Cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer is a quick, healthy, and convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of thawing or firing up a grill. The air fryer’s hot circulating air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Turkey Burgers?
Frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer make a fast, healthy and delicious meal. They can be easily cooked straight from frozen in under 20 minutes. Cooking frozen foods is one of my favorite ways to use the air fryer. Everything cooks up with a wonderful crispy outside while staying hot and tender on the inside. After making frozen chicken patties, hamburgers, and veggie burgers in our air fryer, we decided it was time to try frozen turkey burgers. They turned out so good and now I make them on a regular basis. Simple – No need to fire up the grill. These air fryer turkey burgers are so easy to make. Simply cook the burger from frozen in the air fryer and use your favorite toppings. Clean-up is also a breeze, some models can even go in the dishwasher.
Delicious – These cook up a little crispy on the outside and hot, juicy and tender on the inside thanks to the hot circulating air.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers
Below are detailed instructions gathered from multiple reliable sources to ensure you get perfectly cooked turkey burgers every time.
Method 1: Basic Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burgers
Place the frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook at 380 degrees F for 8 minutes, flip the burger and cook another 5-6 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Carefully remove from basket and serve hot. Don’t stack the burger patties in the air fryer. You want the hot air to be able to circulate around them for even cooking. If you are worried about them sticking, be sure to not spray your basket with an aerosol cooking spray like Pam. This could damage the coating. Use an oil mister to lightly coat the basket. For a little extra flavor, add some seasoning to the tops of the turkey burgers before cooking. Salt and pepper, Montreal seasoning, Old Bay, and chicken seasoning are great choices. Cook time may vary depending on the brand of burger you cook.
Method 2: Jennie-O Frozen Turkey Burgers
With no need to thaw, these tasty JENNIE-O® turkey burgers go from the freezer to the air fryer to the table in 20 minutes! Lay burgers in air fryer basket in single layer. Set to 375°F. Cook 15 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked to 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. Serve as desired.
Learn more about Jennie-O turkey burgers.
Method 3: Seasoned Frozen Turkey Burgers with Oil
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the burger patties in an even layer inside and spray both sides. Season with salt and pepper. Air fry at 380F for 15-18 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes, until it’s cooked to 165F internally. If adding cheese, add it to the patties at the last minute of the cooking time. Serve on buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings.
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. To ensure they are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Method 4: No-Preheat Method for Even Cooking
Don’t preheat the air fryer. It’s best to not preheat the air fryer when making frozen turkey burgers as you want the entire burger to come up to temperature together. Putting the frozen patties in a preheated oven can make the outside cook faster than the center. For the easiest clean up, you can use a silicone mat (made just for your air fryer) or parchment paper liners in the air fryer. Place the frozen turkey burger patties in the air fryer basket. Try to ensure they are not overlapping too much. Sprinkle the turkey burgers with salt and ground sage (optional). Cook the burgers: Turn on the air fryer at 390F for 15 minutes. Pause the air fryer after 10 minutes (with 5 minutes remaining) and carefully flip the burgers (I use silicone tipped tongs for this). Sprinkle the other side of the burgers with salt and ground sage. Turn the air fryer back on and cook the remaining 5 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burgers
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the patty is 165°F. This is the recommended temperature for safe consumption.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the patties in a single layer for even cooking. If you don’t do this, parts of the burger not exposed directly to the heat may end up overcooked.
- Flipping: Flipping the patties halfway through cooking gives them a more even char which helps make it more consistently enjoyable. You can cook the frozen turkey patties to temp without flipping them, but flipping is recommended.
- Seasoning: Some frozen patties come pre-seasoned, while others are not. Season to taste if needed. You don’t need to thaw the turkey patties before air frying.
- Cleanup: For easy cleanup, lay a parchment sheet in the air fryer basket or spray with non-stick oil spray.
USDA guidelines on safe cooking temperatures.
Topping Ideas for Your Turkey Burgers
No matter how you top it, your air fryer turkey burger is going to turn out delicious! Here are some topping ideas to elevate your meal:
- Classic: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo.
- Greek Style: Feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, and red peppers.
- Barbecue Style: Barbecue sauce, onion rings, and cheddar cheese.
- Unique Twist: Avocado slices, grilled pineapple, or coleslaw for added crunch.
- Sauces: BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, spicy tahini sauce, chimichurri, or pesto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to thaw frozen turkey burgers before cooking in the air fryer?
No, you can cook them straight from frozen. The whole point is to cook the burgers straight from frozen! It’s faster, and better. If the burgers are stuck together: air fry 4-5 minutes to defrost, then separate them and continue cooking.
How long do you cook a frozen turkey burger in the air fryer?
Frozen turkey burgers typically take 12-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on the thickness and brand. Most sources recommend cooking at 375-390°F for 13-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I cook multiple frozen turkey burgers at once?
Yes, you can cook several at one time. Make sure they are in a single layer and there is room for the hot air to circulate around each burger patty.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is not always necessary. Some sources suggest skipping preheating to ensure the burger cooks evenly from the center to the outside. However, if your air fryer model requires preheating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I store and reheat leftover turkey burgers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven. I do not recommend freezing the burgers again after cooking.
Can I add cheese to my turkey burgers?
If you want to make cheeseburgers: add the slices of cheese to the burger after done cooking and cook at 390F for 30-60 seconds (just long enough to melt the cheese). Alternatively, place a slice of cheese on each burger after removing them from the air fryer and let the residual heat melt it.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cook times ranging from 12 to 20 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy, high-protein meal that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Follow the instructions above, use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness, and get creative with your toppings to make every bite delicious. Happy air frying!