Cooking frozen turkey burgers on a ninja grill is a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal. The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the burgers, but on average it takes 6-8 minutes to fully cook frozen turkey burgers in a ninja grill.
Quick Answer
The average cooking time for frozen turkey burgers in a ninja grill is 6-8 minutes. Thicker or larger burgers may take up to 10 minutes. Always check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
How Does a Ninja Grill Work?
A ninja grill uses cyclonic grilling technology to cook food quickly and evenly. It has a fan that circulates hot air at high speeds within the grill’s cooking chamber. This allows the food to cook fast from the hot air circulating all around it. Ninja grills can reach temperatures up to 500°F.
Benefits of Ninja Grills
- Very fast preheating – ready to cook in under 5 minutes
- Even cooking and searing from the cyclonic hot air
- Does not require oil or batter for cooking
- Versatile for grilling, roasting, baking, and dehydrating
- Temperature range up to 500°F
Frozen Turkey Burger Cooking Time
The cooking time for frozen turkey burgers will depend on a few factors:
- Thickness – Thinner burgers will cook faster than thicker ones. Thin burgers may take only 4-5 minutes where thick burgers may need up to 10 minutes.
- Size – Larger turkey burger patties will require a little more time than smaller patties.
- Doneness – The recommended safe internal temperature for turkey burgers is 165°F. Burgers cooked to higher temps will need more time.
- Quantity – The more burgers you are cooking, the longer they will take overall.
Average Frozen Turkey Burger Cooking Time
For average sized frozen turkey burgers about 4 ounces and 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch thick, the cooking time is approximately:
- Rare – 4-5 minutes
- Medium – 6-7 minutes
- Well Done – 8-10 minutes
Check temperature after 6 minutes, then allow 1-2 minutes more for thicker burgers or desired doneness.
How to Cook Frozen Turkey Burgers in a Ninja Grill
Follow these simple steps for perfect turkey burgers from your ninja grill:
- Preheat the ninja grill on the “Grill” setting to 450°F-500°F. Allow to preheat for 5 minutes.
- Lightly coat the grill plate with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Place the frozen turkey burger patties on the grill plate. Make sure they are not overlapping.
- Close the grill and allow to cook for 6-8 minutes.
- After 6 minutes, open the grill and check the internal temperature of a patty with a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part. Temperature should reach 165°F.
- If needed, close grill and cook 1-2 minutes longer until 165°F is reached.
- Remove burgers from grill and serve immediately.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers on a Ninja Grill
- Let the burgers sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for more even grilling.
- Use a digital food thermometer to accurately check doneness. Temperature will continue rising as burgers rest.
- Add cheese slices in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking for melted cheeseburgers.
- Brush with barbecue sauce or other glazes in the last 2-3 minutes for added flavor.
- For charred grill marks, let burgers sear without opening the grill for at least 4 minutes.
Common Problems and Solutions
Burgers not fully cooked
If the turkey burgers do not reach the minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F within the recommended time, try the following:
- Increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes
- Cook at a higher temperature setting if possible
- Cook fewer burgers at once to prevent overcrowding
- Flip burgers halfway through cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm temperature instead of cook time
Burgers dried out
To prevent turkey burgers from drying out on the ninja grill:
- Avoid overcooking and only cook to 165°F
- Brush with oil or sauce during last few minutes
- Use a lower grill temperature and monitor closely
- Add moisture with toppings like cheese, guacamole, etc.
Uneven cooking
If some burgers are cooking faster than others, try these fixes:
- Rearrange burgers so thicker patties are towards center
- Leave more space between each burger
- Brush tops periodically with oil for more even browning
- Use lower temperature setting
Conclusion
Cooking frozen turkey burgers on a ninja grill is a fast, healthy, and delicious option with an average cook time of only 6-8 minutes. Monitor thickness, quantity, and doneness temperature carefully. Let the cyclonic hot air cook the burgers evenly while preventing drying out. Now you can enjoy juicy turkey burgers on busy weeknights with your ninja grill!