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 and healthy meal with minimal effort. With just an air fryer, you can enjoy juicy and flavorful turkey burgers in under 20 minutes, without having to thaw or break out the stovetop.
Benefits of Air Frying Frozen Turkey Burgers
Air frying frozen turkey burgers offers several advantages
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Speed – No need to thaw. Frozen turkey burgers cook fast in the air fryer, ready in 15-20 minutes. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
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Convenience – Simple and fuss-free, Just place the frozen patties in the basket and air fry Minimal prep needed
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Taste – Air frying seals in moisture and flavor. Turkey burgers come out tender and juicy. The hot air circulates evenly to cook the burgers through.
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Healthy – Turkey is a lean, lower-fat option compared to beef. Air frying requires little to no oil, keeping them light.
How to Choose Turkey Burgers for Air Frying
When selecting frozen turkey burgers, opt for:
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Higher lean meat percentage – This results in better texture and taste. Look for 90% lean or higher.
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Minimal breadcrumbs – Too much can dry out the burgers. Seek less than 5% breadcrumbs.
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No pre-formed patties – Ones made directly into patties often have better quality turkey meat.
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Minimal processing – Check the ingredients list. Shorter is better.
Some good brands are Jennie-O, Trader Joe’s, and Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Natural Turkey Burgers.
Tips for Air Frying Frozen Turkey Burgers
Follow these tips for the best results:
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Let the turkey burgers sit at room temperature briefly before air frying. This helps them cook more evenly.
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Brush both sides lightly with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking. Avocado, olive, or canola oil work well.
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Don’t overload the basket. Arrange in a single layer with space between patties for air circulation.
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Flip halfway through cooking for even browning and thorough heating.
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Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving so juices can redistribute evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Take frozen turkey burger patties from freezer. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
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Lightly brush both sides of each patty with avocado oil or olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder if desired.
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Place patties in a single layer in air fryer basket, without overlapping.
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Set air fryer temperature to 375°F-400°F. Cook time will vary by air fryer model.
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For four 1⁄2 inch thick patties, cook approx. 12-15 minutes.
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After 6 minutes, open air fryer, flip patties. Continue cooking until 165°F internal temp.
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Transfer cooked patties to a plate. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Serve on buns with favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, etc.
Cooking Time Chart
Use these approximate times as a guide, adjusting as needed:
| Patty Thickness | Air Fry Temp | Cook Time |
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Frozen Turkey Patties in Air Fryer Ingredients
- 32 ounce box Butterball® frozen turkey patties
How to Cook Frozen Turkey Patties in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees for 2 minutes. Line or spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray (like grapeseed oil cooking spray).