These easy air fryer turkey burgers have a juicy and moist, perfectly seasoned turkey patty, a crispy toasted bun, and all of your favorite toppings! This is a quick, easy, and flavorful recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. Cooking them in an air fryer results in a tender and juicy interior with a crispy, seared exterior in just minutes.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer
There are several advantages to using an air fryer instead of pan frying or baking turkey burgers:
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Quick cooking time – Air frying turkey burgers takes only 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F. The circulating hot air quickly browns the outside while heating the inside.
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Less oil needed – Only a small amount of oil is required to lightly coat the air fryer basket before cooking. This results in a lower fat burger than pan frying.
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Juicy interior – The rapid air fryer cooking seals in moisture, preventing the turkey meat from drying out.
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Even browning – The hot air surrounds the patties from all sides, creating an evenly crisped crust.
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Easy cleanup – With minimal oil splatter, air frying makes cleanup much easier than pan frying.
Best Practices for Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Follow these tips to achieve the perfect air fried turkey burger:
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Use 85-93% lean ground turkey – Lower fat ratios can become dry during cooking.
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Keep patties thin about 1/2 inch thick – Thinner patties will cook evenly throughout.
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Brush with oil – Lightly coating patties in oil helps promote browning in the air fryer.
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Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between patties to allow air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
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Flip halfway – Flipping the patties midway through cooking ensures even cooking on both sides.
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Use a meat thermometer – Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Let rest before serving – Allowing the patties to rest 5 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer turkey burgers
1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture
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In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound lean ground turkey (85-93% lean) with desired spices and seasonings. Good options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, or BBQ seasoning.
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Gently mix until fully incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense, tough patties.
2. Form the Patties
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Divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions and gently form into patties, about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches wide. Slightly wet hands can help prevent sticking.
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Use your thumb to make a slight divot in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up as they cook.
3. Brush with Oil
- Lightly brush both sides of each patty with olive oil or avocado oil. This helps promote browning.
4. Air Fry
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F – 400°F.
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Place patties in a single layer in air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
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Air fry for 7-8 minutes then flip patties and cook 6-7 minutes more until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Cook times may vary based on air fryer wattage.
5. Rest and Serve
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Remove patties from air fryer and let rest 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices.
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Construct your turkey burger by layering the patty on a toasted bun along with desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, mustard, or ketchup.
Get ready to enjoy irresistibly juicy and flavorful air fryer turkey burgers in just 15 minutes! Ditch the frozen patties and try making them from scratch in your air fryer.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Making turkey burgers has never been easier than when theyre cooked up in the air fryer, and these juicy air fryer turkey burgers are not only quick but delicious, too.
Making turkey patties in the air fryer means you can make burgers all year long without needing a grill or heating up the house.
Plus, homemade turkey burgers are lighter than beef burgers, with plenty of lean protein for a healthy weeknight dinner. I always keep some turkey on hand to throw these together on busy nights.
Cleanup is also a breeze with the air fryer, especially if you line the basket with parchment paper before cooking.
What You’ll Need for this Turkey Burger Recipe
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- Ground Turkey I have tested this recipe with both 93/7 and 90/10 blends, and both will work well.
- Onion A yellow, sweet, red, or white onion will work well here.
- Worcestershire Sauce This is key to the browning on the exterior of the burger and its moist texture.
- Kosher Salt If using table salt or sea salt, use about half of the amount in the recipe. Kosher salt is only about half as salty as these options per teaspoon.
- Black Pepper Fresh black pepper is a great addition to the burger but is optional.
- Hamburger Buns
Air Fryer Turkey Patties (Fresh Homemade)
FAQ
How long do turkey burgers take in the air fryer?
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray
- Place the turkey burgers in a single layer in the basket
- Cook at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, or until fully cooked
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers have reached an internal temperature of 165°F
What temperature to cook turkey burgers?
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (350–450°F)
- Grill the burgers for 10–12 minutes, turning once
- Add cheese during the last minute of cooking
Do burgers need to be flipped in an air fryer?
- Even cooking: Flipping allows the heat to reach both sides of the burger evenly.
- Crispy texture: Turning the burger helps to create a nice crust on each side.
- Air fryer type: Some air fryers with particularly strong air circulation might allow you to cook burgers without flipping, but it’s still generally considered good practice.
How to cook turkey burgers in air fryer?
Step 3- Prep the air fryer. After preheating the air fryer to 180C/350F and greasing the air fryer basket, place the turkey burger patties in it. Step 4- Air fry the turkey burgers. Air fry the turkey burgers for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Before you assemble your burger, let the patties sit for 5 minutes to retain the juices.
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
How do you know if a turkey burger is cooked in an air fryer?
Checking for Doneness: Because all air fryers are different, always remember to judge if your burger is done by the temperature, not the time. Check your user manual for your air fryer for best cooking times and adjust if needed. Turkey burgers are done when they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are air fried turkey burgers a good option?
Air frying is a big plus for low-fat burger alternatives. It uses almost no oil, cutting down fat and calories. This makes air-fried turkey burgers a better choice for those looking for easy air fryer meals that are still tasty and nutritious. The air fryer cooks quickly, saving you time. This fast cooking method also uses less energy.
How do you cook a Turkey Patty in an air fryer?
In a medium sized bowl combine the turkey, garlic, salt, pepper and worcestershire sauce. Shape into four patties keeping them 1/2 inch thick because they will shrink. Add two patties to the air fryer basket and cook at 360 degrees for 7 minutes. Flip the patties and continue to cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked throughout.
How long to cook burgers in air fryer?
For cooking time, aim for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway. The exact time depends on patty thickness and your air fryer model. Always check the burgers’ internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s 165°F before serving.