If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful burger that’s lighter but still packed with personality, this Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe is exactly what you need. Using simple, wholesome ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, these turkey burgers come out tender and perfectly browned every time. It’s a healthier twist on the classic burger that never sacrifices flavor, making it an absolute must-try for burger lovers seeking something quick, easy, and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own special something to the party—from moisture and seasoning to texture and that irresistible savory kick. Let’s dive into the heart of what makes this dish so delightful.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean star of the recipe, offering great flavor without the heaviness of beef.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the patties together without making them dense.
- 1/4 cup grated onion (red or yellow): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to keep burgers juicy.
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to enhance flavor and ensures a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang that livens up the turkey meat.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth for richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A touch of herbaceous freshness that brightens the burger.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced): Infuses a savory punch without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 3/4 teaspoon seasoning salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly with just the right hint of seasoning.
- 4 burger buns (plus toppings of choice): Choose your favorite buns and get creative with toppings to personalize your burger experience.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining the ground turkey, egg, grated onion, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, garlic powder, and seasoning salt in a large mixing bowl. I like using my hands to gently fold everything together—it gives you the best sense of when the mixture just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want your patties tender and juicy, not tough and dense.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Form the mixture into four equal patties, each about half an inch thick and slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink a bit while cooking. Making them a little bigger upfront ensures your burger will be perfectly sized once cooked and ready to assemble.
Step 3: Preheat and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for about 5 minutes. Then place your patties inside the basket. Cook them for 8 minutes on one side. Although many air fryer recipes don’t require flipping, flipping your patties halfway through (after the initial 8 minutes) will help them brown more evenly and maintain a nice shape. Flip them and cook for another 4-6 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F, ensuring they’re safe and juicy.
Step 4: Rest and Toast
Allow the patties to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking—this helps keep all those delicious juices locked inside. While resting, I highly recommend toasting your buns in the air fryer for a minute or two to add a lovely golden crunch. Then stack your patty on the toasted bun and pile on your favorite toppings to make it your own.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe is how versatile it is with toppings. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, sharp pickles, caramelized onions, or a slice of melted cheese all pair beautifully. Don’t forget a swipe of your favorite sauce—whether it’s classic ketchup, spicy mayo, or a tangy mustard—to elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these turkey burgers with simple sides that balance their juicy, savory flavor. Think crisp air-fried sweet potato fries, a refreshing cucumber salad, or even some grilled veggies for a wholesome meal. The lightness of turkey burgers leaves plenty of room to get creative with sides!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, turn your burgers into mini sliders for parties or serve them open-faced with gourmet toppings like avocado slices, goat cheese, and arugula. You can also wrap them in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that still delivers on great burger satisfaction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate if you want to maintain their texture. This way, you can enjoy a quick, tasty lunch the next day without any fuss.
Freezing
This Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe also freezes beautifully. Just place cooled patties on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and make a convenient, protein-packed meal whenever you need one.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the turkey burgers back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain their juicy texture without drying them out like a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use lean ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Lean ground chicken makes a great substitute and works similarly in the air fryer. Just make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to keep everything safe and juicy.
Do I need to flip the burgers in the air fryer?
While not strictly necessary for even cooking, flipping your turkey burgers halfway through does help them brown better and keeps their shape nice and even. It’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference.
How do I prevent turkey burgers from drying out?
The key is not to overmix the meat and to include moisture-adding ingredients like grated onion and olive oil. Also, keeping an eye on cooking time and temperature ensures they stay tender and juicy every single time.
What toppings go best with these turkey burgers?
Traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles work beautifully, but don’t hesitate to experiment! Avocado, caramelized onions, cheese, or even a fried egg can all add exciting flavors and textures.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap your burger buns for gluten-free versions or enjoy your turkey patty wrapped in lettuce for a delicious gluten-free burger experience.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe is one of those fantastic dishes that feels like a treat yet comes together effortlessly with ingredients you probably already have. It’s juicy, flavorful, and customizable to suit your cravings any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this method, it will become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a go—you won’t look back!
Print
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Air Fryer Turkey Burgers offer a juicy, flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with ground turkey and seasoned with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of herbs, these burgers cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, resulting in a perfectly browned exterior and tender inside. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal served on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated onion (red or yellow)
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
Buns & Toppings
- 4 burger buns
- Toppings of choice (e.g., lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, grated onion, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until just combined to avoid making the patties dense.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties roughly 1/2 inch thick, making them about 1/2 inch wider than your burger buns to accommodate shrinkage during cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (approximately 182°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes at 360°F, then carefully flip each patty and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Toast Buns: Remove the patties and let them rest for 2–3 minutes. During this resting time, you can quickly toast the burger buns in the air fryer for a minute or two to add a delicious crunch and warmth.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the turkey patties on the toasted buns and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the burger mixture to avoid dense, tough patties.
- Make patties slightly larger than buns since they shrink while cooking.
- Flipping is optional but helps the burgers hold shape better.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Customize with your favorite burger toppings and condiments.
