Craving a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and guilt-free? Look no further than Air Fryer Turkey Burgers! These healthier alternatives to beef burgers are quick to prepare, packed with protein, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a game-changer.

Using an air fryer ensures that your turkey burgers are perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside. Plus, you can enjoy them fresh or straight from frozen without sacrificing flavor. Ready to make your new favorite burger? Let’s dive in and discover just how easy it is to create this crowd-pleasing dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Ingredients

To make the best Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for a balance of moisture and flavor)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra texture)
• 1 large egg (for binding)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (adds moisture and sweetness)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)

For serving:

• Burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato slices, onion rings, and condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard.

Instructions to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
2. Use your hands or a fork to mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

1. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
2. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Step 4: Cook the Turkey Burgers

1. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
2. Cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if desired.
2. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments. Serve immediately.

Tips to make perfect Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

1. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the ground turkey can lead to dense burgers. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your burgers are fully cooked but not dry, use a thermometer to check for 165°F in the thickest part of the patty.
3. Prevent Sticking: If your air fryer tends to stick, consider lining the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
4. Frozen Turkey Burgers in Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook frozen patties for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Ninja Foodi Users: Set your Ninja Foodi to the air fry function and follow the same timing for perfect results.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Pair your turkey burgers with these sides and drinks to create a complete meal:

Sides:

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, golden sweet potato fries are a perfect side. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of turkey burgers.
• Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and balances the burger’s warmth with its chilled texture.
• Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus offer a smoky and nutritious complement to your burgers.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette is a healthy and filling choice.
• Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked or air-fried are a classic, hearty side perfect for dipping. For sweeter version you can try Crispy Potato Kugel
• Pickle Spears: Crunchy dill pickles or pickled vegetables add a tangy, briny punch that cuts through the burger’s richness.

Desserts:

• Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like watermelon, grapes, and berries provides a naturally sweet and juicy contrast.
• Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips with creamy guacamole bring a fun, snackable element to the table.
•  

Drinks:

• A Crisp Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade, with its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, complements the savory flavors of the turkey burger beautifully, especially during warmer months.
• Iced Tea: A classic and versatile drink, iced tea—whether sweetened or unsweetened—pairs wonderfully with turkey burgers, offering a cool and refreshing counterpoint to the warm, hearty flavors.
• Light Beer: For a more indulgent pairing, a cold, light beer offers a crisp, slightly bitter flavor that cuts through the richness of the burger, making it an excellent choice for a casual meal.

Variations in Turkey Burgers

1. Spicy Jalapeño Turkey Burgers: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix.
2. Cheesy Turkey Burgers: Insert a small cube of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella in the center of each patty before cooking.
3. Mediterranean Turkey Burgers: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and a splash of lemon juice. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
4. BBQ Turkey Burgers: Brush the patties with BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
5. For a fun twist, transform your turkey burger into a portable meal by wrapping it in dough. Check out our Hot Dog Wrapped in Dough for inspiration!
6. Spice things up by adding a drizzle of Honey Sriracha Sauce over your turkey burger for a sweet and spicy kick

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works as a substitute but may result in slightly different texture and flavor.

How long do turkey burgers take in the air fryer?

Fresh patties take 12–14 minutes, while frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer require 16–18 minutes.

Can I freeze cooked turkey burgers?

Absolutely! Let them cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

What’s the best air fryer temperature for turkey burgers?

A temperature of 375°F ensures even cooking without drying out the patties.

Substitutes

1. Breadcrumbs: Use almond flour or crushed oats for a gluten-free option.
2. Egg: Swap with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan binder.
3. Onion: Substitute with shallots or green onions for a milder taste.
4. Garlic: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.

Nutrition

Here’s a breakdown for one patty (without buns and toppings):

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 450mg

For a full burger with buns and toppings, adjust the nutrition accordingly.

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are a versatile and healthy option that fits into any meal plan. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner, meal-prepping, or indulging in a cheat meal with extra toppings, these turkey burgers deliver on flavor and simplicity. Now that you know how to make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, give this recipe a try and enjoy a new favorite!

Air Fryer Turkey Burger Recipe | Juicy, Healthy & Delicious

Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 170 calories 8 Grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

To make the best Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here's what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for a balance of moisture and flavor)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra texture)
• 1 large egg (for binding)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (adds moisture and sweetness)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)

For serving:

• Burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato slices, onion rings, and condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard.

Instructions

Instructions to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers:

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
2. Use your hands or a fork to mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

1. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
2. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Step 4: Cook the Turkey Burgers

1. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
2. Cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if desired.
2. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tips to make perfect Air fryer Turkey Burgers

1. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the ground turkey can lead to dense burgers. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your burgers are fully cooked but not dry, use a thermometer to check for 165°F in the thickest part of the patty.
3. Prevent Sticking: If your air fryer tends to stick, consider lining the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
4. Frozen Turkey Burgers in Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook frozen patties for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Ninja Foodi Users: Set your Ninja Foodi to the air fry function and follow the same timing for perfect results.