You can use air-fried ground turkey in a lot of different ways to make food taste great. You can add it to pasta, stir-fries, or taco seasoning. It’s so easy to make this tasty ground turkey.
Cooking ground turkey in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make deliciously juicy and flavorful meat for tacos, pasta, salads, and more. As someone who loves finding new ways to use my air fryer, I was excited to try out this method for cooking ground turkey. In this article, I’ll share my tips for how to make perfect air fryer ground turkey every time.
Why Cook Ground Turkey in an Air Fryer?
There are several benefits to using an air fryer instead of a skillet or oven when cooking ground turkey
-
It cooks the turkey evenly and prevents drying out The hot air circulates around the meat, cooking it through while keeping the moisture locked in. No more unevenly cooked or dried out turkey!
-
You get crispy browning without a ton of added oil. The air fryer gives you that nice browned exterior you want in ground turkey without needing to add much, if any, oil. A light spray is all you need.
-
It’s fast! Ground turkey cooks up super quickly in the air fryer, usually in 10 minutes or less. Great for busy weeknights!
-
Easy cleanup. With minimal splatter and just the air fryer basket to wash, cleanup is a breeze.
Picking the Right Ground Turkey
I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey. Ground turkey that is 99% lean or labeled as ground turkey breast can become overly dry and crumbly when cooked. The 7% fat content in 93% lean turkey helps keep it tender and moist.
Always use fresh, not previously frozen ground turkey if possible for the best texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Ground Turkey in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer ground turkey every time:
1. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
If your air fryer didn’t come with one, I recommend using a silicone mat or aluminum foil liner to prevent the turkey from sticking. Lightly spray the liner with cooking spray.
2. Add Turkey and Seasonings
Add the ground turkey to the air fryer basket, breaking it apart and distributing it evenly. I like using 1 pound of turkey at a time.
Sprinkle the turkey evenly with your desired seasonings. I use a simple combo of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Get creative with spices like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.
3. Cook the Turkey
Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove the basket and break the turkey up further with a wooden spoon, ensuring even browning.
Return to the air fryer and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Finish and Serve
Give the cooked turkey a final stir, taste, and add any additional seasonings you like.
You can serve the ground turkey immediately or let it cool slightly before using it in recipes.
That’s it – juicy, flavorful air fryer ground turkey in just 10-12 minutes!
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for the perfect batch of air fryer ground turkey every time:
-
Don’t overfill the basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
-
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F internally.
-
Let the cooked turkey rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
For extra flavor, add minced garlic, diced onions, or fresh herbs when seasoning.
-
Consider marinating the raw turkey for 30 minutes in olive oil, spices, and acidic ingredients like lemon juice.
Fun Ways to Use Air Fryer Ground Turkey
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using cooked ground turkey from the air fryer. Here are some of my favorites:
-
Tacos – Add taco seasoning and pile it into tortillas or taco salad.
-
Pasta – Toss with pasta sauce for a quick meaty Bolognese.
-
Burgers – Form into patties and cook in the air fryer.
-
Stuffed peppers – Mix with rice and stuff into bell peppers.
-
Enchiladas – Stuff tortillas with turkey and enchilada sauce.
-
Soup – Drop turkey meatballs into soups and chili.
-
Stir fry – Quickly sauté with veggies and teriyaki.
-
Salads – Top leafy greens with cold turkey for protein.
How To Make Air Fryer Ground Turkey
First let’s season the ground turkey. Add it to the air fryer basket, then top with salt and pepper. Use a spatula to break up the ground turkey into pieces, while mixing it with the seasonings.
Place basket back in air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees and cook for 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, take out the basket and mix the ground turkey.
Once the meat is done cooking, open up the air fryer and check the turkey. Stir it around with a spatula, making sure the ground turkey is cooked through and no longer pink.
When the turkey is ready to be served, take it out of the basket and put it in a bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat up a little more, if necessary. Then top with more seasonings, sauce, or serve as is!.
- You can add any spices you like; we just used salt and pepper.
- It’s important to mix the ground turkey in the middle of cooking so that it browns fully.
- Since air fryers work in different ways, you might need to change the cooking time.
- You can add more spices to taste after the meat is done cooking.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Ground Turkey
How to Cook Perfect Ground Turkey in the Air Fryer Every Time! Easy & Healthy Recipe!
FAQ
How long does ground turkey take to cook?
How long to cook turkey in an air fryer?
Can you put raw meat in an airfryer?
How to air Fry ground turkey?
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer ground turkey every time: 1. Prepare the Turkey Start with 1 pound of fresh or thawed ground turkey. Make sure it’s not frozen. Place the meat in a large bowl. Break up any large chunks with your fingers or a fork so it mixes well. 2. Season Generously
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
How do you cook a Turkey in an air fryer?
Brush with sauce or seasoning. Shred seasoned cooked turkey and crispy it up again in the air fryer. Stuff in taco shells and top with desired toppings. Sauté mushrooms and mix with ground turkey. Shape into patties or links. Fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes. Mix cooked turkey with cajun seasoning and rice.
Can you cook turkey burgers in an air fryer?
Well, have no fear – you can cook up some delicious and juicy turkey burger patties in your air fryer! Place the turkey burgers into the air fryer, set the temperature to 360 degrees F, and cook until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
How do you season a Turkey in an air fryer?
Season the turkey with salt, pepper and any other spices you want. Some good options are garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, chili powder, cumin etc. I like using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Go heavy on the seasoning as it concentrates in the air fryer. 3. Add Some Oil
How long does it take to air Fry a Turkey?
Set the pan into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 370 degrees F, and cook for 5 minutes, then stir the turkey, and continue to air fry for another 4 to 5 minutes.