I’ve been cooking frozen turkey burgers in my air fryer for a while now, and can honestly say it’s a game-changer.
No more waiting for the burgers to thaw or dealing with a greasy stovetop pan. In just 15 minutes, you can have a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey burger with a slightly crispy outside.
I’ll share exactly how I do it, including the best temperature, cooking times, when to season, and how to get that melty cheese on top.
I’ll also share some of my favorite tips from the air fryer community to make cleanup easier and your burgers tastier. Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an air fryer pro; this has you covered.
Why Cook Frozen Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer?
Cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal. You don’t have to thaw the burgers, which saves time; just take them straight from the freezer and put them in the air fryer.
It’s faster than using the oven or stovetop, and the air fryer cooks the burgers to perfection, keeping the inside juicy and the outside crispy.
Plus, there’s less mess to clean up afterward, which makes it a great option when you don’t feel like dealing with greasy pans. Even if you are a beginner or an expert with your air fryer, this method is simple and gives you delicious burgers in just minutes.
How to Cook Frozen Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Manual
Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Cooking frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer is the easiest way to get juicy, crispy burgers with minimal effort. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat!
Servings: 4 servings
Total Time: 15-18 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 frozen turkey burger patties
- Cooking spray or oil
- Salt
- Pepper (optional)
- Garlic powder (optional)
- 4 burger buns
- Cheese slices (optional)
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard (optional)
Step 1: Set the Right Temperature
Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or 380°F (193°C). Preheating the air fryer helps ensure the burgers cook evenly from the moment they go in.
Some air fryer models need a few minutes to warm up properly, so be sure to give them adequate time before putting the burgers in.
This simple step makes a big difference in achieving that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Burgers
Take the frozen turkey burger patties directly from the freezer, no thawing needed! Place them carefully in the air fryer basket, making sure the patties are arranged in a single layer.
This arrangement allows the hot air to circulate around each burger for even cooking. Lightly spray the patties with cooking oil to prevent sticking and add a touch of moisture.
If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.
Step 3: Season the Burgers
As the burgers cook, they’ll start to thaw and soften a bit. This is the perfect time to add some seasoning! You can sprinkle a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder on top.
If you like, you can use other seasonings or spices to give the burgers your favorite flavor. Just wait until they’ve been cooking for a few minutes before adding the seasoning, so you don’t put it on while they’re still frozen.
Step 4: Cooking Time and Flipping
For smaller 1/4 lb patties, cook them for about 12–17 minutes. If you are using bigger 1/3 lb patties, cook them for about 13–18 minutes.
It’s really important to flip the burgers halfway through, around 7–9 minutes into cooking. Flipping helps them cook evenly on both sides and gives them that perfect crispiness.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside of the burger is 165°F (74°C) to make sure it’s fully cooked. If it’s not quite there, just cook it for a couple more minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Toast Buns
If you are making a cheeseburger, this is when you’ll want to add the cheese! Place a slice on top of the burger during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
This will give the cheese enough time to melt perfectly. While the burgers are cooking, you can toast your buns! Just place them in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 375°F after the burgers are done.
This will make them nice and crispy on the edges, and perfect for your burger.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked, take the burgers out of the air fryer and place them on your toasted buns.
Add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles. Serve with fries or chips, and enjoy a delicious, juicy turkey burger made right in your air fryer!
SharedExperience with Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers
A Reddit user shared their experience with frozen turkey burgers that had been sitting in their fridge for about 6 months. They weren’t impressed, wondering if the burgers had gone bad or if it was simply the turkey flavor they didn’t like.
Another user, foodporncess, chimed in, saying they loved the same burgers and always kept a box in their freezer. They recommend cooking them in a cast-iron skillet or on a griddle, seasoning them with Montreal Steak Seasoning, and adding bacon drippings or avocado oil for flavor.
Personally, I think cooking frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer is the best method. It’s super quick, and you get a juicy burger with a perfectly crispy outside. The recipe shared above is a great example of how you can easily prepare turkey burgers without all the fuss, while still getting a delicious result!
Essential Tips for Cooking Perfect Frozen Turkey Burgers
Cooking frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer is super easy, but a few tips can make them even better! Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure the burgers aren’t stacked on top of each other. They need space for the hot air to circulate around them to cook evenly.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the burgers halfway through the cooking time makes sure both sides get crispy and cook evenly. Set a timer to remind you, and make sure to check them around the 7-9 minute mark.
- Check the Temperature: Make sure your burgers are fully cooked with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut one open to check it’s not pink in the middle.
- Season During Cooking: Once the burgers start to thaw a little, that’s the perfect time to season them. You can use simple salt and pepper or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of chili powder.
- Don’t Overcook: Turkey burgers can dry out if they cook too long, so keep an eye on them. If they’re thin, check them around 12 minutes. If they’re thicker, you might need a few extra minutes.
- Add Cheese at the End: If you want a cheeseburger, add a slice of cheese on top of the burger during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This gives it enough time to melt without overcooking the burger.
Now that you’ve got these helpful tips, you are all set to make the juiciest and most flavorful turkey burgers in your air fryer.
Remember, it’s all about giving them space, flipping them at the right time, and not overcooking.
Final Garnish
Cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer has truly simplified my weeknight dinners. I love how quick it is and how the burgers always come out juicy without much effort.
From setting the right temperature to flipping halfway and adding cheese at the perfect moment, following a few simple steps makes all the difference.
I also enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and toppings recommended by other air fryer enthusiasts it keeps things exciting.
If you are looking for an easy, fast, and delicious way to cook turkey burgers straight from the freezer, this method is perfect. Give it a try tonight and see how simple and tasty air fryer cooking can be. Don’t forget to share your favorite tips in the comments!
