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

Turkey burgers are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. But can you cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer? The answer is yes!

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen convenience foods, and turkey burgers are no exception. They can go straight from the freezer into the air fryer, with no need to defrost them first. The cooking time will depend on the size of your burgers, but generally, it takes around 15 minutes for a juicy, tender burger.

How long to cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the burgers. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray or brush it lightly with olive oil. This will prevent the burgers from sticking to the basket.

Step 2: Place the Frozen Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the frozen turkey burgers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important that they are not overlapping, as this will ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry the Turkey Burgers

Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. Set the timer for 15 minutes for 1/3-pound burgers. For smaller burgers, decrease the cooking time accordingly, and for larger burgers, increase the cooking time.

If your burgers are overlapping, you may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process. However, some sources suggest that flipping is not necessary, as the burgers should cook evenly without flipping.

Step 4: Check the Internal Temperature of the Burgers

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. Fully cooked turkey burgers should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the burgers have not reached this temperature, continue cooking until they do.

Step 5: Add Cheese to the Burgers (Optional)

If desired, top the burgers with sliced cheese and return the basket to the air fryer. Leave the air fryer turned off and let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 1 minute.

Step 6: Serve the Burgers

Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your choice of toppings and enjoy!

How to assemble a turkey burger

To assemble a juicy and tender turkey burger, you'll need to start by cooking the patty. You can do this in an air fryer, on a grill, in the oven, or in a skillet.

Once your patty is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes to retain the juices. Then, you can toast your bun of choice and prepare your toppings and condiments.

Some popular topping and condiment options include:

• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Onion
• Pickles
• Avocado
• Bacon
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• BBQ sauce
• Cheese
• Caramelized onions

You can also get creative and experiment with different toppings and condiments to make the burger your own.

Finally, place the patty on the bun and add your desired toppings and condiments. Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and tender turkey burger!

How to make turkey burgers from scratch

Ingredients

• Ground turkey (use 93% lean ground turkey; 99% ground turkey meat would be too dry)
• Breadcrumbs (use seasoned whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the turkey together)
• Dried onion flakes
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Grated garlic
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Burger buns (optional)
• Burger toppings of your choice (e.g. cheese, tomato, red onion, iceberg lettuce, sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions, avocado)

Method

• Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, and salt in a large bowl.
• Divide the mixture into four equal portions and press down into half-inch thick patties.
• If cooking on the stove, heat a large non-stick skillet on medium-low heat. When hot, lightly spray with oil, add the burgers, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for four to five minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F).
• If using an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F and grease the air fryer basket. Place the patties in the basket and air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• If grilling, clean the grill and wipe the grates with an oiled paper towel to prevent sticking. Cook the burgers on medium heat for about five minutes on each side.
• Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the buns and adding your desired toppings.

Tips

• To prevent the turkey burgers from falling apart, preheat the grill and oil the grill grates before placing the patties.
• Don't move the burgers too soon after placing them on the grill. Let them cook undisturbed for about five to six minutes before flipping.
• Use a wide spatula to flip the burgers, making sure to scoop under the meat completely.
• You can freeze raw or cooked turkey burgers. To freeze raw burgers, place them in a zip-locked bag with pieces of parchment paper in between so they don't stick together. To freeze cooked burgers, place them in a shallow container and store them in the freezer.

How to store and reheat cooked turkey burgers

To store cooked turkey burgers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to store them for longer, place the cooked and cooled burgers in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

To reheat cooked turkey burgers, you can use an air fryer, microwave, oven, stovetop, toaster oven, or grill. Here are the detailed instructions for each method:

Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• If desired, add cheese to the patties and return them to the air fryer with the power turned off for one minute to melt the cheese.

Microwave:

• Dampen a paper towel and place it over the patties to retain moisture.
• Set the microwave to medium heat.
• Heat the patties in 30-second to 1-minute increments, starting with less time to avoid overheating.
• Check the temperature of the patties. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consumption.

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Wrap the turkey burgers in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
• Place the wrapped burgers on a wire rack in the oven, ensuring they don't touch any cooking debris.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Stovetop:

• Warm a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
• Lightly grease the skillet with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side over low to medium heat until heated through.

Toaster Oven:

• Set the toaster oven temperature to between 320-340°F (160-175°C).
• Place the turkey burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat for 5-6 minutes or until desired doneness is achieved.

Grill:

• Remove the burger patties from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
• Preheat your grill.
• Coat the grill with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and burning.
• Place the patties on the grill and cook for 2-4 minutes, turning continuously to ensure even cooking.
• Ensure the patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

What to serve with turkey burgers

Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthy meal, and there are plenty of side dishes that can complement them. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your turkey burgers:

Salads

Salads are a refreshing and healthy option to serve alongside turkey burgers. Some ideas include:

• Arugula Caprese Salad: A twist on the traditional Caprese, this salad adds peppery arugula for an extra bite.
• Greek Salad: A Mediterranean-style salad with feta cheese, dill, and lemon.
• Beet and Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill: This salad has a beautiful presentation and a light, crisp taste.
• Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad: A comfort food favourite with a healthy twist, featuring roasted vegetables and a tahini dressing.
• White Bean and Apple Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy, gluten-free slaw with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette.
• Broccoli Raisin Salad: A healthy make-ahead salad with roasted onion, almonds, and a mustard vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with a non-dairy, vegan dressing is a perfect pair with turkey burgers.

Vegetable Sides

Vegetable sides are a great way to add some extra nutrition and colour to your plate. Try these options:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus: Tender, sweet, and delicious.
• Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes: Golden and crispy potatoes with a garlic and herb coating.
• Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes marinated in olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and oregano.
• Sautéed Sweet Potatoes: Simple and savoury, cooked in butter with a hint of garlic and heat.
• Roasted Baby Broccoli: Broccolini roasted with garlic and olive oil.
• Spicy Roasted Vegetables: A summery mix of bell peppers and squash with a kick.
• Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower: Browned and tossed in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spices.
• Roasted Asparagus with Lemon: Tender, caramelized asparagus with a squeeze of lemon.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Parmesan Brussels sprouts that are crispy and savoury.

Starchy Sides

Starchier sides can add some heartiness to your meal. Here are some options:

• Potato Salad: Boil and slice potatoes, then mix with sour cream and/or mayo, chives, spring onion, cucumber, and celery.
• Oven-Roasted Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these are a fast and tasty option.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A classic side dish, perfect for burger night.
• Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Crispy and browned potatoes with a lemon chilli vinaigrette.
• Turkey Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Asparagus wrapped in savoury turkey bacon and baked until crisp.

Other Sides

Some other unique sides to try include:

• Ruby Slaw: Grated carrot, beetroot, red onion, and red cabbage with a balsamic vinegar dressing.
• Wrapped Asparagus: Boil asparagus, wrap in cured ham, and grill until the ham is crispy.
• Corn on the Cob: A classic summer side that's perfect for a beach picnic.
• Baked French Fries: A healthier take on a classic side.
• Pasta Salad: An inexpensive and crowd-pleasing option—throw in any veggies and a zesty Italian dressing.

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and well-rounded meal with your turkey burgers.

Frequently asked questions