Can You Air Fry Ground Turkey? A Guide to Cooking Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Meat

Ground turkey is a healthy versatile protein that can be used in everything from burgers to meatballs. While pan-frying is a common cooking method using an air fryer is a great way to cook ground turkey that is tender and packed with flavor.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll explain if and how you can air fry ground turkey for delicious results.

Benefits of Air Frying Ground Turkey

Air frying has many advantages when it comes to cooking ground turkey:

• Requires little to no oil, keeping it low fat. Just a small amount of oil helps promote browning and moisture.

• Cooks the turkey evenly, preventing dryness The hot circulating air ensures no cold or underdone spots

• Infuses the meat with lots of flavor from spices, unlike boiling.

• Allows you to cook frozen turkey without thawing first. The intense heat defrosts and cooks.

• Whole process only takes 10-15 minutes total, saving you time.

• Easy cleanup as most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe.

• Healthier than frying as it reduces calories and fat absorption from oil.

• Keeps more nutrients intact compared to high-heat cooking methods.

As you can see, an air fryer gives you all the crispy, brown exterior of fried turkey but without all the fat and grease.

How to Cook Ground Turkey in an Air Fryer

Cooking ground turkey in an air fryer is simple and foolproof. Just follow these easy steps:

Prep the turkey: Use 1 pound of fresh or thawed ground turkey. Break up any large lumps. 93% lean works best.

Season generously: Add salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder, paprika, oregano. Turkey needs lots of flavor.

Add some oil: Drizzle over 1-2 tbsp of oil to help keep the meat juicy and promote browning.

Shape into patties: Divide into 4-6 balls then flatten into thick patties for burgers. Or roll into 1-2 inch balls.

Preheat air fryer: Preheating is essential. Set to 380°F for 4-5 minutes before cooking.

Cook turkey: Place patties or balls in fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 5 minutes. Flip and cook 5 more minutes.

Increase heat: Raise temperature to 400°F-425°F and cook 2-4 more minutes until browned and crispy.

Check internal temp: Temperature must reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Let rest: Let sit 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

It’s that easy to make tasty air fried turkey in about 15 minutes or less! Adjust cook times as needed based on thickness.

Extra Tips

• Use 85% or 93% lean turkey for best moisture. Higher fat gives better flavor.

• Don’t overcrowd basket. Cook in smaller batches for even cooking.

• Brush patties or balls with oil before air frying for extra crisping.

• Flip meat halfway through cooking for optimal texture on both sides.

• Mix in diced veggies like peppers, mushrooms or zucchini.

• Use breadcrumbs or corn starch to help hold shape of meatballs.

• Store cooked turkey up to 4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.

Flavorful Ground Turkey Recipes for the Air Fryer

One of the best parts of cooking ground turkey in an air fryer is how versatile it is. You can easily give boring turkey tons of flavor.

Juicy Turkey Burgers

Form seasoned patties slightly smaller than your palm and fry at 380°F for 7-9 minutes flipping halfway. Add cheese in the last 2 minutes if desired. Serve on buns with traditional burger toppings.

Cajun Turkey Meatballs

Mix turkey with Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, onion, breadcrumbs and egg. Shape into 1-inch balls and air fry at 400°F, flipping occasionally until 165°F internally, about 10-12 minutes.

Italian Turkey Sausage

For homemade sausage, combine ground turkey with fennel seeds, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, red pepper flakes and 2 tbsp olive oil. Shape into patties or links and cook.

Turkey-Veggie Kebabs

Alternate turkey chunks and vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, onions on skewers. Brush with oil and required seasonings. Fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until done.

As you can see, the options are endless when it comes to flavoring up your ground turkey before air frying. Let your imagination run wild!

FAQs

What’s the best ground turkey to use?

Go with 85% or 93% lean ground turkey. The slightly higher fat content keeps it tender and moist while still being relatively low fat. Ground breast meat alone dries out.

How much oil should I use?

Just 1-2 tbsp of oil is plenty for 1 pound of ground turkey. Oil helps keep the turkey juicy and promotes browning.

Is frozen turkey ok?

Yes, you can air fry frozen ground turkey without thawing first. The high heat will defrost and cook it. Just extend cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

How do I know when it’s done?

Always check internal temperature, not just appearance. Ground turkey should reach 165°F minimum.

Can I cook a turkey burger from raw?

Absolutely. Form patties slightly smaller than your palm and fry at 380°F for 7-9 minutes per side until 165°F. They’ll be juicy inside with a crispy exterior.

How do I make turkey meatballs?

Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning and oil. Shape into 1-2 inch balls and air fry 10-12 minutes until cooked through, flipping occasionally.

Enjoy Flavorful, Juicy Air Fried Turkey

As you can see, using an air fryer is an easy, quick and healthy way to cook ground turkey with delicious results. The circulating hot air evenly cooks the turkey, infusing it with lots of flavor while keeping it tender and moist.

So next time you have ground turkey on hand, break out your air fryer. In just 15 minutes or less, you can enjoy tasty turkey burgers, meatballs, kebabs and more. Get creative with different seasonings and recipes. Your air fryer will make this healthy protein anything but boring.