How to Cook Frozen Turkey Burgers to Perfection in an Air Fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years for their ability to make delicious fried foods with little to no oil. An air fryer works by rapidly circulating hot air to cook food evenly on all sides making it an excellent choice for cooking frozen turkey burgers.

Cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer is quick, easy, and results in juicy burgers with a crispy exterior and lots of flavor. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the benefits of air frying turkey burgers, how to choose the best frozen patties, and a foolproof step-by-step method for cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer.

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

Air frying frozen turkey burgers has many advantages over other cooking methods

• No thawing required – Frozen patties can go straight into the air fryer basket, saving time and making dinner a breeze on busy nights.

• Fast cooking time – Turkey burgers cook in only 15-20 minutes in an air fryer, much faster than baking or grilling.

• Even browning – The hot air circulates around the burgers to browned and crisp the exterior evenly on all sides.

• Juicy interior – Air frying keeps the inside of the patties moist and prevents them from drying out.

• Great flavor – Turkey burgers develop delicious flavor when air fried and don’t require added oil or fat.

• ** Easy cleanup** – With no thawing and minimal oil, air frying makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.

How to Choose High-Quality Frozen Turkey Burgers

When shopping for frozen turkey burgers, look for:

• 90% lean turkey meat – Higher lean meat content results in better texture and less fat.

• Minimal breadcrumbs – Too many breadcrumbs makes burgers dry. Seek 5% or less.

• No preservatives – Avoid burgers with nitrites/nitrates and other artificial ingredients.

• Reputable brands – Opt for quality brands like Jennie-O, Butterball, Trader Joe’s for best taste.

• All natural ingredients – Check the label for whole, natural ingredients. Avoid fillers.

The best frozen turkey burgers will be juicy and flavorful when cooked with a texture similar to homemade beef burgers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for perfectly air fried frozen turkey burgers:

1. Add Frozen Patties to Air Fryer Basket

• Take frozen turkey burgers straight from the freezer to the air fryer. No thawing needed!

• Arrange patties in a single layer without overlapping in the basket.

2. Preheat Air Fryer (Optional)

• Preheating at 375°F for 3-5 minutes helps burgers defrost quicker.

3. Air Fry Burgers

• Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Time varies based on size.

• Check temperature with a meat thermometer. Turkey burgers are done at 165°F.

4. Finish with Cheese (Optional)

• After air frying, top with cheese slices if desired.

• Cook 1-2 minutes more until cheese is melted.

5. Allow Burgers to Rest

• Let burgers rest 2-3 minutes before serving for juicier results.

• Serve on buns with your favorite toppings and condiments!

And that’s all there is to it! With just a few minutes of air frying, you’ll have restaurant-worthy turkey burgers easily cooked from frozen.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Use these handy tips and tricks for foolproof frozen turkey burgers every time:

• Lightly oil air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

• Don’t overcrowd patties. Leave space between for air circulation.

• Flip burgers halfway during cooking for even browning.

• Use a meat thermometer to prevent undercooking.

• Allow burgers to rest before serving to redistribute juices.

• Brush patties with oil or sauce in last 5 minutes for more flavor.

• Adjust temperature based on patty thickness. Thicker burgers may need less time.

• Add cheese only in last 1-2 minutes to prevent sticking.

• Toast buns in air fryer while burgers cook for hot, crispy buns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer?

Most frozen turkey burgers take 15-20 minutes at 375°F in an air fryer. Larger or thicker patties may take 18-22 minutes. Use a meat thermometer.

Can you put frozen burgers directly in the air fryer?

Yes, there’s no need to thaw turkey burgers before air frying. Pop them in frozen for quick meals.

Should you flip turkey burgers during air frying?

Yes, flipping halfway through cooking allows both sides to brown evenly.

What temperature should you cook frozen turkey burgers?

375°F works best for most frozen turkey burgers. For larger burgers, try 350°F.

How can you tell when turkey burgers are done in an air fryer?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Turkey burgers are fully cooked at 165°F.

More Delicious Air Fryer Turkey Burger Recipes

The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning and topping air fried turkey burgers:

• Italian – Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella

• Barbecue – Brush with barbecue sauce during last few minutes

• Southwest – Season with chili powder and top with guacamole

• Mediterranean – Add feta and oregano seasoning

• Hawaiian – With grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce

• Breakfast – Add an egg and cheese on a breakfast bun

With an air fryer, frozen turkey burgers become a quick and easy dinner option with endless flavor possibilities. Ditch the frozen fast food and enjoy restaurant-worthy burger nights at home instead!

So next time you’re craving a juicy turkey burger, give air frying a try. In just minutes, you’ll have the perfect weeknight dinner ready to enjoy. Air fried turkey burgers are sure to become a go-to meal your whole family will love.