Cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer is a game-changer for quick, healthy meals. The air fryer’s hot, circulating air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy, all without the mess of a skillet or grill.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
15-18 Minutes at 380°F
Craving a juicy meal that can be ready fast? Try making frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer! Perfectly cooked and full of flavor, these burgers are a weeknight game-changer. Spray both sides of the turkey burger patties with an oil mister, then place them in an even layer inside the air fryer basket. Season with salt and pepper. Air fry frozen turkey burgers at 380 degrees F for 15-18 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. If adding cheese, add it to the patties after they are done cooking, closed in the air fryer with it off for 1 to 2 minutes. The cooking time for frozen turkey patties can vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. Generally, they will take around 15 minutes at 380 degrees F.
15 Minutes at 375°F
Frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer take just 15 minutes from freezer to bun! We love the simplicity and convenience of this recipe! Spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray or brush lightly with olive oil. Arrange the frozen turkey burgers in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. When the burgers are almost done cooking, spread the buns with butter and toast on a skillet until golden brown. Top the burgers with sliced cheese, if desired, and return the basket to the air fryer with the air fryer turned off. Let sit for 1 minute to melt the cheese. The turkey burgers we’ve found frozen are all ⅓ pound each. For smaller burgers, decrease cook time accordingly. For large burgers, increase cook time.
16-18 Minutes at 360°F
With minimal prep & 18 minutes of cooking you can cook the best Frozen Turkey Burgers in Air Fryer. Super juicy and a bit crispy on the outside! Brush the air fryer basket with a bit of the oil, then place the frozen turkey patties in the basket and brush the top with the remaining oil. Air fry for 16-18 minutes at 360°F (180°C), flipping once halfway. Make sure the burgers are done, and if not, add a few more minutes. Then serve with your favorite sauces and sides! Oil can be skipped, but it helps keep the burger moist and crisp up the exterior.
12-17 Minutes at 380°F for ¼ Lb. Patties
You don’t need to thaw the turkey patties before air frying. Lightly coat each side of the frozen turkey patties with oil spray. Season to taste with optional salt and pepper. Spray the air fryer basket/tray with oil or line with a non-stick silicone liner. Place the patties in the air fryer basket/tray in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed. 1/4 Lb. Frozen Turkey Patties: Air Fry at 380°F/193°C for a total time of about 12-17 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, flip the patties. Continue to Air Fry at 380°F/193°C for another 2-7 minutes or until it’s internal temperature is 165°F/74°C or cooked to your preferred doneness.
Key Tips for Perfect Turkey Burgers
- No Thawing Needed: Frozen turkey burgers can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. Thawing can lead to uneven cooking, so skip it unless specified by your patty brand.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Most recipes recommend flipping the patties halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking. Use silicone-tipped tongs to avoid scratching the air fryer basket.
- Check Internal Temperature: Turkey burgers must reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, especially since air fryer models and patty sizes vary.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place patties in a single layer with space between them for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Oil for Crispiness: Lightly spraying the patties or basket with oil enhances crispiness and prevents sticking. Opt for neutral oils like avocado or olive oil.
- Don’t Preheat Unless Specified: Some sources advise against preheating to ensure the burger cooks evenly from the inside out. Check your air fryer manual for guidance.
Enhancing Your Burgers
Seasoning and Toppings
Frozen patties often come pre-seasoned, but you can add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, or sage for extra flavor. After cooking, top with classics like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, or get creative with avocado, grilled pineapple, or a garlic lemon dill aioli. For cheeseburgers, add cheese after cooking and let it melt in the residual heat of the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve on toasted buns, in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or sliced in salads, tacos, or pasta dishes. Pair with air fryer fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
FAQs
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It depends on your air fryer and recipe. Some sources recommend not preheating to ensure even cooking from the center, while others suggest preheating to 360-380°F for 3-5 minutes. Check your air fryer manual and the specific recipe.
Can I cook multiple patties at once?
Yes, as long as they’re in a single layer with space for air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if needed.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, the safe temperature for turkey. Cooking times vary by patty size and air fryer model, so a thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm doneness.
Can I add cheese to the burgers?
Absolutely! Add cheese slices after cooking, then close the air fryer (turned off) for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese using residual heat. This prevents the cheese from making a mess in the air fryer.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked or raw patties for up to 3 months; wrap individually and thaw in the fridge before reheating or cooking.