Marianne Martinez
Turkey burgers cooked in an air fryer are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They're also incredibly easy to make, with most recipes requiring just a few simple ingredients and taking less than 20 minutes to cook. The air fryer's forced air browns and crisps the outside of the burger while keeping the inside moist and tender, resulting in a juicy and flavourful burger every time. By using an air fryer, you also eliminate the mess and oil splatter associated with cooking burgers in a skillet or on a grill. In this article, we'll explore the steps involved in cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and temperature settings, so you can enjoy perfectly cooked burgers every time.
How long to cook ground turkey burgers in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 12-20 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 180C/350F-400F |
| Internal temperature | 165F |
| Preheat temperature | 360F |
| Preheat time | 10 minutes |
| Flip halfway through | Yes |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Chilling time | 30 minutes-overnight |
| Freezing time | Up to 6 months |
| Reheating time | 4-5 minutes |
| Meat | Ground turkey |
| Add-ins | Breadcrumbs, egg, apple sauce, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, pepper, salt, ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, taco seasoning |
| Sides | French fries, sweet potato fries, potato wedges, brussel sprouts |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect juicy texture
Air-fried turkey burgers are a great way to enjoy a healthier burger without sacrificing flavour and juiciness. Here are some tips to ensure your turkey burgers are juicy and delicious.
Ingredients
The key to a juicy turkey burger is to ensure your meat mixture has enough moisture and fat. Turkey is a lean meat, so adding ingredients like unsweetened apple sauce, grated onion, or even sweet potato will help keep the burgers moist and juicy. These ingredients also add natural sweetness, enhancing the flavour of the meat.
Other ingredients that can be added to the meat mixture include breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Shaping
When shaping the meat mixture into patties, it's important to make them slightly larger than your desired size, as they will shrink during cooking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Creating a divot in the centre of the patty by pushing your thumb into it will also help prevent excessive shrinkage.
Chilling the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking will help them firm up and retain their shape during cooking.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400°F. Grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the patties in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap as this will affect even cooking. Depending on the size of your patties and the temperature of your air fryer, cook the burgers for 7-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
The best way to ensure your burgers are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Turkey burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking will cause the burgers to become tough and dry, so be sure to keep an eye on the temperature.
Once the burgers are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices.
Serving
Air fryer turkey burgers can be served on a bun with your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and ketchup. They can also be paired with air-fried sides like French fries or sweet potato wedges for a complete meal.
Enjoy your juicy, flavourful, and healthier turkey burgers!
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Cooking times for different air fryers
Air fryer cooking times can vary depending on the size and power of the air fryer, as well as the size, amount, and thickness of the food items being cooked. It's important to always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your food is cooked to the correct temperature of 165°F.
For a Phillips XL air fryer, you can cook four patties at once. First, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Then, cook the patties for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the patties should reach 165°F when they are done.
If you are using frozen turkey burgers, you can cook them directly from frozen. Cook at 360°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway. Again, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
If you are using pre-made frozen turkey burgers, grease the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
If you are using a different air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. As a general rule of thumb, you can convert an oven recipe to an air fryer recipe by reducing the temperature by 25°F and cutting the cooking time by about 20% to 25%. However, it's important to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and adjustments. You can also refer to printable cheat sheets that provide temperature and cook times for common air-fried foods.
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How to make sure your burgers are cooked
Cooking ground turkey burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, juicy, and flavorful burger. It is important to ensure that your turkey burgers are cooked properly for food safety. Here are some detailed instructions to make sure your burgers are cooked thoroughly:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by adding your ingredients to a mixing bowl and mixing them well. You can add various ingredients to your ground turkey to enhance the flavor and moisture of your burgers. Some common ingredients include garlic, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. You can also add grated onion, unsweetened apple sauce, or Worcestershire sauce to keep your burgers moist and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, and shape the mixture into round, flat burger patties. It is recommended to make the patties about 1/2 inch thick, as they will shrink during cooking. You can also create a divot in the center of each patty by pushing your thumb into the middle, which will help prevent excessive shrinking.
Step 3: Chill the Patties
Place the shaped patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and maintain their shape during cooking. Chilling the patties can also enhance the flavor and reduce shrinkage.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray can help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Burgers
Place the patties in the air fryer, making sure they are not overlapping or stacked, as this can affect even cooking. Set the timer for 12-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of your patties. For larger patties or if cooking from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes. Remember to flip the patties halfway through the cooking cycle to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Step 6: Check the Internal Temperature
The best way to ensure your 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 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the patty to get an accurate reading.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Allow the patties to rest for a few minutes before assembling your burgers with your desired toppings and serving. You can also melt cheese on top of the patties by placing a slice of cheese on each patty and closing the air fryer for a minute or two to let the residual heat melt the cheese.
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What to serve with your turkey burgers
To cook ground turkey burgers in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F and grease the air fryer basket. Then, place the patties in the basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the weight of the patty. For anything over 6 ounces, add 3 minutes for each additional ounce. The ideal internal temperature for a cooked turkey burger is 165°F.
Now, for the fun part—what to serve with your juicy turkey burgers! Here are some mouth-watering side dish ideas:
Classic Sides
- Fries: Whether it's the classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or potato wedges, these are always a hit with burgers. You can easily make them in your air fryer for extra crispiness!
- Salads: If you're looking for something healthier, a bright and refreshing salad is a perfect pairing. Try a Greek salad with feta cheese, dill, and lemon, or a pasta salad with pine nuts, artichokes, and sundried tomatoes.
- Corn: Grilled, roasted, or on the cob, corn is a tasty and versatile side dish to accompany your turkey burger.
Creative Sides
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and squash are just a few veggies that can be roasted to perfection and served as a delicious side.
- Zucchini: Try fried zucchini, or zucchini and squash cooked in the air fryer, for a unique and tasty side dish.
- Potato Dishes: From potato salad to potato patties, there are plenty of ways to enjoy potatoes as a side. You can even make potato pancakes with leftover mashed potatoes!
- Tomatoes: Fried green tomatoes or roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine add a touch of sweetness and elegance to your meal.
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How to store and reheat your burgers
To store your turkey burgers, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, wrap each burger in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place them in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. Don't forget to label them with the date. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three to five days, or in the freezer for up to three to six months.
When you're ready to enjoy your burgers again, there are a few reheating options. You can use a microwave, oven, stovetop, or air fryer. If using a stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and reheat the burgers for 5-7 minutes on each side. For the microwave, place the burger on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a lid, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. For the oven, reheat at 350°F. You can also reheat your burgers in an air fryer at 200°C/400°F for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
If you're reheating frozen burgers, it's best to thaw them in the fridge first. This can be done by placing the frozen burgers in the fridge for 24 hours or submerging the sealed bag of burgers in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. It's important to ensure that your burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating to zap any harmful bacteria.
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Frequently asked questions
Frozen turkey burgers should be cooked for 18 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fresh ground turkey burgers should be cooked for 12-15 minutes at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best way to check if the turkey burgers are cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Fully cooked burgers will have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can store cooked ground turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 2-6 months.
