Quick and easy 15-minute air fryer turkey burgers are super juicy, flavorful, healthy, and keto-friendly. They call for six ingredients and are made without breadcrumbs or eggs. The perfect gluten-free weeknight dinner and meal prep.
Turkey burgers are a fantastic healthy option that the whole family can enjoy Using ground turkey meat instead of beef significantly cuts down the fat and calories, while still being packed with protein The issue many have with turkey burgers is that without a binding agent like breadcrumbs, the patties can easily fall apart. But fear not, it is possible to make moist and delicious turkey burgers without breadcrumbs!
In this article I’ll explain how to make healthy turkey burgers that hold together perfectly without needing breadcrumbs or eggs. I’ll also share tips for extra juicy patties, quick cooking methods, how to tell when they’re done, and tasty topping suggestions to take your turkey burgers to the next level
Why Make Turkey Burgers Without Breadcrumbs
There are a few key reasons you may want to skip the breadcrumbs when making turkey burgers
-
To reduce carbs – Breadcrumbs add extra unwanted carbs to an otherwise healthy low carb option.
-
Allergies or intolerances – Eggs and gluten in breadcrumbs are common allergens, so leaving them out opens up turkey burgers to more people.
-
Don’t have them on hand – If you’ve run out of breadcrumbs or eggs, no problem, this recipe has you covered.
-
Improve texture – Turkey meat can become dry quite quickly. By mixing in cheese rather than breadcrumbs, your patties stay deliciously moist.
How to Make Juicy Turkey Burgers Without Breadcrumbs
Making moist turkey burgers is tricky without relying on breadcrumbs to bind the meat together. Here are 3 simple tricks to keep your turkey burger patties juicy:
1. Mix in shredded cheese – Finely shredded cheddar is the secret ingredient to keep these patties deliciously moist. The fat from the cheese blends with the lean turkey meat.
2. Don’t overcook – Cook just until the patties are no longer pink in the middle and juices run clear. Any more than a few minutes per side will dry them out.
3. Smash the patties – Pressing down on the patties as they cook on a hot griddle or pan gives a crispy edge and caramelized flavor.
Quick and Easy Cooking Methods
One of the appeals of turkey burgers is they can be so quick and easy to make on a weeknight. Here are two straightforward cooking methods:
Stovetop – Use a heavy cast iron or nonstick pan/griddle to fry the patties over a medium-high heat. This gives great control to cook them evenly.
Grill – If the weather allows, throw the patties on the barbecue grill for that delicious char-grilled flavor. Keep a close eye on them as the high heat can overcook the lean turkey meat.
Whichever cooking method you use, resist the urge to move the patties around too much which can break them apart. Just let them sear undisturbed for a few minutes on the first side before gently flipping.
How to Tell When Turkey Burgers are Done
It can be hard to tell when turkey patties are fully cooked through without cutting into them. Here are two easy ways to check:
-
Use a meat thermometer to check the middle of the patty reaches 165°F.
-
Look for an opaque white line forming 1/2 way up the patty and clear juices. This indicates it’s safe to eat.
If in doubt, remember turkey meat is lean so err on the side of slightly undercooking rather than overdoing it and ending up with a dry burger.
Incredible Turkey Burger Toppings
A flavorsome topping is key for taking your turkey burgers to the next level. Here are some of my favorite topping ideas:
-
Cheese – cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, Swiss or bleu cheese.
-
Traditional burger toppings – lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard.
-
Southwest flavors – guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeños, salsa.
-
Mediterranean – hummus, feta, roasted red peppers, tzatziki.
-
Asian – sweet chili sauce, grilled pineapple, teriyaki glaze.
The options are endless for customizing these turkey burgers to match your tastes. Get creative with produce, sauces, cheeses and spices!
Satisfying Side Dishes
Enjoy your juicy turkey burgers even more by pairing them with some fresh and healthy side dishes like:
-
Sweet potato fries – oven baked for a crisp exterior with fluffy interior.
-
Coleslaw – crunchy cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing.
-
Mixed green salad – lettuce, cucumber, peppers with a light vinaigrette.
-
Roasted vegetables – carrots, brussels sprouts, broccoli or cauliflower.
For an easy one-pan meal, roast vegetables and cook turkey patties on the grill or stovetop at the same time. Meat and veggies in minutes!
Wrap Up
With a little practice you’ll perfect your special blend of seasonings and toppings. Healthy, quick and easy turkey burgers can be a tasty new family favorite.
Can you air fry frozen turkey burgers?
Yes! Air fry frozen turkey burgers at 360°F (182°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
How to make air fryer turkey burgers
Air fryer turkey burgers are so easy to make in under 15 minutes. They’re keto, healthy, and extra juicy from the shredded onion. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and lightly grease the basket with non-stick spray.
Mix the ground turkey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using) slowly in a large bowl. Be careful not to mix too much, making the burgers tough.
Next, divide the mixture and shape it into four burger patties, each about 1/2-inch thick.
Then, carefully place each burger into the air fryer basket that has been heated, making sure they don’t touch or overlap. If your air fryer is small, you might need to do this in two batches.
Air fry the burgers for 10 to 13 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Ensure each burger’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. Overcooked turkey burgers can become dry.
Cheeseburgers: If you want to add cheese, air fry the turkey patty for one minute longer and then put a slice of cheese on top of it.
If you want to serve the burgers with buns, you can toast the buns in the air fryer after the burgers are done. Air fry the buns for three to four minutes, cut side up, at 300°F (149°C) until they’re golden. Alternatively, you can toast the buns in a toaster oven or on the stovetop.
Finally, assemble your burgers by placing the cooked patties on the buns. You can also serve them in lettuce wraps or on a bed of salad for a low-carb option. I top mine with thinly sliced red onion, lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!.
- Use 93% lean ground turkey for juicier burgers. Since this recipe doesn’t call for breadcrumbs or eggs, 99% lean ground turkey can make burgers that are dry.
- Gently combine ingredients to avoid tough burgers. The turkey burgers will be heavier and denser if you mix the mixture too much.
- Add cheese. Add a slice of your favorite cheese to these air fryer cheeseburgers right before they’re done cooking.
- Make them extra low-carb. For a low-carb and keto-friendly dinner, you can put these air-fried turkey burgers in lettuce wraps.
- Make them ahead of time for meal prep. Turkey burgers can be kept in the fridge for up to five days if they are stored in a container that keeps air out. They are great for meal prep!.
- Make sure you don’t overcook them. Turkey burgers are done when they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooked burgers will be dry.
- Customize them. For flavor, moisture, and extra vegetables, chop up bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach and add them to your burger meat.
- Use any topping. Sliced tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, guacamole, sprouts, and raw or caramelized onions are some of our favorite foods.
How To Make Macro Friendly Turkey Burgers. No Breadcrumbs!
FAQ
How to keep turkey burgers from falling apart without breadcrumbs?
What is a good binder for turkey burgers?
What helps turkey burgers stick together?
Why add breadcrumbs to turkey burgers?