Learn how to air fry frozen turkey patties straight from the freezer. These patties make a quick, budget-friendly meal—serve them in a salad, wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb burger, or on a keto bun. Air frying frozen turkey patties is fast and simple, and works well for GLP-1 friendly and diabetic-conscious diets.
Can Frozen Turkey Patties be Air fried?
Yes — you can air fry frozen, rock-hard turkey patties with excellent results. The circulating hot air in an air fryer cooks store-bought patties evenly from frozen. Pre-formed frozen turkey burgers are convenient and cost-effective compared with dining out. They’re also a good option for low-carb, GLP-1 friendly eating when you want a quick protein-focused meal.
Video: How to Air Fry Frozen Turkey Patties
Do You Need to Thaw the Turkey Patty?
Thawing is optional. Store-bought frozen patties are designed to cook from frozen, so you can place them straight into the air fryer. If you prefer to thaw first, reduce the cook time since thawed patties will finish faster. Because air fryer models and patty thickness vary, your first batch will help you fine-tune timing for the specific patties and appliance you use.
Tips on How to Air Fry Frozen Turkey Patties
- Use a light coating of oil. A light spray or brush of oil on both sides helps keep the exterior from drying out and yields juicier results.
- Do not preheat. Start with a cold air fryer so the patties warm gradually; this helps avoid overcooking the outside while the center stays frozen.
- Patty thickness matters. Thin and thick patties cook at different rates. Adjust times based on the brand and thickness you’re using.
- After your first batch, you’ll know the best timing for your preferred doneness and your air fryer.
- Check doneness by temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the USDA-recommended safe temperature for poultry.
Different Brands of Frozen Turkey Burger Patties We Tested
- Jennie-O Frozen Turkey Burger Patties: Our top pick for flavor. These combine dark and white meat, which helps prevent dryness. At about 1/3 pound and relatively flat, they cook evenly in the air fryer but do shrink during cooking.
- Trader Joe’s Turkey Burgers: These 1/4 pound patties are smaller and well seasoned. They shrink and can dry out faster, so monitor them closely.
- Good & Gather (Target): These 1/3 pound patties are thicker and can be bland and prone to drying out if overcooked. Check them after flips and avoid extra minutes in high-powered air fryers.
- Serve patties over a quick low-carb salad or make GLP-1 / diabetic-friendly turkey burgers using keto buns.
Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Patties
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Ingredients
- 4 frozen raw turkey patties , usually sold as either 1/4 lb. (113 g) or 1/3 lb. (150 g)
- salt , to taste if needed
- black pepper
- oil spray , for coating
Equipment
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Air Fryer
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Instant-read thermometer (optional)
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Non-stick silicone liner (optional)
Instructions
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Lightly coat both sides of each frozen patty with oil spray and season with salt and plenty of black pepper if desired. Spray the air fryer basket or use a non-stick liner. Arrange patties in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
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1/4 lb. patties: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 12–17 minutes total. Flip after 10 minutes, then continue for another 2–7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or to your preferred doneness.
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1/3 lb. patties: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 13–18 minutes total. Flip after 10 minutes, then continue for 3–8 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or the patties are cooked to your liking.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Want fresh homemade turkey patties? Try the Air Fried Fresh Turkey Patties recipe for a from-scratch option.
More Easy Recipes:
- Stuffed roast turkey breast with bacon and veggies
- Healthy air fryer chicken and broccoli
- Lots of low-carb air fryer recipes
- More healthy recipes
- Baked tuna patties
- Creamy turkey vegetable soup
- Healthy turkey lettuce cups
- Note: this recipe was originally published in 2018