating

To reheat your leftover turkey burgers, you can use your air fryer once again. Place the burgers in the air fryer and heat them at 360°F (180°C) or lower for 4 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. If you're reheating frozen burgers, increase the time to 8 to 10 minutes.

You can also reheat frozen burgers without defrosting them first. Simply place them in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Always ensure that your turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before consuming, whether you're cooking or reheating them.

Frequently asked questions