Air Fryer Turkey Burgers: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Turkey burgers are a great option for a quick, healthy, and juicy meal, and using an air fryer makes the process even easier. Air fryers are known for producing a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist, and they can do the same for your turkey burgers. You can use fresh or frozen ground turkey, and there are various seasoning options to choose from, such as salt, pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and number of burgers, but on average, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer. So, if you're looking for a convenient and tasty meal, air-frying turkey burgers is definitely worth considering!

How to make a turkey burger in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Worcestershire sauce
• Burger fix-ins (buns, lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, red onion, etc.)

Optional Ingredients:

• Unsweetened apple sauce
• Grated onion
• Ranch seasoning
• Breadcrumbs

Steps:

• Make the burger mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add all your ingredients and mix well until all the spices and sauces are evenly blended into the ground turkey.
• Shape into patties: Slightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a round burger patty. Repeat until you have four patties.
• Prep the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F and grease the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the turkey burgers: Place the patties in the air fryer and air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For rarer burgers, reduce the cooking time. For well-done burgers, increase the cooking time.
• Let the patties rest: Before assembling your burgers, let the patties sit for 5 minutes to retain the juices.

Tips:

• If you don't have ground turkey, you can make your own by blending turkey breast fillets in a food processor.
• You can use other types of ground meat, such as ground chicken or beef.
• To maintain the firm shape of the patties, keep the meat in the refrigerator for a while before shaping.
• If needed, cook the burgers in batches.
• For a gluten-free option, replace the Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free soy sauce.

How long to cook a turkey burger in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook turkey burgers in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the burgers and the model of the air fryer.

For example, a 4-ounce turkey burger will take 8-9 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while a 6-ounce burger will take 10-12 minutes. For burgers that are more than 6 ounces, simply add 3 minutes for every ounce.

It's important to note that the best way to check if your turkey burgers are cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Fully cooked turkey burgers should have an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Start by making the burger mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients, such as ground turkey, seasonings (e.g. salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika), olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until all the spices and sauces are evenly blended into the ground turkey.
• Shape the mixture into patties. Slightly wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a handful of the mixture and form it into a round burger patty. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of patties.
• Prepare the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and grease the air fryer basket.
• Place the turkey burger patties in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch.
• Air fry the turkey burgers. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the burgers, but as a guide, cook 4-ounce burgers for 8-9 minutes, 5-ounce burgers for 9-10 minutes, and 6-ounce burgers for 10-12 minutes. For best results, flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time.
• Let the burgers rest. Once the burgers are cooked, let them sit for about 5 minutes before assembling them into burgers. This will help retain the juices and keep the burgers juicy.

You can also cook frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer. There is no need to thaw them before adding them to the air fryer. Simply grease the air fryer basket, add the frozen patties, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What ingredients are needed for a turkey burger

Turkey burgers are a great option for a healthier, yet still tasty, burger. They are also a good alternative for those who want to cut down on red meat. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make delicious turkey burgers:

The Meat

• Ground turkey: This is the star of the show and can be purchased from your local grocery store. Opt for 93% lean and 7% fat ground turkey for the best texture and taste. You can also use ground chicken or ground beef if you prefer.
• Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs to act as a binder and keep the turkey patty together.
• Egg: This is not always included in turkey burger recipes, but it can help bind the patty and prevent it from falling apart.

Seasonings and Sauces

• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for adding flavour to your turkey burger.
• Worcestershire sauce: This sauce adds incredible umami flavour to the burgers. Make sure to use a gluten-free variety if needed.
• Garlic: Minced or grated garlic adds a savoury kick to the turkey mixture.
• Dijon mustard: This classic condiment adds a tangy flavour to the turkey burgers.
• Onion: Grated, minced, or dried onion flakes can be added to the turkey mixture for extra flavour and moisture.
• Spices: You can add various spices such as smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, or Italian spices to enhance the flavour of your turkey burgers.

Toppings and Extras

• Buns: Choose your favourite burger buns, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options.
• Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or feta are just a few options to add that cheesy melt to your burger.
• Vegetables: Lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, avocado, and sautéed mushrooms are popular choices to add some crunch and freshness to your burger.
• Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, and caramelized onions are classic toppings to slather on your turkey burger.

How to store and reheat a turkey burger

Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are juicy, flavourful, and a great way to switch up your meals. But what do you do with the leftovers?

Storing Turkey Burgers

To store leftover turkey burgers, cover them and keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To freeze cooked and cooled turkey burgers, place them in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating Turkey Burgers

There are several ways to reheat a turkey burger. You can use an oven, toaster oven, microwave, stovetop, grill, or air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350–400°F. Wrap the turkey burger in aluminium foil to prevent moisture loss. Place the wrapped burger on a wire rack and bake for 10–15 minutes.
• Toaster Oven: Set the toaster oven temperature to 320–340°F. Place the turkey burger patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat for about 5–6 minutes or as desired.
• Microwave: Dampen a paper towel and place it over the patties to retain moisture. Use a medium heat setting and heat the patties in 30-second to 1-minute increments, starting with less time first. Check the temperature carefully by touching the patty or using an instant-read thermometer. The surface temperature should reach around 165°F before consumption.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray to the skillet. Place the patties in the skillet and cook each side for 5–7 minutes on low to medium heat until heated through.
• Grill: Preheat your grill. Coat the grill with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and burning. Place the patties on the grill and continuously turn them to ensure even cooking. Grill for 2–4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350–400°F. Place the burgers in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Cook the burgers for 3–5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F. Remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

What to serve with a turkey burger

Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are also very versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your turkey burger:

Fries and Wedges

Air fryer french fries, sweet potato fries, or potato wedges are classic side dishes that pair well with turkey burgers. They are easy to prepare and can be made in the air fryer for added convenience.

Salads

A fresh and healthy option to accompany your burger could be a salad. Some suggestions include a homemade Caesar salad, a Greek salad, a beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill, or a broccoli raisin salad.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, baby broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and carrots make great sides. They can be easily prepared in the oven or air fryer and provide a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meal.

Potato Dishes

In addition to fries and wedges, there are other potato-based sides to consider. Potato salad, roasted fingerling potatoes, or crispy smashed potatoes are all delicious options that offer a variety of textures and flavors.

Other Sides

Some other unique sides to accompany your turkey burger include air fryer zucchini and squash, sautéed butternut squash, roasted jalapeños, or a white bean and apple cabbage slaw.

With these ideas, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal to enjoy with your juicy air fryer turkey burgers!

Frequently asked questions