Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Patties. These five words may not solve all the world’s problems, but it can be the solution to what’s for dinner for the rest of the week. Frozen turkey patties are a simple and open-ended way to approach meal time. All it takes is one ingredient and a healthy cooking method called air frying.
Air frying frozen turkey burgers is a quick and easy way to make a delicious dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer to perfection in 15 minutes or less. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make juicy and flavorful air fried turkey burgers right from your freezer.
Why Air Fry Frozen Turkey Burgers?
Air frying is a convenient and healthy cooking method that uses circulating hot air to cook food. Air frying frozen turkey burgers has many advantages over other cooking methods:
- Super Fast Cooking Time: It only takes 12-15 minutes to cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer. No need to thaw first.
- Makes Burgers Crispy The circulating hot air crisps up the outside of the turkey burger as it cooks through.
- Less Mess: There’s no need for flipping or oil when air frying. The hot air surrounds the burgers and cooks them evenly.
- Retains Moisture: Air frying doesn’t dry out turkey burgers like grilling or pan frying can. They stay juicy on the inside.
- Easy Clean Up: Air fryers have a nonstick basket that’s easy to wipe down after cooking. Minimal cleanup.
- Healthier: Air frying uses little to no oil, resulting in a leaner cooking method than deep frying.
For quick dinners, air fried turkey burgers can’t be beat. Let’s look at how to cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked frozen turkey burgers from your air fryer.
Ingredients
- Frozen turkey burger patties (do not thaw before cooking)
- Neutral cooking oil or olive oil spray (optional)
- Burger buns
- Desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheating isn’t required but can help cook burgers faster. Set air fryer to 375°F if preheating.
- Prepare Burgers: Spray or brush both sides of frozen turkey burger patties lightly with oil. This helps brown and prevents sticking.
- Arrange in Basket: Place patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping burgers halfway through. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Toast Buns: When burgers have 2-3 minutes left, toast buns in a skillet with butter or spray.
- Assemble and Enjoy! Build your burgers with desired toppings and condiments.
That’s all there is to it! Perfectly cooked frozen turkey burgers in just 15 minutes. The air fryer does all the work of crisping up the outside and keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burger Cooking Times
- 1 turkey burger patty: 12-14 minutes
- 2 turkey burger patties: 13-15 minutes
- 3 turkey burger patties: 15-17 minutes
These cook times are based on average 1” thick 4 oz. frozen turkey burger patties cooked at 375°F in a 3 quart air fryer basket.
Cooking times can vary slightly based on the thickness of your frozen turkey burger patties and the size/power of your air fryer model. Always cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Turkey Burgers
Follow these tips for the very best air fried frozen turkey burgers every time:
- Don’t thaw patties – cooking from frozen ensures the most tender, juicy interior texture.
- Use Neutral Oil – A light brushing of avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil helps browning without imparting flavor.
- Preheat Air Fryer – Though not required, preheating helps cook burgers faster. Set to 375°F.
- Cook Single Layer – Arrange patties in a single layer without overcrowding for even cooking.
- Flip Burgers Halfway – Flipping halfway through ensures the burger cooks evenly on both sides.
- Check Temperature – Use a food thermometer to confirm burgers reach 165°F minimum.
- Let Rest 1-2 Minutes – Allowing burgers to rest helps lock in juices before serving.
Follow these air fryer turkey burger tips and tricks for the very best results air frying frozen turkey burgers.
FAQs About Air Frying Frozen Turkey Burgers
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer:
What temperature do you cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer?
The best temperature range is between 370°F and 380°F. 375°F is ideal.
How long does it take to cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer?
At 375°F, expect frozen turkey burgers to take 12-15 minutes to fully cook depending on size and thickness.
Do you have to flip frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through is recommended for even browning and cooking on both sides.
Do you need oil or spray to air fry frozen turkey burgers?
You don’t have to use oil, but a light brushing or spray can help prevent sticking and promote browning.
Do you have to preheat an air fryer to cook frozen turkey burgers?
Preheating is optional but helps shorten the cooking time by a couple minutes. Preheating at 375°F is recommended.
Best Practices When Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers
Keep these best practices in mind when cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer for safety and optimum results:
- Always check that frozen turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F minimum before eating.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange burgers in a single layer with space between.
- Use a food thermometer to monitor temperature rather than relying on cook time alone.
- Allow air fried turkey burgers to rest 1-2 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- When in doubt, cook frozen turkey burgers for longer. They will finish cooking to 165°F when resting.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours and consume within 3-4 days.
Following these simple guidelines ensures properly cooked, safe and delicious air fried turkey burgers each time.
Top 5 Air Fried Frozen Turkey Burger Recipe Ideas
Air fried frozen turkey burgers are incredibly versatile. Dress them up with different toppings and condiments! Here are 5 delicious air fryer turkey burger recipe ideas:
- BBQ Turkey Burgers – Brush with bbq sauce before air frying. Top with cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions.
- Southwest Turkey Burgers – Season with taco seasoning before air frying. Top with guacamole and pico de gallo.
- Mediterranean Turkey Burgers – Brush with Greek yogurt and top with feta, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce.
- Ranch Turkey Burgers – Brush with ranch dressing while air frying. Top with lettuce, tomato, bacon and more ranch.
- Caprese Turkey Burgers – Top air fried turkey burger with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil and balsamic glaze.
With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored with air fried turkey burgers!
Conclusion
Cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer results in a quick, easy and delicious burger dinner. The circulating hot air of an air fryer crisps the outside to perfection while keeping the inside of the burger juicy and flavorful.
In just 12-15 minutes at 375°F, you can enjoy restaurant-quality turkey burgers cooked right from frozen. No need to defrost! Simply arrange patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cook for 12-15 minutes flipping halfway, and top with your favorite burger toppings.
So if you’re looking for a fast and healthier way to enjoy turkey burgers, the air fryer is the way to go. Ditch the greasy pan frying and say yes to quick and easy air fried frozen turkey burgers tonight!
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Turkey Patties
If you make up a lot of turkey patties you may have plans for how you want to use them. Make sure you have plenty of containers for the job and slice them or chop them however you want for future meals. If you don’t meal plan, just keep the patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use within the next 3-5 days.
Are frozen turkey burgers healthy?
Frozen turkey burgers have a variety of health benefits because they are made with lean turkey meat which is a good alternative to beef or pork. Generally speaking, it’s always a good idea to read the label to make sure that the other ingredients used in the patties are not unhealthy. Typically, in terms of added chemical ingredients, turkey is a healthier alternative than patties made from plant-based proteins.