Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burgers

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These air fryer frozen turkey burgers are an easy way to make burger night happen without thawing anything first. The patties cook straight from the freezer, get seasoned on both sides, and come out ready for cheese, buns, lettuce wraps, or your favorite toppings.

two air fryer frozen turkey burger patties on a bun with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and ketchup

When I’m cooking frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer, I keep the method simple: a little oil spray, a complete seasoning blend, one flip, and a quick temperature check at the end. Serve them with burger sauce, a sprinkle of burger seasoning, or keep the meal easy with one of my favorite sides for burgers.

Why Air Fry Frozen Turkey Burger Patties

No thawing needed: The patties go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, which is helpful when you forgot to pull something out for dinner.
Fast cook time: Frozen turkey burgers cook quickly in the air fryer, so you can make a burger without waiting for the patties to thaw first.
Easy to season: A light spray of oil helps the seasoning stick to the frozen patties before they go into the air fryer.
Simple burger-night option: Add cheese, buns, lettuce wraps, pickles, onions, or burger sauce to build the burger the way you like it.
A lighter alternative to beef burgers: Turkey burgers are a nice option when you want a burger but prefer something different from a traditional beef patty. You can also try ground chicken burgers or salmon burgers with canned salmon for more homemade burger ideas.

ingredients to make frozen turkey burger patties in an air fryer on a plate: frozen turkey burgers, avocado oil spray, seasoning and cheddar cheese

Ingredients Needed

Frozen turkey burgers: Do not thaw them first. This method works with uncooked frozen turkey patties from the grocery store, including brands like Trader Joe’s turkey burgers. I usually choose minimally processed patties with a short ingredient list.
Seasoning: Use a complete seasoning blend so the burgers taste good without needing several individual spices. My burger seasoning works well here, or you can use homemade Cajun seasoning if you want a little more kick.
Cheese: Optional, but easy to add during the last minute of cooking. American cheese, cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone all work.
Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray: This helps the seasoning stick to the frozen patties and helps keep the burgers from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Burger Toppings

For me, burgers are all about the toppings. Use what you have, or set out a few options so everyone can build their own.

Lettuce: Use it as a topping or as a bun. Iceberg lettuce works well for lettuce wraps, but I also like butter lettuce.
Air fryer turkey bacon: Adds a salty, crispy bite.
Sliced tomatoes: A classic burger topping that adds freshness.
Sliced red onions: Use them raw for crunch or quick-pickle them if you want a tangy topping.
Pickles: Great for crunch and acidity.
Avocado or guacamole: Adds creaminess, especially if you are skipping cheese.
Fried egg: A good option when you want a more filling burger.
Ketchup, BBQ sauce, or burger sauce: Use your favorite sauce, or add burger sauce when you want the burger to taste more like something from a burger shop.

steps to cook Frozen Turkey Burgers in an air fryer with seasoning and cheese

How to Make Frozen Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

Use these simple tips to make frozen turkey burgers in your air fryer without thawing them first.

Season the Patties While Frozen

Take the turkey burger patties out of the freezer when you’re ready to cook. Spray both sides lightly with oil, then season the patties before adding them to the air fryer basket. The oil helps the seasoning stick, even while the patties are frozen.

Air Fry in a Single Layer

Place the frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer basket with space around each patty so the hot air can move. Cook at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through so both sides cook evenly. Most patties take about 11 to 12 minutes, but thicker patties may need a few extra minutes.

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Add Cheese at the End

If you’re making cheeseburgers, add the cheese once the patties are fully cooked. Air fry just long enough to melt the cheese, then build the burgers with buns, lettuce wraps, pickles, onions, burger sauce, or any toppings you like.

Check the Temperature Before Serving

Turkey burgers should reach 165 degrees in the center. Since frozen patties can vary in thickness, a meat thermometer is the best way to avoid guessing.

Top Tips & FAQs

Do not thaw the patties: This recipe is designed for frozen turkey burgers. Thawed patties will cook faster.
Use a meat thermometer: Frozen burger patties can vary by brand and thickness. The center should reach 165 degrees.
Flip halfway through: This helps both sides cook evenly.
Season both sides: A complete seasoning blend adds flavor quickly. Try burger seasoning for classic burger flavor, Poultry Seasoning when you want some of the flavors of herbs like sage, or homemade Cajun seasoning for a spicier option.
Use parchment carefully: Air fryer parchment paper can help with cleanup, and has holes in it to not block too much airflow. Always add parchment with food on top so it does not fly into the heating element.
Add cheese last: Cheese only needs 30 seconds to 1 minute to melt. Adding it too early can make a mess in the basket.

How to Store Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Store leftover air fryer turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.

Reheat them in the air fryer until warmed through. If the burgers already have cheese, reheat them just long enough to warm the patty so the cheese does not overcook.

Can you cook frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer?

Yes. Frozen turkey burgers can go straight into the air fryer without thawing first. Add them in a single layer, flip halfway through cooking, and check the center before serving.

How long do frozen turkey burgers take in the air fryer?

Most frozen turkey burgers take about 11 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees. Thicker patties may need a few extra minutes.

How do I know when turkey burgers are done?

Turkey burgers are done when the center reaches 165 degrees. A meat thermometer is the easiest way to check since frozen patties can vary in thickness.

Can I add cheese to frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer?

Yes. Add cheese after the patties are cooked, then air fry briefly until the cheese melts.

Turkey Burgers with cheese and lettuce on top

More Frozen Food in the Air Fryer:

What to Serve With Frozen Turkey Burgers

Serve these frozen turkey burgers with an easy veggie, salad, or air fryer side to keep the meal simple. A few good options are:

For more burger-night ideas, try ground chicken burgers when you want a homemade patty or salmon burgers with canned salmon for a seafood option.

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