If you’re a fan of turkey burgers, you know how easy and convenient it is to cook them straight from the freezer. However, the traditional methods of cooking frozen turkey burgers can be time-consuming, and the end result may not be as juicy and flavorful as you’d like.
That’s where the air fryer comes in. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food quickly and evenly. It’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil. Plus, it’s perfect for cooking frozen foods like turkey burgers.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer. We’ll cover everything from preparing the burgers to checking the temperature and serving them. With these tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful turkey burgers in no time.
Preparing the Frozen Turkey Burgers
Before cooking your frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here are some steps you should follow:
Thawing the Turkey Burgers
If your turkey burgers are frozen solid, you’ll need to thaw them before cooking. The best way to do this is to place the burgers in the refrigerator for 24 hours. If you’re short on time, you can also use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Once the turkey burgers are thawed, you’ll want to pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help remove any excess moisture, which can prevent them from browning properly in the air fryer.
Seasoning the Turkey Burgers
Next, it’s time to season the turkey burgers. You can use your favorite spices and herbs to add flavor. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. Be sure to season both sides of the burgers evenly.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Now it’s time to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure that the turkey burgers cook evenly and come out crispy on the outside.
Cooking the Frozen Turkey Burgers
Once your turkey burgers are thawed, seasoned, and the air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook them. Here’s how:
Placing the Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
Place the turkey burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure to leave some space between them, so they cook evenly. If your air fryer is small and can’t fit all the burgers at once, you may need to cook them in batches.
Adjusting the Temperature and Time Settings
Set the temperature to 375°F and the timer for 10-12 minutes. It’s essential to flip the turkey burgers halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly. Don’t forget to set the timer again for the remaining time.
Once the timer goes off, check the internal temperature of the turkey burgers with a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked. The temperature should be 165°F.
Stay tuned for sections 3 and 4.
Cooking the Frozen Turkey Burgers
Cooking frozen turkey burgers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here are the steps to follow:
Placing the Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the turkey burgers in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching each other, so they cook evenly. If you’re cooking a large batch, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.
Adjusting the Temperature and Time Settings
Set the temperature to 375°F and the timer for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the turkey burgers. You’ll need to flip the burgers halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Use tongs to carefully flip the burgers and set the timer for the remaining time.
Checking the Temperature of the Turkey Burgers
Checking the internal temperature of the turkey burgers is crucial to ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to eat. Here’s why:
Importance of Checking the Temperature
Turkey burgers can harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. To kill these bacteria, the internal temperature of the burgers should reach 165°F. Eating undercooked turkey burgers can cause serious health problems, so it’s crucial to check the temperature before serving.
Recommended Temperature for Turkey Burgers
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey burgers. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger, making sure not to touch the bone or the air fryer basket. The temperature should read 165°F. If it’s lower than that, continue cooking the burgers for a few more minutes and check the temperature again.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked frozen turkey burgers in your air fryer. Now it’s time to serve them up and enjoy their juicy, flavorful goodness.