Marianne Martinez
Turkey burgers are a great healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are also delicious and full of flavour. Air-frying is a quick and convenient way to cook turkey burgers, giving them a crispy outer layer while keeping them moist and tender on the inside. This method also reduces the amount of oil and fat in the dish, making it a healthier option.
How to cook fresh turkey burgers in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Ground turkey, onion, apple sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, pepper, salt, garlic, ranch seasoning, olive oil, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cheese |
| Equipment | Air fryer, meat thermometer, mixing bowl, spatula |
| Preparation | Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl, shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, preheat air fryer to 360-380°F |
| Cooking | Place burgers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cook for 7-15 minutes at 360-380°F, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F |
| Serving | Serve on a bun or in a lettuce wrap with desired toppings and sauces |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-5 days, freeze for up to 3-6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ground turkey
When it comes to choosing the right ground turkey for your air fryer turkey burgers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, opt for fresh ground turkey instead of frozen, as it will be easier to shape into patties. Aim for ground turkey that is around 93% lean or less; anything leaner may result in your burgers falling apart. If you're using a leaner cut of ground turkey, consider adding a small amount of olive oil to your mixture to prevent the burgers from drying out.
You can also add other ingredients to your ground turkey to improve the texture and taste. For example, eggs act as a binding agent and help the patties hold together, while breadcrumbs can help with texture and moisture. If you're looking for additional moisture, you can add unsweetened apple sauce or grated onion to your mixture.
When shaping your patties, remember to make them around 1/2 inch thick, as they will shrink during cooking. Also, don't overwork the meat, as this can result in rubbery or dry burgers. Instead, gently combine your ingredients and form them into patties. Using your thumb, make a small indentation in the centre of each patty to help them keep their shape during cooking.
Finally, if you're making your patties ahead of time, you can place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour to help them firm up before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months and cook them later.
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$129.19 $169.98
Mixing and shaping the patties
To make juicy and flavourful turkey burgers in an air fryer, you'll need to start by mixing and shaping the turkey into patties. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:
Firstly, gather your ingredients. You'll need ground turkey, which forms the base of your burgers. You can choose from a few different options, such as 98% lean/2% fat, 93% lean/7% fat, or 85% lean/15% fat. Keep in mind that the higher the fat content, the more juicy and flavourful your burgers will be. If you want to stick to a leaner option, you can add a little olive oil to the mixture to prevent it from drying out.
For a classic combination of flavours, you can add garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to your ground turkey. You can also get creative and experiment with other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, ranch seasoning, grated onion, apple sauce, or spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or chilli powder.
Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. Combine all your ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork or your hands to mix until everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your burgers and make them dry. The key is to mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
After mixing, it's time to shape your patties. Take portions of the mixture and form them into round, flat shapes, about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness is important because the patties will shrink during cooking. You can decide how big or small you want your patties to be, but a standard size is about four patties from the mixture. Remember to wet your hands before shaping to prevent the meat from sticking to them.
Once you've shaped your patties, place them on a large plate or tray. It's a good idea to make an indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb, as this helps them stay flatter during cooking and reduces shrinkage. At this stage, you can cover and chill the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and maintain their shape.
Now you're ready to move on to the next step of cooking your delicious turkey burgers in the air fryer!
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer vary depending on the source of the recipe. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, while others recommend 375 or 380 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time also varies, with some recipes calling for 12 to 15 minutes of cooking time, and others suggesting as little as 7 minutes or as much as 17 minutes.
For example, one recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking the burgers for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Another recipe suggests cooking the burgers at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of the burger patties. It is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when they are fully cooked.
When cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer, the cooking time will need to be increased. One source recommends cooking frozen burgers at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, while another suggests 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 17 minutes, for frozen burgers.
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Flipping the burgers
For example, if you are cooking your burgers for 12 minutes, you should flip them after 6 minutes. If you are cooking for 15 minutes, flip them after 7 or 8 minutes. This will ensure that the burgers are cooked thoroughly and develop a nice crust on both sides.
When flipping the burgers, use a spatula to carefully lift and turn them over. Try to flip the burgers only once to avoid overworking the meat, which can affect the texture and juiciness of the final product.
If you are cooking multiple burgers in the air fryer at once, it is important to leave some space between each patty. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each burger, ensuring they cook consistently.
Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the burgers. Turkey burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the burger to get an accurate reading.
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Serving and storing the burgers
Once your turkey burgers are cooked, it's important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is essential as it locks in the juices, ensuring your burgers are tender and flavourful.
When it comes to serving, you can go the traditional route and place your turkey burger on a bun, topping it with your favourite condiments and veggies. Some popular choices include mustard, sliced red onions, sautéed mushrooms, ketchup, shredded lettuce, pickles, and cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different themes, such as a Mediterranean-inspired turkey burger topped with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and pesto, or a taco-style burger with taco seasoning and lettuce wraps instead of buns.
If you have any leftover burgers, let them cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the burgers for up to 3 to 6 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the burgers in the air fryer at 350°F to 360°F for 2 to 5 minutes, and they'll taste just as delicious as the first time!
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Frequently asked questions
Combine ground turkey with ingredients such as breadcrumbs, egg, apple sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the mixture into four equally-sized patties, each around 1/2-inch thick. Place the patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. Preheat your air fryer to 360-380°F. Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when they are done.
To make your turkey burgers juicier, you can add mayonnaise, grated onions, olive oil, or unsweetened apple sauce to the mixture.
Fresh turkey burgers should be cooked in an air fryer for around 12-15 minutes at 360-380°F. Flip the burgers halfway through the cooking time.
Turkey burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check this. The burgers should not be pink or red in color.
