Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
This Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe is the one I reach for on weeknights when I want something juicy, satisfying, and on the table in under thirty minutes. Ground turkey has a reputation for drying out, but a few small tricks fix that completely. Grated onion, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and a hot air fryer basket give you burgers that are tender all the way through, with none of the greasy cleanup a skillet leaves behind.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Box grater for grating the onion
- Instant-read meat thermometer to ensure proper internal temperature
- Silicone spatula
- Tongs
- Air fryer parchment liners (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey 454g, 93% lean recommended
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs about 40g
- 1/4 cup yellow onion about 60g, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 15ml
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- olive oil spray for the basket
For Serving
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
- 4 hamburger buns
- lettuce for serving
- tomato sliced, for serving
- red onion sliced, for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg with a fork. Add the panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir this mixture first to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Add the ground turkey and gently fold everything together with your hands until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of egg or loose breadcrumbs to avoid tough burgers.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Shape each into a patty roughly 4 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty to prevent it from doming while cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket or a parchment liner with olive oil spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer, leaving space between each for air circulation.
- Cook the patties at 375°F for 7 minutes. Flip each patty carefully with a spatula and continue cooking for another 6 to 7 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part.
- If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the final minute of cooking and close the basket to melt the cheese with residual heat.
- Remove the patties and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. While resting, toast the buns in the air fryer at 300°F for 2 to 3 minutes, cut side up. Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and your favorite condiments. Serve right away.
Notes
- Use 93% lean ground turkey rather than 99% fat-free for the best moisture and texture.
- Grate the onion instead of dicing it so it melts into the meat and adds moisture rather than crunch.
- Do not skip the resting time after cooking—cutting in immediately releases all the juices.
- Avoid pressing down on the patties with your spatula while they cook, which squeezes out moisture.
- Let shaped patties sit in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- For a spicy version, mix in finely chopped jalapeno and top with pepper jack cheese.
- Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once. Avoid microwaving, which dries them out.
- For meal prep, shape the patties up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pattyCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 26gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg
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