Air frying has become an increasingly popular way to cook frozen foods like turkey burgers quickly and easily. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to crisp up the outside of foods while keeping the inside moist and juicy. This allows you to enjoy deliciously cooked frozen turkey burgers in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven.
When cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer, there are two key factors to get right for the best results: the temperature and cook time. The right combo will ensure your turkey burgers come out fully cooked, browned and crispy on the outside, while still being moist and savory on the inside. Below we will provide tips and guidelines on the ideal temperature and cook times when air frying frozen turkey burgers.
What Temperature Should You Air Fry Turkey Burgers?
When it comes to air frying, temperature is one of the most important variables. Air fryers work by using very hot, rapidly circulating air to crisp up and cook foods. For frozen turkey burgers, an air fryer temperature between 375-400°F is ideal. Here is some more detail on the best air fryer temperatures for turkey burgers:
– 375°F: This lower end temperature will cook the turkey burgers through without overcooking the outside. It gives you some leeway if your turkey burgers are on the thicker side.
– 385°F: A medium temperature that nicely crisps up the outside of standard size frozen turkey burger patties while fully cooking the inside.
– 400°F: The maximum temperature you’ll want to use. This higher heat works best for getting thinner turkey burgers extra crispy on the outside while still cooking through.
In general, thinner turkey burger patties will benefit from higher air fryer temperatures around 400°F, while thicker burgers are better around 375°F. You can experiment to find your perfect temperature, but 385°F is a great starting point.
How Long Should You Air Fry Turkey Burgers?
Cook time is the other crucial factor for air frying frozen turkey burgers. The right timing will guarantee your turkey burgers are fully cooked and safe to eat. Here are general guidelines on cook times based on burger thickness:
– Thin turkey burgers (1/2 inch thick): 8-10 minutes at 385°F
– Standard turkey burgers (3/4 inch thick): 10-12 minutes at 385°F
– Thick turkey burgers (1 inch+ thick): 12-14 minutes at 375°F
These time ranges ensure the turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the minimum safe temperature for fully cooked ground turkey.
Always flip the turkey burgers halfway through the air fry time to promote even cooking. You can also brush or spray the tops of the burgers lightly with oil before air frying for extra crispiness.
Monitor the doneness closely near the end of the cook time and add 1-2 minutes if needed until the burgers are browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to double check the internal temperature.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Turkey Burgers
Follow these tips for the highest quality, great tasting air fried turkey burgers every time:
– Pat turkey burger patties dry before air frying to help them get crispy. Excess moisture on the surface can make them soggy.
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between patties for air circulation. Air fry in batches for even cooking if needed.
– Use a thin wire rack in the air fryer basket. This elevates the turkey burgers above excess oil or juices that can make the bottom soggy.
– Brush patties lightly with oil for added browning and texture. Avocado, olive, or canola oil work well.
– Flip patties gently halfway through. Use tongs or a thin spatula to keep them intact.
– Allow burgers to rest 5 minutes after air frying before serving. This lets juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.
– Track cook times and temperatures that work best for your air fryer. Adjust as needed for perfect results every time.
Frozen Turkey Burger Air Fry Time and Temperature Chart
| Turkey Burger Thickness | Air Fry Temperature | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch thin patties | 400°F | 8-10 minutes |
| 3/4 inch standard patties | 385°F | 10-12 minutes |
| 1 inch+ thick patties | 375°F | 12-14 minutes |
FAQs on Air Frying Turkey Burgers
Should turkey burgers be thawed before air frying?
Air fryers work great for cooking frozen turkey burgers without thawing first. The circulating hot air quickly defrosts and cooks the burgers at the same time. Be sure to add a couple extra minutes to the cook time for frozen patties.
How can you tell when turkey burgers are done air frying?
Check for an internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a patty. Turkey burgers are also done when the outside is nicely browned and crispy looking. The inside should be cooked through without any pinkness.
Can you put raw turkey burgers straight in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are designed to cook frozen foods, so you can pop raw turkey burger patties directly into the air fryer basket from the freezer. The hot circulating air will thaw and cook them perfectly.
Is air fried turkey healthier than pan fried?
Yes, air frying is a healthier cooking method than pan frying. Air fryers use little to no oil, unlike the large amounts of grease needed for pan frying. Air fried turkey burgers have fewer calories and less saturated fat compared to cooking them on the stovetop.
What sides go well with air fried turkey burgers?
Air fried turkey burgers pair nicely with fresh salad greens, oven fries or sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli, quinoa or brown rice, and more. Get creative with healthy accompaniments!
Conclusion
Air frying makes cooking frozen turkey burgers so fast and easy, with deliciously crispy results. Use the guidelines here on the ideal air fryer temperature range of 375-400°F and cook times starting at 8 minutes for thin patties, increasing for thicker burgers. Monitor closely and adjust time if needed to ensure the burgers reach 165°F internally and are browned on the outside. With the right temperature and cook time combo, you can enjoy juicy, restaurant-quality turkey burgers from your air fryer any night of the week.