Craving a quick and healthy burger that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Look no further than these air fryer turkey burgers ! These patties are juicy, packed with flavor, and unbelievably easy to make. Plus, using an air fryer ensures they cook up perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside! Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend BBQ, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious air fryer turkey burgers, here’s everything you’ll need—and chances are, you already have most of these on hand:
- 1 lb ground turkey – A lean option for burger patties, ground turkey is full of protein and lower in fat than beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Seasoning is essential to bring out the flavor in lean turkey.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper – Adds a hint of spiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – For a touch of savory, earthy flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika – The smokiness enhances the overall grilled flavor, even when cooked in an air fryer.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – It helps hold moisture in the turkey patties and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – For umami flavor that deepens the taste of the turkey.
With just these few ingredients, you’re set to create turkey burgers that are flavorful and moist without all the extra grease.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you’re equipped with the right kitchen tools. Efficient preparation makes the cooking experience so much smoother:
- Mixing Bowl: To combine your turkey with the delicious seasonings.
- Measuring Spoons: Accurately measure out your spices to get the perfect balance in every bite.
- Air Fryer: The star of this recipe! An air fryer gives you crispy, evenly cooked burgers without needing much oil.
- Non-stick Spray/Parchment Paper: Lightly greasing the air fryer basket will keep your patties from sticking.
- Spatula or Tongs: For flipping the turkey burgers halfway through the cooking process.
- Meat Thermometer (optional): For checking the internal temperature of the burgers—ground poultry should reach 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Having these tools handy will make preparing your air fryer turkey burgers quick and easy. Now that we’ve got everything prepped, it’s time to get cooking!
Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Making these turkey burgers is super straightforward, and the air fryer does the heavy lifting. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure your burgers come out just right:
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Grab your mixing bowl and add all the ingredients together:
- ground turkey,
- salt,
- pepper,
- garlic powder,
- smoked paprika,
- olive oil, and
- Worcestershire sauce.
Gently mix everything until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers dense or tough.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
With your hands slightly wet (to prevent sticking), take portions of the ground turkey mixture and shape them into patties. You should aim for 4 evenly sized patties—press them lightly so they’re about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. Remember that these patties are lean, so there’s no need to compress them too tightly.
Step 3: Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray or grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray, or use a piece of parchment paper if you prefer. This will prevent the turkey patties from sticking while they cook.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the turkey burger patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook your turkey burgers for 12 minutes , flipping them halfway through the cooking time (at about the 6-minute mark). This ensures even cooking on all sides and helps them develop that nice crispy surface.
Step 5: Rest the Patties
Once the air fryer completes the cooking cycle, remove the turkey burgers and allow them to rest for 5 minutes . This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy bite in every mouthful.
Assembling & Serving Your Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Now that your turkey burgers are cooked and rested, it’s time to assemble them into mouthwatering burgers. There are countless ways to customize your turkey burgers with toppings and condiments, so feel free to get creative! Here are some classic and flavorful ideas:
Step 1: Choose Your Bun
- Whole Wheat Bun : A healthier option with a bit more bite, pairs well with the lean turkey meat.
- Brioche Bun : For a richer, buttery experience.
- Lettuce Wrap : If you’re going low-carb, swap the bun for a crispy lettuce wrap.
Step 2: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Here’s where you can mix things up! Personalize your turkey burger with the toppings and condiments you love:
- Cheese : Cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack add delicious creaminess. Just place a slice on the burgers during the last minute in the air fryer for melty goodness.
- Sliced Avocado : Adds healthy fats and creaminess.
- Caramelized Onions : For a sweet, savory flavor punch.
- Tomato & Lettuce : The classics never fail—fresh and crunchy.
- Pickles or Jalapenos : Add some tangy or spicy kick.
- Condiments : Mustard, ketchup, mayo, or a tangy BBQ sauce all shine with turkey.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
Once your burgers are fully assembled, serve them with your favorite sides. Whether it’s crispy air-fried sweet potato fries, a side salad, or even roasted veggies, these turkey burgers are versatile enough to match any side dish you love.
ENJOY! 😋
Storing Leftovers
Should you happen to have leftovers (although we doubt they’ll last long!), here’s how to store your cooked turkey burgers:
- In the Fridge : Place leftover turkey patties in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days .
- In the Freezer : Wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They last for up to 1 month . Simply reheat in the air fryer for a quick meal anytime!
Conclusion
These air fryer turkey burgers are a tasty, lean alternative to traditional beef burgers while packing a punch of flavor with every bite. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even when you want to impress guests with a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer means they’re done quickly and with minimal fuss. So go ahead, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy these juicy, delicious turkey burgers at home—guilt-free and full of flavor!