How Long to Cook Bubba Turkey Burgers for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Bubba turkey burgers are a lean, protein-packed alternative to traditional beef burgers. But figuring out how long to cook them can be tricky – overcooking leaves them dry and rubbery, while undercooking poses safety risks. So what’s the secret to cooked-to-perfection Bubba turkey burgers? Read on for a complete guide.

Why Choose Bubba Turkey Burgers?

Bubba turkey burgers offer several benefits over beef

• Lower in fat and calories – turkey is naturally leaner than beef Bubba turkey burgers have 75% less fat than regular 80/20 ground beef burgers

• Higher in protein – each Bubba turkey burger contains 20g of protein to help you power through your day.

• Versatile flavor – Bubba turkey burgers come in options like Sweet Onion, Monterey Jack, and Original. You can also season them yourself.

• Convenient – Bubba turkey burgers are pre-formed so they’re ready to cook straight from the freezer.

How Long Should You Cook Bubba Turkey Burgers?

The USDA recommends cooking turkey burgers to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate any foodborne illness risk.

For safety, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Visually judging doneness leads to undercooking.

Cooking times vary based on preparation method. General guidelines:

• Grilling: 4-5 minutes per side, 10 minutes total
• Pan-frying: 4-5 minutes per side, 10 minutes total
• Oven: Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway
• Air fryer: 370°F for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway

These times are for thawed burgers. Add 3-5 extra minutes if cooking frozen. Always verify 165°F internal temperature.

Watch for these visual cues of doneness:

• Meat browning and juices pooling on top
• Meat feeling firm to the touch
• No pink color in interior when cut into

Grilling Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Bubba Turkey Burgers

Grilling is a quick, convenient cooking method that gives you delicious charred flavor. Follow these tips:

• Preheat grill properly – Heat to medium-high. If grill is too cool, burgers will dry out.

• Don’t press burgers – Pressing squeezes out juices, resulting in a dry hockey puck. Let them cook undisturbed.

• Use a meat thermometer – It’s the only way to confirm safe doneness. Insert into thickest part of patty.

• Avoid flare-ups – Move burgers to avoid burning. Trim excess fat to minimize flares.

• Flip only once – Flipping repeatedly toughens the meat. Cook 4-5 minutes per side.

• Don’t overcrowd the grill – Overcrowding steams the burgers. Leave space between patties for air circulation.

• Let burgers rest – Resting allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the patty.

Pan-Frying Bubba Turkey Burgers

Pan-frying is a great alternative on days when grilling isn’t an option. Here are some tips:

• Use a heavy skillet – Cast iron or stainless steel work best to sear the patties.

• Heat oil properly – Add just enough oil to coat the pan. Overheating creates smoke.

• Don’t move the patties – Let them sear undisturbed to develop a nice crust.

• Control heat – Adjust temperature so patties gently sizzle without scorching.

• Flip only once – Resist flipping repeatedly. Cook 4-5 minutes per side.

• Use a meat thermometer – It’s the best way to confirm doneness. Insert into thickest part of patty.

• Drain excess grease – Carefully tip pan and spoon off excess grease as patties cook.

Oven-Baking Bubba Turkey Burgers

Baking lets you cook up a batch of burgers easily indoors. Here’s how:

• Preheat properly – Preheat oven to 375°F. Rack should be in middle or upper position.

• Use a baking sheet – Line with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Avoid glass or metal pans which conduct heat too quickly.

• Don’t overcrowd sheet – Leave 1-2 inches between patties to allow air circulation.

• Flip halfway through – Baking one side 15-20 minutes until flipping prevents dryness.

• Insert meat thermometer – Test center of patty to confirm 165°F. Oven temps can vary.

• Let rest before serving – Resting allows moisture to distribute evenly through patties.

• Add cheese at end – If using cheese, add it 2-3 minutes before burgers finish baking so it melts.

Air Fryer Bubba Turkey Burgers

Air fryers create that satisfying crunch without loads of oil. Follow these guidelines:

• Don’t overcrowd basket – Air needs to circulate evenly. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.

• Flip halfway through – Flipping ensures both sides brown and cook evenly. Total cook time is 13-15 minutes.

• Brush with oil if needed – Air fryers can sometimes dry out lean meats like turkey. Lightly brushing patties with oil prevents this.

• Use thermometer to check – Air fryer temps can vary. Verify burgers reach 165°F internally.

• Let rest before serving – Letting burgers rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute.

• Adjust time as needed – Add 2-3 minutes if cooking frozen burgers. Monitor closely.

• Add cheese at end – If using cheese, add it 2 minutes before burgers finish cooking so it melts.

Cooked Bubba Turkey Burgers – Now What?

Once your Bubba turkey burgers are cooked, here are some serving suggestions:

• Place on buns and add favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.

• Skip the bun and serve over a fresh salad for a lighter option.

• Pair with healthy sides like oven fries, roasted veggies or sweet potato wedges.

• Use in tacos, sandwiches, burrito bowls and other creative recipes.

• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Microwave makes them rubbery.

The options are endless with lean, protein-packed Bubba turkey burgers! Follow these guidelines on how long to cook them and you’ll have juicy, flavorful results every time. Get creative with recipes and toppings to enjoy this versatile and healthier burger option.