How Long to Cook Juicy and Flavorful Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a quick and healthy way to cook foods like fries chicken wings and burgers. Cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer results in a juicy interior and crispy browned exterior in a fraction of the time it takes using an oven or stovetop. But how long should you cook turkey burgers in an air fryer to get the best results? In this article, we’ll provide tips and timing guidelines for cooking moist, delicious air fryer turkey burgers.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

There are several advantages to cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer rather than using more traditional cooking methods:

• Quick cooking time – Air fryers use super heated air and convection to cook food very rapidly, Turkey burgers can be cooked in an air fryer in only 15-18 minutes

• Reduced fat – The air fryer requires little to no oil for cooking, resulting in burgers that are lower in fat and calories compared to frying in oil.

• Juicy interior – The circulating hot air crisps up and browns the outside of the burger while sealing in moisture inside. Air fryer burgers are incredibly juicy!

• Even cooking – The hot air surrounds the food evenly, preventing undercooked centers and overcooked edges.

• Versatility – Air fryers can cook burgers from frozen or fresh. You can also add toppings like cheese at the end for quick melting.

How Long to Cook Fresh Turkey Burgers

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the model and capacity of your air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of the patties. For fresh turkey burgers approximately 1/2 inch thick, follow these guidelines:

• Preheat air fryer to 360°F. This takes 3-5 minutes in most models.

• Cook turkey burgers for 7 minutes on one side. Set air fryer timer and don’t open the basket during cooking.

• Flip burgers and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• For 1 inch thick burgers, add 2-3 minutes to both cook times, flipping halfway through.

• Allow burgers to rest for 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly as they rest.

So for average 1/2 inch fresh turkey patties, the total air fryer cooking time will be around 15 minutes. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temp for safety.

How Long to Cook Frozen Turkey Burgers

Cooking frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer is easy and convenient. Follow these steps:

• Preheating is optional when cooking from frozen. If you do preheat, use 360°F for 3-5 minutes.

• Place frozen patties in air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd.

• Cook for 6 minutes on first side, then flip.

• Cook for an additional 8-12 minutes, until 165°F internal temp.

• Check temp and add 2-3 minutes more if needed.

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

For average frozen turkey burgers, expect the total cooking time to be around 18 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 360°F. Add 2-3 minutes more if cooking without preheating.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Follow these tips for cooking moist and delicious air fryer turkey burgers every time:

• Use 85/15 or 93/7 ground turkey – The higher fat content keeps burgers tender and juicy. Extra lean turkey dries out.

• Make indentations – Gently press your thumb into the tops of shaped patties to prevent puffing.

• Brush with oil – Lightly coating the air fryer basket with oil prevents sticking.

• Don’t overfill – Cook in batches for even browning and proper cook times.

• Use a meat thermometer – This ensures the burgers reach a safe internal temp of 165°F.

• Let rest before serving – Carryover cooking will finish off burgers perfectly.

Adding Flavor to Turkey Burgers

While meatier beef burgers often need just salt and pepper, turkey patties benefit from added seasonings and binders. Consider mixing in any of the following:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion and garlic
• Chopped mushrooms
• Crumbled feta or blue cheese
• Minced herbs
• Barbecue sauce or ketchup
• Breadcrumbs or egg
• Minced chili peppers
• Soy sauce
• Mustard
• Ranch seasoning

You can also top finished turkey burgers with extra flavor additions like guacamole, bacon, fried onion strings, or a smear of pesto mayonnaise.

Cooking Juicier Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

Since lean turkey meat can easily dry out during cooking, utilizing methods to keep air fryer turkey burgers nice and juicy is key. Try these tips:

• Use chicken thigh meat – Much more moist than breast meat when cooked.

• Mix in applesauce or yogurt – These add moisture without extra fat.

• Brush with olive oil – Adding a little oil helps keep burgers tender.

• Spray with broth – A quick spritz of chicken or turkey broth seals in moisture.

• Wrap in bacon – Fat renders and bastes the burgers.

• Add cheese – Melting cheese releases fat and flavors the meat.

• Don’t overcook – Follow recipe cook times and monitor temp.

Alternatives to Turkey for Air Fryer Burgers

While lean and healthy, turkey burgers aren’t for everyone. Consider using these alternative meats and flavors:

• Ground beef – 80/20 chuck has lots of moisture. Cook to 155-165°F.

• Bison – Very lean yet still juicy. Cook to 155-160°F.

• Salmon – Provides healthy omega fats. Cook to 145°F.

• Black bean – Makes a protein packed veggie burger.

• Lamb – Strong flavored meat perfect for spicing. Cook to 145°F.

• Pork – Adds succulence and richer taste. Cook to 145°F.

• Chicken – Quick cooking and mild flavored. Cook to 165°F.

The Takeaway on Cooking Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

Air frying makes cooking flavorful and moist turkey burgers easy. Allow 15 minutes cook time for fresh patties and 18 minutes cook time if frozen. Maintain an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Mix in seasonings, broths, and binders to keep air fryer turkey burgers juicy. Follow proper air fryer techniques for crisp exteriors and tender interiors.

In just minutes, you can enjoy healthier turkey burgers cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Ditch the greasy griddle and opt for quick and easy air fried turkey burgers instead!