Looking for a healthier, quicker turkey burger recipe?
You’re in the right place! Air fryer turkey burgers are the perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy a classic comfort food in a healthier way, without sacrificing taste.
In just 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, moist turkey burgers with crispy edges, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, this quick recipe will leave you craving more.
Let’s dive into the easy steps for making air fryer turkey burgers!
Ingredients Needed
To make these air fryer turkey burgers, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep your burgers juicy without excess fat.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give the burgers a flavorful kick. You can also add Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for variation.
- Optional Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), diced onions, or finely chopped spinach.
- Buns: Choose your favorite buns, whether classic, whole wheat, or gluten-free. Ensure they fit in your air fryer basket if you’re making a full meal.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Patties
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Optionally, add olive oil for moisture and breadcrumbs for extra binding, especially if your turkey is very lean.
- If desired, add cheese for a cheesy burger.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined (don’t overwork the meat, as it can make the burgers tough).
- Shape the mixture into 4 even patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures your burgers cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Air Fry the Turkey Burgers
- Arrange the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for the air to circulate.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- If you’re making smaller sliders, reduce the cooking time to 7-8 minutes.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Once the burgers are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the burgers juicy.
- Serve the turkey burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or cheese.
Tips for Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Achieving a juicy turkey burger in the air fryer is easy with a few helpful tips:
- Add Moisture: Turkey can be lean and dry if not prepared correctly. Add a little olive oil, grated zucchini, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to help retain moisture in the patties.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey burgers are cooked all the way through. Overcooking can lead to dry burgers.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the turkey with seasonings just until combined. Overmixing can make the burgers tough.
Variations and Customizations for Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize your turkey burgers for different tastes or dietary needs:
- Flavor Variations: Add your favorite spices, like chili powder, cumin, or curry powder, to the ground turkey for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats in place of regular breadcrumbs to make these burgers gluten-free.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in grated cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or even parmesan for cheesy turkey burgers.
- Turn Them into Sliders: Make smaller patties for sliders and serve them with fun toppings like caramelized onions, pickles, and spicy mayo.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Pair your juicy turkey burgers with these delicious sides:
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crisp and healthy fries cooked right alongside your turkey burgers. For a recipe click here.
- Salads: A fresh side salad with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. You can find our salad recipes here.
- Roasted Veggies: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini for a healthy, flavorful side.
- Toppings and Sauces: Top your burger with lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a flavorful sauce like homemade garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or a simple mustard.
FAQ’s
Can you cook frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer?
Yes! You can cook frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer. Simply preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do you make sure turkey burgers stay juicy in the air fryer?
To keep your turkey burgers juicy, don’t overcook them and consider adding moisture-rich ingredients like grated vegetables or a bit of olive oil to the turkey mixture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked patties for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g Ground Turkey
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil to keep burgers moist
- ¼ cup Breadcrumbs for extra binding, if needed
- ¼ cup Grated Cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan
- Buns 4 pieces
Toppings
- lettuce, tomato, avocado, condiments, etc.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Patties
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Optionally, add olive oil for moisture and breadcrumbs for extra binding, especially if your turkey is very lean.
- If desired, add cheese for a cheesy burger.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined (don’t overwork the meat, as it can make the burgers tough).
- Shape the mixture into 4 even patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures your burgers cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Air Fry the Turkey Burgers
- Arrange the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for the air to circulate.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- If you’re making smaller sliders, reduce the cooking time to 7-8 minutes.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Once the burgers are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the burgers juicy.
- Serve the turkey burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or cheese.