Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are a quick, juicy, and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers—made lighter and healthier without sacrificing taste. Cooking them in the air fryer ensures they stay moist on the inside with a perfectly golden crust on the outside. These burgers are ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer-style grilling any time of year—without the grill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and flavorful every time
• Healthier than beef burgers
• Cooked hands-off in the air fryer
• No flipping or oil splatter
• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Great for meal prep or quick dinners
• Perfect with buns, wraps, or lettuce
• Kid- and family-friendly
• Naturally dairy-free
• Easy to customize with add-ins or toppings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground turkey (93% lean works best)
• Onion, finely grated or minced
• Garlic, minced
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: paprika, Italian seasoning, or chopped parsley

Optional toppings:

• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Onion
• Pickles
• Cheese (dairy or plant-based)
• Burger buns or lettuce wraps

Directions

this recipe

1. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.
2. Form patties: Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ½ inch thick. Press a slight dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing.
3. Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Cook the burgers: Place patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 13–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve: Let rest for 2–3 minutes, then serve on buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add shredded zucchini or carrots for moisture and nutrients
• Use ground chicken instead of turkey
• Mix in chopped herbs or crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist
• Make sliders instead of full-size patties
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version
• Spice it up with cayenne or jalapeño

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use extra lean ground turkey?

Yes, but it may be drier. Add grated onion or a splash of olive oil for moisture.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating is recommended for even cooking and best texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, form patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance before cooking.

Are these burgers freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze raw or cooked patties and cook/reheat directly from frozen.

What’s the best way to keep them moist?

Don’t overcook, and include moisture-rich ingredients like grated onion or a bit of olive oil.

Can I make them without breadcrumbs?

Yes, use almond flour or oat flour for a grain-free option, or skip entirely for a firmer patty.

What should I serve with turkey burgers?

Try sweet potato fries, coleslaw, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies.

Can I add cheese in the air fryer?

Yes, add a slice of cheese during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.

Do I need to flip them?

Flipping halfway through ensures even browning, but it’s optional.

Are these keto-friendly?

Yes, if made without breadcrumbs or with a low-carb substitute.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are an easy, healthy, and satisfying meal that comes together fast with minimal mess. Perfectly juicy and endlessly customizable, they make a fantastic alternative to beef burgers without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping ahead for the week, these burgers will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

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