Air-Frying Turkey Burgers: The Perfect Timing Guide

how long do i cook turkey burgers in air fryer

Turkey burgers are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They can be made in an air fryer in as little as 12 minutes, making them a quick and easy weeknight dinner option. The cooking time may vary depending on the weight of the burgers and the model of the air fryer, but on average, they should be cooked for around 15 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature of the burgers should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are fully cooked. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. Air-fried turkey burgers are juicy and tender, with a crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior. They can be served with a variety of toppings and sides, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, and air-fried potato wedges.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 12-15 minutes
Temperature 350-360°F
Internal temperature 165°F
Preheat time 3-5 minutes
Flip halfway through Yes
Meat Ground turkey
Oil Olive oil
Seasonings Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, parsley, mayonnaise, soy sauce, onion powder, black pepper, ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, chili powder, etc.
Sides French fries, sweet potato fries, potato wedges, roasted broccoli, sauteed asparagus, tomato bacon green bean salad
Cheese Cheddar, American
Bun Lettuce wrap, brioche bun, hamburger bun
Toppings Lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, mustard, red onions, mushrooms, ketchup, chipotle aioli, etc.

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Turkey burger ingredients

Turkey burgers are typically healthier than beef burgers. To make them, you'll need the following ingredients:

The Meat

  • Ground turkey: Choose a mix of light and dark meat that's 93% lean and 7% fat. This will give your burgers a moist and succulent texture without being dry.
  • Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder to prevent the burgers from falling apart. You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko.

Seasonings and Sauces

  • Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
  • Worcestershire sauce: This adds a smoky, tangy flavour that amplifies the other flavours without overpowering them. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or liquid smoke.
  • Garlic: Grated or minced garlic cloves add a punch of flavour.
  • Onion: You can use dried onion flakes or grate fresh onion to add moisture and flavour.
  • Other seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings like smoked paprika, chilli powder, cumin, or onion powder.

Toppings and Buns

  • Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and mayonnaise are classic choices, but you can add any toppings you like.
  • Serve your turkey burgers on toasted or regular buns, or wrap them in lettuce for a gluten-free or low-carb option.

Secret Ingredient for Juiciness

Unsweetened apple sauce adds moisture to the burgers, keeping them juicy without the need for extra oil.

Optional Ingredients

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Parsley or other fresh herbs
  • Cheese
  • Pickles
  • Avocado
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Air fryer temperature and timing

Turkey burgers must be cooked to a temperature of 165°Fahrenheit (74°Celsius). This is because turkey has to be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to eat. Therefore, you cannot undercook turkey burgers like you can with other meats.

The cooking time for turkey burgers in an air fryer varies depending on the weight of the burgers. For example, one source recommends cooking 4.7-ounce patties for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The same source suggests that for anything over 6 ounces, you should add 3 minutes for every extra ounce.

However, other sources suggest cooking times of 12-15 minutes, again flipping the burgers halfway through. These sources also recommend using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°Fahrenheit.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model used, so it is important to refer to the user manual for the best cooking times and make adjustments if needed.

When cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the burgers are not overcrowded in the basket, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. It is better to cook the burgers in batches if you are making a large quantity.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the burgers. Most sources suggest preheating to 360°Fahrenheit (180°Celsius), although one source recommends 350°Fahrenheit (177°Celsius) for preheating.

For frozen turkey burgers, one source recommends air frying at 400°Fahrenheit (204°Celsius) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Another source suggests cooking frozen burgers for 20 minutes, although the temperature for this method is not specified.

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Patties preparation

To prepare your turkey burgers for air frying, start by gathering your ingredients. You can use either lean or fattier ground turkey, and season with salt and pepper. For added flavour, you can include other seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and black pepper. Some recipes suggest adding ingredients like apple sauce, grated onion, ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and breadcrumbs to the meat mixture for extra moisture and flavour.

Once you have your ingredients, combine them in a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix the contents until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough and dry burgers. After mixing, form the mixture into four 1/2-inch thick patties. You can use a burger press to ensure they are equally sized and perfectly formed.

To prevent the burgers from shrinking, use your thumb to make a divot or indentation in the middle of each patty. This will help them stay flatter during cooking. If you are worried about the patties falling apart, place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour to firm up. Chilling the patties will help them hold their shape during air frying.

If you have any leftover uncooked burger mixture, you can shape it into additional patties and store them in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Remember to place a piece of parchment paper between each patty to prevent them from sticking together.

Now that your patties are prepared, it's time to move on to the next step: preheating your air fryer and cooking your delicious turkey burgers!

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Cooking the burgers

Before cooking, it's important to prepare your turkey burgers. Combine ground turkey with your desired seasonings and form the mixture into equally-sized patties. For a classic burger, you can season with salt and pepper, but you can also add breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and more. Place the patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up before cooking. This will help them stay together in the air fryer.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for around 3–5 minutes. You can also grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little oil. Place the burgers in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap or touch, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.

Now, it's time to air fry your turkey burgers. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your patties and the model of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 12–15 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through. For example, for 4.7-ounce patties, air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For patties over 6 ounces, a good rule of thumb is to add 3 minutes for every ounce.

To ensure your turkey burgers are cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. This is the temperature at which turkey is considered safe to eat. Once they're done, remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

You can serve your turkey burgers on a bun or in a lettuce wrap with your favorite toppings and sides. Enjoy!

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Serving suggestions

Air fryer turkey burgers are a great option for a quick, healthy, and juicy meal. They can be served in a variety of ways and are very versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air fryer turkey burger experience:

Bun or Wrap:

You can serve the juicy turkey burger patties on a classic hamburger bun, adding to its convenience and taste. If you want a low-carb option, you can also use lettuce wraps or romaine hearts as a healthier alternative to buns.

Cheese:

Add a slice of cheese to your turkey burger to take it up a notch. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties like gouda, havarti, swiss, provolone, or American cheese. Place the cheese on the patties during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, and let it melt in the residual heat of the air fryer.

Toppings and Condiments:

The beauty of a burger is that you can customize it with your favorite toppings and condiments. The classic route includes lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. However, you can also add sauteed mushrooms, sauteed onions, sliced avocado, jalapenos, arugula, or pickled onions for an extra kick. For condiments, the options are endless: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, pico de gallo, chipotle aioli, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or tomato relish.

Sides:

To make it a complete meal, serve your air fryer turkey burgers with a side of air fryer potato wedges, french fries, sweet potato fries, roasted broccoli, sauteed asparagus, grilled vegetable pasta salad, or a tomato bacon green bean salad. Don't be afraid to experiment with different side dishes to suit your taste buds!

Storage and Reheating:

If you have leftover turkey burgers, you can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked and cooled burgers for up to 6 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the frozen burgers in your air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes, and they'll be as good as new!

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that you cook turkey burgers in an air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C.

The best way to check if the turkey burgers are cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Turkey burgers are done when they reach 165°F or 74°C.

To prevent your turkey burgers from drying out, only mix the ingredients until they just come together. Overmixing will result in tough and dry burgers. You can also add ingredients like apple sauce or grated onion to keep the burgers moist and juicy.

Yes, you can reheat your turkey burgers in the air fryer. Place the leftover burgers in the air fryer and heat them at 360°F for about 4-5 minutes. If the burgers are frozen, reheat them for 8-10 minutes.

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