Air-Fryer Turkey Burger Patties: Quick, Easy, Juicy

how to cook turkey burger patties in air fryer

Turkey burgers are a great healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They can be made from scratch or using pre-made frozen turkey burgers. Air-frying is a quick and easy way to cook turkey burgers, with a total cooking time of under 15 minutes. This method also cuts down on the mess and oil splatter that comes with skillet or grill cooking. You can add cheese to your turkey burgers by placing a slice on top of the patty and letting it melt in the residual heat of the air fryer for a minute or two.

How to cook turkey burger patties in an air fryer

Characteristics Values
Cooking equipment Air fryer, meat thermometer, spatula
Ingredients Ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, pepper, cheese, etc.
Temperature 360-380°F
Cooking time 12-15 minutes
Internal temperature 165°F
Toppings Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, avocado, kale pesto, BBQ sauce, etc.
Sides Broccoli salad, air fryer smashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, roasted cauliflower steaks, grilled vegetable pasta salad, etc.
Storage Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days, freeze for up to 6 months

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How to form the turkey patties

To form the turkey patties, start by combining ground turkey with other ingredients such as garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, and egg in a mixing bowl. You can also add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or sweet peppers, and spices like parsley, scallions, cilantro, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor. Mix the ingredients with your hands until well combined, being careful not to overmix the meat.

Next, divide the mixture into four evenly sized portions. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, and form each portion into a ball. Place the balls of meat mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and press them down into round patty shapes about 1/2 inch thick. Using your thumb, make a dent in the center of each patty to prevent shrinkage during cooking.

At this stage, you can choose to chill the patties in the freezer for a minimum of 20 minutes or in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will help the patties set and hold their shape when transferred to the air fryer basket. Once the patties are firm, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

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Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking turkey burger patties in an air fryer depend on various factors, such as the size of the patties, the size of the air fryer, and whether the patties are cooked from fresh or frozen.

For a 1/4-pound patty, it is recommended to cook the patty in the air fryer for 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The temperature for this method is set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the patty is thinner or thicker, the timing will need to be adjusted accordingly.

For a patty that is 1/2-inch thick, it is recommended to cook the patty at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, then flip the patty and continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until cooked throughout.

When cooking frozen turkey burger patties, it is recommended to cook them at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway over. It is also possible to cook frozen patties at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 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 of the patties and the air fryer model. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the patties are cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

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How to prevent a 'goo' forming on the patty

To prevent goo from forming on your turkey burger patty, you can take a few important steps. Firstly, the goo is typically caused by the release of protein and water from the turkey's muscle fibres when exposed to heat. To reduce this, you can allow the patty to air dry in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to draw out moisture.

Secondly, when forming the patty, avoid overworking the meat as this can lead to a rubbery or dry texture. Mix the ingredients until they are just incorporated, and use your hands to form the patty gently. Adding a binder like dry breadcrumbs or a raw egg to your patty mixture can also help prevent the patty from falling apart and becoming too wet.

Additionally, when cooking, avoid extremely high temperatures. Instead, opt for a lower temperature and increase the cooking time to prevent the protein from coagulating and forming goo.

Finally, when checking the doneness of the patty, refrain from inserting a meat thermometer into the muscle. Instead, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature without piercing the meat and releasing the juices, which can contribute to the formation of goo.

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Storing and reheating the turkey burgers

Storing your turkey burgers correctly will ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. It is important to let the cooked burgers cool down to room temperature before storing them. Place the burgers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure the burgers are not left uncovered or they will dry out. Store the wrapped burgers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

For longer storage, cooked and cooled turkey burgers can be frozen. Wrap the burgers individually and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 to 6 months.

To reheat your leftover turkey burgers, place them in the air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes at 360˚F. If the burgers are frozen, they will need a little longer—around 8 to 10 minutes at the same temperature. You can also reheat frozen burgers in the oven or on the stove, but the air fryer will give the best results as it will retain the juiciness of the meat without drying it out.

Always ensure that your leftover turkey burgers have reached a safe internal temperature of 165˚F before consuming them.

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Toppings and sides

Toppings

  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Pickles
  • Bacon
  • Cheese
  • Goat cheese
  • Mayo
  • Avocado
  • Kale pesto
  • Ranch dressing
  • BBQ sauce
  • Fried egg
  • Mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • Sweet pepper
  • Zucchini
  • Green onion
  • Feta cheese
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Fresh greens
  • Cucumber yogurt sauce
  • Herb goat cheese
  • Sun-dried tomato paste
  • Crispy onions
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Green hatch chili peppers
  • Green salsa
  • Pepper Jack cheese
  • Sriracha mayo
  • Thai chilis
  • Thai sticky rice
  • Mustard
  • Scallions
  • Italian seasoning
  • Cilantro
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Sprouts
  • Shallots
  • Sautéed tomatoes
  • Ricotta
  • Avocado-cumin mash
  • Charred scallions
  • Soft-cooked shallots
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Spicy cucumber salad
  • Cabbage slaw

Sides

  • Air fryer French fries
  • Air fryer sweet potato fries
  • Air fryer potato wedges
  • Broccoli salad
  • Smashed potatoes
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Coleslaw
  • Roasted cauliflower steaks
  • Grilled vegetable pasta salad

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