How long to cook turkey burger in an air fryer

At-a-glance cooking parameters

Temperature

365 °F

185 °C

Total time

11 min

per single layer

Flip at

6 min

flip once

Internal temp

165 °F

74 °C

Turkey burgers cook in 11 minutes at 365 °F (185 °C) with a single flip at 6 minutes. The slightly lower temperature than beef burgers gives the centre time to reach a safe 165 °F (74 °C) internal without scorching the exterior, while the convection air builds a far better crust than a stovetop skillet for the same lean meat.

Per serving

Approximate values for a single portion of turkey burger (USDA baseline, cooked, includes light air-fryer oil spray).

Calories

240 kcal

Protein

28 g

Fat

13 g

Carbs

1 g

Turkey Burger in popular air fryer brands

Adjusted for how each brand actually heats. Tap a brand name to see every food we calibrate for it.

How to tell it’s done

Exterior is golden-brown with no pink seeping when pressed; centre is uniformly opaque (no pink) when pierced. Juices run clear.

Internal temperature: 165 °F / 74 °C. Always verify with an instant-read thermometer.

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Prep

   Bring ingredients close to room temperature. Brush both sides lightly with neutral oil — ground turkey is very lean and will stick without it.

2. 2

   Season

   Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire (mixed into meat).

3. 3

   Load

   Arrange 2 patties, 5–6 oz each, ¾ inch thick, in a single layer for best convection airflow.

4. 4

   Cook

   Set the air fryer to 365 °F (185 °C) and cook for 11 minutes total, flipping once at 6 minutes.

5. 5

   Check & rest

   Verify the internal temperature reaches 165 °F / 74 °C and rest 2–3 minutes before serving.

6. 6

   Store

   Refrigerate cooked patties up to 3 days. Reheat at 350 °F for 3 minutes — longer dries the meat out.

Watch out for

• !Always confirm 165 °F / 74 °C internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Visual checks are not safe for ground poultry, which carries the same salmonella risk as raw chicken.
• !Use 85/15 or 93/7 ground turkey — 99% lean turns to sawdust no matter how carefully you cook it. The fat is what carries flavour and keeps the patty moist.
• !Make a deliberate thumb-divot in the centre of each patty before cooking — turkey burgers dome upward more than beef and the divot keeps them flat.
• !Don't press the patties during cooking. Pressing squeezes out the rendered fat and the burger goes dry.

FAQ about turkey burger in an air fryer

What temperature should I cook turkey burger at in an air fryer?

Cook turkey burger at 365 °F (185 °C). The convection air at this temperature cooks the food gently — higher temperatures dry it out or scorch the surface.

How long does turkey burger take in an air fryer?

Turkey burger takes 11 minutes total at 365 °F (185 °C). Flip the food once at 6 minutes so both sides cook evenly.

Do you need to flip turkey burger in an air fryer?

Yes — flip turkey burger once at 6 minutes. The side touching the basket grate develops a darker, more crusted surface; flipping evens out the cook so both sides match.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for turkey burger?

Preheating is optional for turkey burger — most modern air fryers reach temperature in under 2 minutes and the food's total cook time already accounts for the ramp-up. If you do preheat, reduce the total time by 1–2 minutes and check earlier than usual.

What internal temperature is turkey burger safe to eat?

Turkey burger should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Visual checks alone are not a reliable substitute for protein — always confirm with a probe.