How to Cook Juicy Ground Turkey in an Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Cooking ground turkey in an air fryer is a quick easy and healthy way to prepare this versatile ingredient. The circulating hot air crisps up the outside while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

As someone who loves finding new ways to use my air fryer I was excited to try making ground turkey in it. The results were phenomenal – much better than oven-baking or pan-frying. Here is my complete guide on how to cook ground turkey in an air fryer based on my experience and research.

Benefits of Cooking Ground Turkey in an Air Fryer

Here are some of the biggest benefits of using an air fryer to cook ground turkey

• Requires little to no oil for crispy, golden results without the greasiness
• Cooks the turkey evenly and prevents it from drying out
• Whole process takes only 10-15 minutes
• Easy cleanup as most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe
• Versatile for making burgers, meatballs, tacos, pasta sauce, etc.
• Healthier than deep frying or pan frying in a lot of oil
• Keeps more nutrients intact compared to high-heat cooking methods

As you can see, air frying is an ideal way to cook ground turkey for a quick protein-packed meal. The air fryer really brings out the best in turkey meat.

Step-By-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer ground turkey every time:

1. Prepare the Turkey

• Start with 1 pound of fresh or thawed ground turkey. Make sure it’s not frozen.
• Place the meat in a large bowl. Break up any large chunks with your fingers or a fork so it mixes well.

2. Season Generously

• Season the turkey with salt, pepper and any other spices you want. Some good options are garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, chili powder, cumin etc.
• I like using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Go heavy on the seasoning as it concentrates in the air fryer.

3. Add Some Oil

• Drizzle 1-2 tbsp of oil over the seasoned meat. You can use olive oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil. The oil helps keep the turkey juicy and promotes browning.

4. Mix Thoroughly

• Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the seasoning and oil coats the turkey completely.

5. Form Patties or Meatballs

• For patties, divide and shape the meat into balls slightly smaller than the palm of your hand. Then flatten into thick oval discs.
• For meatballs, roll the mixture into 1-2 inch balls. Work quickly to keep the turkey cold.

6. Preheat Air Fryer

• Preheating is a must for air fryer ground turkey. Turn your air fryer to 380°F. Give it 4-5 minutes to preheat completely.

7. Cook the Turkey

• Place the patties or meatballs in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
• Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes. Gently flip them over and cook 4 more minutes.
• Increase heat to 400°F and cook another 2-3 minutes until browned with a crisp crust.

8. Check Internal Temperature

• Instant read thermometers are perfect for air fryers. Insert in the thickest part.
• Ground turkey is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.

9. Allow to Rest

• Remove cooked turkey from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute evenly.

And your perfectly air fried ground turkey is ready! The cook times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and your air fryer model.

Tips for the Best Results

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to take your air fried ground turkey to the next level:

• Use 85% or 93% lean ground turkey for a healthier choice. The fat content affects cook time.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in smaller batches for even crisping.
• Brush patties or meatballs with a little oil before cooking for extra browning.
• Flip halfway through cooking for the best texture on both sides.
• Add a slice of cheese on each patty the last 2 minutes for juicy cheeseburgers!
• Try different shapes like turkey taco meat, stuffed peppers or turkey sliders.
• Use corn starch or breadcrumbs to help hold the shape of meatballs.
• Mix in diced veggies like mushrooms, peppers or zucchini.
• Make a batch of air fryer turkey meatballs to use in meals all week!

With the right technique, you can enjoy tender and juicy ground turkey from your air fryer any night of the week. Experiment with different seasonings and recipes. Ground turkey cooks fast, so keep an eye on the cook time and adjust as needed for your air fryer.

Full-Flavored Recipes to Try

The possibilities are endless when it comes to air fryer ground turkey recipes. Here are some of my favorite flavorful recipes to try:

Juicy Turkey Burgers

• Form seasoned turkey into patties, brush with oil and cook 8-10 minutes flipping halfway. Add cheese and serve on buns with all the fixings.

Italian Turkey Meatballs

• Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning and egg. Roll into balls and cook 8-10 minutes. Toss with marinara sauce.

Turkey-Veggie Kebabs

• Alternate pieces of turkey with veggies of choice on skewers. Cook 7-8 minutes until done. Brush with sauce or seasoning.

Crispy Turkey Carnitas

• Shred seasoned cooked turkey and crispy it up again in the air fryer. Stuff in taco shells and top with desired toppings.

Turkey-Mushroom Sausage

• Sauté mushrooms and mix with ground turkey. Shape into patties or links. Fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes.

Cajun Turkey and Rice

• Mix cooked turkey with cajun seasoning and rice. Air fry again until heated through and crispy.

With an air fryer, you can take simple ground turkey from boring to bold and mouthwatering. It cooks up far tastier than boring oven-baked turkey.

The key is using flavorful ingredients and seasonings. Let your imagination run wild!

FAQs

If you’re new to cooking ground turkey in an air fryer, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

How much ground turkey fits in an air fryer?

Most air fryer baskets hold 2-3 pounds of ground turkey comfortably. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. For larger batches, work in smaller amounts.

Does ground turkey need oil in an air fryer?

Oil is optional but recommended. Around 1-2 tbsp of oil helps keep ground turkey moist and promotes browning. You can brush the patties with oil instead of mixing it in.

What temperature should you cook ground turkey?

Cook at 380°F for the first 8 minutes to ensure food safety. Then increase heat to 400-425°F for another 4-6 minutes until deeply browned outside. Always check internal temp of 165°F.

How long does it take to cook raw ground turkey in an air fryer?

Cooking time can range from 10-15 minutes depending on thickness and amount. Cook in batches if needed. Flip patties halfway through. Monitor closely and adjust time if needed.

Can you put frozen ground turkey in an air fryer?

It’s best to thaw ground turkey before air frying. Air fryers cook food very fast, so frozen turkey won’t thaw properly and will end up unsafe to eat.

Is ground turkey healthy in an air fryer?

Yes, air frying is one of the healthiest ways to cook ground turkey. It minimizes fat and calories compared to frying in oil while maintaining moisture and flavor.

Get Crispy, Juicy Ground Turkey From Your Air Fryer

Air frying makes cooking ground turkey so quick and easy, there’s no excuse not to enjoy this healthy, tasty protein on your dinner table more often.

With my step-by-step guidance and tasty recipe ideas, you can become an expert at making perfectly cooked, mouthwatering ground turkey in your air fryer.

Trust me, after one bite of tender, juicy air fried turkey burgers or meatballs, you’ll be hooked! So break out your air fryer and get ready to fall in love with air fried ground turkey.