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

Turkey burgers are a great healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes, making them a quick and convenient meal option. The air fryer's forced air browns and crisps the outside of the burger, while the inside stays juicy and moist. This is achieved with minimal added oil or fat, making it a healthier cooking option. The versatility of the air fryer also means you don't have to heat up the grill when it's cold outside!

Turkey burger ingredients

Turkey burgers are typically healthier than beef burgers. They are also easy to make and can be cooked in an air fryer.

The key to a juicy turkey burger is choosing the right lean-to-fat ratio. Ground turkey is often a mix of light and dark meat, but for a moist and succulent texture, opt for 93% lean and 7% fat.

To prevent the burgers from falling apart, you'll need a binder. Here are some common binding ingredients:

• Breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free panko)
• Mayo
• Egg
• Mustard

Some other ingredients you can add to your turkey burgers include:

• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Worcestershire sauce
• Apple sauce
• Grated onion
• Ranch seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Dried onion flakes
• Ketchup
• Parsley

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer depend on various factors, such as the weight of the burgers, the number of patties, and whether they are fresh or frozen.

For fresh turkey burgers, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) or 400°F (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 every 6 ounces of weight, cook the burgers for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For burgers weighing more than 6 ounces, add 3 minutes for each additional ounce. The burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which can be checked with a meat thermometer.

If you are cooking frozen turkey burgers, it is recommended to lower the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and increase the cooking time. Cook the burgers for 15-17 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For frozen burgers, an extra 3-6 minutes of cooking time is usually sufficient. Again, ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer and your personal preferences for doneness. Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions and adjust the timing accordingly.

Juicy turkey burgers

Turkey burgers are a great option for a quick, healthy, and juicy meal. Air frying is a convenient and tasty way to cook them, and you can have a delicious burger ready in under 20 minutes. Here is a guide to making juicy turkey burgers with an air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need ground turkey, and you can add in other ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture. Some options include breadcrumbs, eggs, apple sauce, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.

Preparation

Start by mixing your chosen ingredients in a bowl. Use your hands or a fork to combine them, being careful not to overmix. Form the mixture into equally-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick, and place them on a plate or tray. It is recommended to make a small indentation in the centre of each patty, as this helps them stay flatter during cooking. Place the patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help them firm up and maintain their shape during cooking.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (some recipes suggest 400°F, but this may be too high and cause the outside to overcook). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Place the patties in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, and leave a little space between each one for even cooking.

Cook the burgers for about 12-20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of the patties. For a 4.7-ounce patty, 12-15 minutes is usually sufficient, but for larger patties, you may need up to 20 minutes. Flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the burgers should reach 165°F when they are done. Use a meat thermometer to check, and be careful not to overcook the burgers, as this will make them tough and dry.

Serving

Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices. You can melt cheese on top by placing a slice on each patty and closing the air fryer for about a minute to let the residual heat melt the cheese. Serve your juicy turkey burgers on a bun with your favourite toppings and sides, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or fries.

Storage

You can store leftover turkey burgers in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for later. Reheat them in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 360°F, and they will taste just as juicy as when they were first cooked!

Turkey burger toppings

Turkey burgers can be cooked in an air fryer, and they can be made juicy and flavourful. You can top them with a variety of ingredients to elevate the taste.

One option is to go for a Mediterranean-style burger, topped with roasted red peppers, fresh greens, and a refreshing cucumber yoghurt sauce. You can also add feta cheese to the toppings or mix it into the patty.

Another option is to make an Asian-style burger with sriracha-spiked kewpie mayo, a quick cabbage slaw with rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of fish sauce. This burger can be finished with some sautéed scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

You can also create a California-style burger with a summery twist. Top the patty with creamy, ripe avocado seasoned with cumin and fresh lime juice, and add some fresh, crisp sprouts.

For a more classic burger, you can use toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onion. You can also add cheese, bacon, ketchup, mustard, and relish. If you want to spice things up, try using spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or herbed mayo.

Remember to let the patties sit for a few minutes before assembling the burger to retain the juices. Enjoy your juicy and tasty air-fried turkey burger with your chosen toppings!

Reheating turkey burgers

To reheat your turkey burgers, start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can grease the air fryer basket with a silicone liner to allow for easy cleanup. Then, add your turkey burgers to the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked. Set the timer for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the size of your burgers. Keep in mind that you should reheat one burger at a time to maintain proper airflow.

If you are reheating cheeseburgers, place the cheese on the top side of the burger for maximum melting. For other toppings, it is recommended to remove delicate toppings like lettuce and tomato before reheating, and then add them back afterward. You can also skip the bun and wrap your reheated burger in lettuce leaves for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.

Always check the center of the patty to ensure it is hot before serving. Reheating a burger in the air fryer more than once may affect the quality of the burger.

Frequently asked questions