Air-Fryer Turkey Burgers: Quick, Healthy, And Delicious

Turkey burgers are a great healthier alternative to beef burgers. They can be cooked from fresh or frozen in an air fryer and are perfect for a quick, tasty meal. In this article, we will explore how to cook turkey burgers in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure they are juicy and full of flavour.

How to cook turkey burgers in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can use either fresh or frozen turkey for your burgers. If you're using fresh turkey, you'll need to shape the meat into patties before cooking. You can also add other ingredients to your mix, such as:

• Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ranch seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Ketchup
• Chilli flakes
• Cheese
• Taco seasoning
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Onion
• Avocado
• Pickles
• Bacon
• BBQ sauce
• Cranberry sauce
• And more!

Method

• Combine your ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
• Shape the mixture into four equally-sized patties.
• Place the patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to firm up.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or touch.
• Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature of the burgers with a meat thermometer. They are done when they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If desired, add cheese to the burgers and close the basket for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
• Serve on a bun with your desired toppings.

Tips

• You can cook frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer. There's no need to thaw them first—simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• If your ground turkey is sticky and hard to shape, try using parchment paper or refrigerating/freezing the meat to help it firm up.
• Poke a divot in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burgers from shrinking too much during cooking.
• If your burgers are browning more than you'd like, try spraying the basket with cooking spray before adding the patties.

Ingredients and prep

Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Seasoning salt (optional)
• Hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Ketchup (optional)
• Egg (optional)

Prep

Firstly, combine your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. If you're using breadcrumbs, ketchup, egg, and seasoning salt, add these to the ground turkey along with the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix the contents of the bowl well, but be careful not to overmix.

Next, shape the mixture into four equally-sized patties. You can use a burger press to ensure they are all the same size and perfectly formed. Place the patties on a plate and chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help them stay together when you're cooking them.

Now, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease the air fryer basket, then place the patties inside, making sure they don't overlap or touch. Cook for around 15 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. The burgers are finished when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips

• To prevent your patties from puffing up too much during cooking, make a visible indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb before cooking.
• If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice on top of each patty after cooking and close the basket for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
• If you want to reheat any leftover burgers, you can do so in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-5 minutes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for turkey burgers in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the burgers, the power of the air fryer, and personal preference. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for cooking juicy and flavorful turkey burgers.

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350°F and 360°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This helps to ensure consistent cooking and can also help to create a sear on the outside of the burgers.

When cooking the burgers, it is important to leave some space between each patty in the air fryer basket, as this will allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure even cooking. Cook the burgers for about 8 to 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 165°F. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.

For frozen turkey burgers, the cooking time will be slightly longer, ranging from 15 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of the burgers. It is still important to ensure that the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 165°F before serving.

Some recipes also suggest making an indentation in the center of each patty before cooking, as this can help to prevent the burgers from puffing up too much during cooking and shrinking afterwards. Chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking can also help them stay flat and reduce shrinkage.

Serving suggestions and sides

Turkey burgers cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. They can be served with a variety of sides and toppings to elevate the dish and make it a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions and sides to accompany your air-fried turkey burgers:

Classic Burger Sides

French fries are a classic side dish to serve with burgers. You can make them in your air fryer for added convenience. Sweet potato fries, potato wedges, or baked potatoes are also great options. For a healthier option, serve your turkey burger with a side of air fryer Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or kale salad.

Toppings

The beauty of a burger is that you can customise it with your favourite toppings. Classics include sliced tomato, onion, and lettuce. You can also add cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. For a Mediterranean twist, try topping your burger with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and pesto. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even top your burger with a fried egg.

Sauces

No burger is complete without a generous slathering of sauce. Ketchup and mustard are classic options, but you could also offer barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even cranberry sauce for a festive touch. Don't forget to serve your burgers on a soft, toasted bun to soak up all those delicious juices and sauces.

Complete the Meal

Turn your turkey burger into a full meal by adding more side dishes. A fresh and crisp salad, such as a grape salad or watermelon salad, can help balance out the richness of the burger. If you're looking for something more substantial, air fryer onion rings or tater tots are always a hit.

Storing and reheating

Storing Turkey Burgers:

• Cooling Down: Before storing your cooked turkey burgers, let them cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent bacterial growth.
• Storage Containers: Use airtight containers, or wrap the burgers snugly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This keeps the burgers moist and protects them from bacteria.
• Labelling: Label the containers or wraps with the date. This way, you know how long they've been stored and can avoid eating them past their prime.
• Fridge Temperature: Maintain your fridge temperature at or below 40°F (4°C). Warmer temperatures can cause bacteria to multiply.
• Timing: Place the burgers in the fridge as soon as possible after cooking. Leaving them out for too long provides an opportunity for bacteria to grow.

Freezing Cooked Turkey Burgers:

If you want to store your cooked turkey burgers for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Here's how to do it:

• Cooling Down: Before freezing, let the burgers cool completely.
• Wrapping: Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Sealing: Place the wrapped burgers in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. Don't forget to label them with the date.

Reheating Turkey Burgers:

When it comes to reheating your turkey burgers, there are several methods you can use:

• Air Fryer: You can reheat your turkey burgers in an air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes. This is a convenient and quick way to get them hot and juicy again.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet, cover them with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and reheat the burgers for 5-7 minutes on each side until they're heated through.
• Microwave: Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes.

Food Safety Tips:

To ensure your turkey burgers remain safe to eat:

• Fridge Time: Store your cooked turkey burgers in the fridge within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Chill: Maintain your fridge temperature at 40°F (4°C) or lower to inhibit bacterial growth.
• Shelf Life: Cooked turkey burgers generally last for 3-4 days in the fridge. If you need to store them for a longer period, it's best to freeze them.
• Clean Utensils: Use clean utensils and containers to store your burgers to avoid cross-contamination.
• Internal Temperature: When cooking or reheating, ensure your turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.
• Thawing: If you freeze your burgers, always thaw them in the fridge, not on the counter, to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently asked questions