Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burgers: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Turkey burgers are a great, healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They're lower in saturated fat and, when cooked correctly, are just as tasty. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook frozen turkey burgers, then look no further than your air fryer. In just 15-20 minutes, you can have juicy, tender, and crispy turkey burgers that are cooked to perfection.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer will depend on the size of the burgers and your desired level of crispiness. The air fryer temperature should be set to between 360°F and 375°F. For a 1/3-pound burger, cook for 15 minutes. For smaller burgers, decrease the cooking time, and for larger burgers, increase it. If you like your burgers extra crispy, you can add a minute or two to the cooking time.

It is important to ensure that your turkey burgers are cooked thoroughly before consuming them. The internal temperature of the burgers should reach 165°F. If your burgers are almost done but have not yet reached this temperature, remove them from the air fryer and wrap them in aluminium foil. The temperature will continue to rise a few degrees as they rest.

Some air fryer models may require preheating. If yours does, preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes before adding the burgers.

Preparing the air fryer basket

Before placing the frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer basket, it is recommended to spritz or lightly spray the basket with oil or non-stick spray. This helps prevent the burgers from sticking to the basket and makes cleaning easier. You can use an oil spray or brush the basket lightly with olive oil or another neutral cooking oil.

Once the basket is prepared, it's time to arrange the frozen turkey burgers. Place the burgers in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This arrangement allows for even cooking and proper air circulation. The number of burgers you can fit in the basket will depend on the size and shape of your air fryer basket. If you are cooking multiple burgers, you may need to cook them in batches.

After arranging the burgers, you can proceed with setting the air fryer temperature and timer according to your desired level of doneness. Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your burgers and the model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the burgers at around 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 18 minutes.

During the cooking process, you may choose to flip the burgers halfway through to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior on both sides. However, some recipes suggest that flipping is not necessary, and the burgers will cook evenly without flipping. Use tongs or a spatula to handle the burgers if you decide to flip them.

Once the cooking time is complete, use tongs or a spatula to remove the burgers from the air fryer basket. At this point, your frozen turkey burgers are ready to be served! You can serve them on a bun with your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, ketchup, cheese, and more.

Dressing up the burgers

There are many ways to dress up your turkey burgers. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Greek Style

Add feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, and red peppers to your burger. You could also include arugula, cucumber, red onions, and a roll to complete the Greek theme.

American Style

Add bacon, ketchup, mayo, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato to your burger. You can also toast a bun to add to your burger.

Barbecue Style

Add barbecue sauce and onion rings to the top of your burger. This goes well with cheddar or American cheese.

Sriracha Turkey Burger

Add sriracha, watercress, mayo, and Swiss cheese to your burger. You can also add avocado slices for a smooth texture.

Pineapple Turkey Burger

Add pineapple, mango, romaine lettuce, and Creole seasoning to your burger. You can also add teriyaki sauce and avocado for a tropical twist.

Mediterranean Mayo Turkey Burger

Combine roasted red pepper with Hellmann's or Best Foods Real Mayonnaise for a Mediterranean-inspired burger. You can also add lettuce leaves, onion slices, and roasted red peppers.

Sweet and Savory

Add Granny Smith apples, ground allspice, and brown sugar to your burger. You can also include burger toppings such as ketchup, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion.

Guacamole Turkey Burger

Load up your burger with slices of avocado. You can also mash the avocado and mix it with salsa to make guacamole.

Bloody Mary Burger

Add ketchup, shredded lettuce, pimento-stuffed green olives, and a Ciabatta roll to your burger.

Firecracker Grilled Turkey Burger

Top your burger with pepper jack cheese, avocado, jalapenos, and butter. You can also serve it on a brioche bun.

No matter which style you choose, your air fryer turkey burger is sure to be delicious!

Choosing the right frozen turkey burgers

When choosing the right frozen turkey burgers, there are several factors to consider, such as taste, texture, ingredients, price, and animal welfare standards. Here are some tips to help you select the best option for your needs:

• Taste and Texture: Opt for a brand that offers a good balance of seasoning and moisture. Some brands, like Butterball's Original Seasoned Turkey Burgers, are known for their savoury flavour and juicy texture. Others, like Applegate Organics, may be considered bland and dry.
• Ingredients: Check the ingredient list to ensure the product aligns with your preferences and dietary needs. For example, Good & Gather's Turkey Burgers are raised without antibiotics, added hormones, or steroids. Simple Truth Natural Turkey Burgers contain just turkey and rosemary extract, making them a good option for those on a special diet.
• Price: Frozen turkey burgers vary in price, depending on the brand and number of patties. Generally, store brands like Kroger and Meijer offer more affordable options, while name brands like Butterball and Applegate Organics tend to be pricier.
• Animal Welfare: If animal welfare is important to you, look for the American Humane seal on the packaging. This certification ensures that the turkeys were raised under kinder conditions. Butterball products, for instance, carry this seal.
• Sodium Content: Some frozen turkey burgers have high sodium levels, so it's essential to check the nutrition facts if you're watching your salt intake. Simple Truth Natural Turkey Burgers have a low sodium content, making them a good choice for those on a low-sodium diet.
• Fat Content: Consider your dietary needs and preferences when it comes to fat content. Some brands, like Kroger Seasoned Turkey Burgers, have a higher fat percentage, while others, like Simple Truth Natural Turkey Burgers, are leaner.
• Availability: Different brands may be available depending on your location. Walmart, Meijer, and Kroger are some retailers that stock various frozen turkey burger brands.

Remember, personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the right frozen turkey burgers. It may be helpful to try different brands and decide which ones suit your taste and requirements.

Reheating and storing

Leftover turkey burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) or lower for a few minutes until heated through. You can also wrap them in aluminium foil for five minutes after removing them from the air fryer if they are almost done. This will allow the burgers to continue cooking and reach the required internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

It is not recommended to freeze the turkey burgers again after cooking.

Frequently asked questions