Grilled turkey burgers are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. With less fat and calories but lots of protein, turkey burgers make for a satisfying meal during grilling season. However, getting the cook time right can be tricky since lean turkey meat dries out quickly over direct heat. Undercook them and you risk food poisoning from uncooked meat, but overcook them and you’ll end up with hockey pucks. So how long do you grill turkey burgers to ensure they turn out safe to eat yet moist and juicy?
The Ideal Grill Time for Turkey Burgers is 10-12 Minutes Per Side
For 1-inch thick turkey burger patties the ideal grill time is about 10-12 minutes per side for a total cook time of 20-24 minutes. Cooking over direct medium heat with the grill lid closed as much as possible allows the burgers to cook through without drying out.
- Turn the patties only once halfway through grilling. Flipping frequently causes uneven cooking and moisture loss.
- Resist pressing down on the patties with the spatula as that will make them dense and dry.
- Allow the patties to rest for 5 minutes after grilling before serving so juices can redistribute.
Checking Temperature For Doneness
The safest way to ensure turkey burgers are fully cooked but not overcooked is to use an instant read thermometer. Turkey patties should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.
If you don’t have a thermometer, check for visual signs of doneness after the recommended cook time. The meat should be browned on the outside with no pink inside when cutting into the thickest part. Juices should run clear rather than pink or red.
Factors That Can Affect Grill Time
While 10-12 minutes per side is ideal for most turkey burger recipes, cook times can vary based on:
- Patty thickness – Thinner patties cook faster than thick ones. Adjust times accordingly.
- Fat content – Higher fat meats cook slower than lean.
- Grill temperature – High heat cooks faster than medium heat. Keep lid closed if cooking over high heat.
- Frozen vs. fresh – Frozen patties take longer to cook through.
- Toppings – Cheese or other toppings added at the end require more time.
For reference. here are recommended grilling times based on patty thickness
- 1/2-inch thick – 6-8 minutes per side
- 3/4-inch thick – 8-10 minutes per side
- 1-inch thick – 10-12 minutes per side
Tips for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Burgers
Follow these tips for foolproof moist turkey burgers on the grill:
- Use 85-93% lean ground turkey for the best moisture and flavor. Above 93% can be overly dry.
- Make an indentation in the center of patties to prevent bulging as they cook.
- Brush oil on grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking. Use tongs, not a brush.
- Preheat grill 10-15 minutes with lid closed before adding patties. This prevents sticking.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately check doneness.
- Don’t press down on patties while cooking or they’ll dry out.
- Allow patties to rest 5 minutes after grilling before serving so juices redistribute.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
For added convenience, turkey burger patties can be prepped in advance:
- Refrigerate uncooked patties up to 24 hours, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Freeze uncooked patties up to 3 months. Freeze in single layer then transfer to freezer bag.
- Partially grill patties until underdone, then refrigerate up to 2 days. Finish grilling when ready to eat.
Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers Are Worth the Extra Effort
While grilling turkey burgers requires a bit more care and precision than beef, the payoff of irresistibly moist, flavorful patties all summer long makes it well worth it. By following these guidelines on proper cook times, temperature, and techniques, you’ll be rewarded with exceptionally juicy and delicious turkey burgers off the grill.
Remove Product? Are you sure you want to remove the following product from the cart?
The humble turkey burger doesn’t get the same love and respect as a ground beef burger. And for good reason since eating a typical turkey burger is about as exciting as eating cardboard. White turkey meat is very lean so it dries out easily and doesn’t offer much in the way of flavor. When I grill turkey burgers I like to add some unexpected ingredients to the mix.
Grated Granny Smith apples keep the burgers moist and juicy and mango chutney adds bright flavor and subtle sweetness. Serve the burgers with your favorite cheese (I like provolone with these), lettuce, tomatoes and extra mango chutney on the side.
Apple-Mango Turkey Burgers by Jennie Lussow
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and grated
- 3 lbs ground turkey breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ cup Major Grey’s mango chutney
- 6 hamburger buns, split
- 6 slices of provolone cheese (optional)
- 6 pieces of lettuce (optional)
- 6 slices of tomato (optional)
1. Preheat the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350-450 degrees).
2. In a medium bowl gently combine all ingredients. Shape into six 8-oz burgers.
3. Grill the turkey burgers for 10-12 minutes over direct medium heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, turning once halfway through cooking.
4. Add a slice of your favorite cheese during the last minute of cooking while the burger is still on the grill.
5. Cook until the internal temperature of the burger reaches 160 degrees.
6. I like to serve these burgers on whole-grain buns with lettuce, tomato and a little bit of Dijon mustard or extra mango chutney.
How To Grill TURKEY BURGERS on a Weber Q | BONUS SECRET TECHNIQUE To Keep Them MOIST!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook turkey burgers on the grill?
Grill the turkey burgers for 10-12 minutes over direct medium heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, turning once halfway through cooking. 4. Add a slice of your favorite cheese during the last minute of cooking while the burger is still on the grill.
How do you know when turkey burgers are done?
Turkey burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. If the burgers are slightly pink in the middle but have reached this temperature, they are generally safe. However, if you’re unsure about the temperature, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check.
How long to grill burgers at 400 degrees?
Cooking burgers on a pellet grill at 400°F typically takes around 6 to 8 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness, depending on the thickness of …
Will turkey burgers stick to the grill?
Lean meats are more likely to stick to the grill, so when you grill turkey burger patties it’s especially important to make your grill non-stick. It only takes a minute! Here are a few tried-and-true tricks to keep your turkey burgers from sticking to the grill.
How long do you Grill a turkey burger?
Based on the factors discussed above, the following are recommended grilling times for turkey burgers of different thicknesses: For burgers that are 1/2-inch thick, grill for 6-8 minutes per side. For burgers that are 3/4-inch thick, grill for 8-10 minutes per side. For burgers that are 1-inch thick, grill for 10-12 minutes per side.
How do you cook a turkey burger on a Weber Q?
Place the turkey burgers on the grill and cook for five minutes, covered, until nice grill marks form. Flip and continue to cook, covered, for 3-5 minutes more. Heat the buns on the grill, assemble the burgers, and serve. How To Grill TURKEY BURGERS on a Weber Q | BONUS SECRET TECHNIQUE To Keep Them MOIST!
How long do you cook burgers on a grill?
Grill the burgers for 5 minutes on each side until just cooked through (an internal temperature of 165 degrees). Add the cheese, if using, during the last minute of cooking. Close the top of the grill while the cheese melts. Place the split buns, cut sides down on the hot grill for just about 10 seconds, then remove them.
What temperature should a turkey burger be grilled at?
Answer: The ideal grill temperature for turkey burgers is medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This temperature is high enough to cook the burgers through while still achieving a nice sear on the outside. 2. How Long Should I Grill Turkey Burgers On Each Side?
How do you cook a turkey burger?
Form the burgers into patties. When forming the burgers, make sure to press them firmly so that they are evenly shaped. This will help them cook evenly. Grill the burgers over medium heat. The best way to grill turkey burgers is over medium heat. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from burning. Don’t overcook the burgers.
How long do you cook turkey burger patties?
Place the patties on the grill or in the pan and cook approximately 5 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove the patties from the heat and let rest until reaching a temperature of 165°F. Serve the turkey burger patties on whole wheat buns with your choice of condiments.