Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
This is the perfect air fryer turkey burger recipe, delivering juicy, savory patties with a deliciously crisp exterior. The secret is using 85/15 ground turkey and a simple, flavorful seasoning blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, all perfectly cooked in the air fryer in under 15 minutes.
Equipment
- Air fryer - Basket-style or oven-style, at least 5.8 quart recommended to fit 4 patties in a single layer.
- Large mixing bowl
- Box grater - For grating the onion finely.
- Instant-read meat thermometer - Essential for checking the 165°F internal temperature.
- Parchment paper or cooking spray - For the air fryer basket.
- Spatula or tongs - For flipping the patties.
- Measuring spoons
- Large plate or baking sheet - For resting shaped patties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey - 450g, 85/15 blend
- 2 tablespoons yellow onion - grated on the fine side of a box grater
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- cooking spray - for the air fryer basket
For Serving
- 4 burger buns - brioche buns recommended
- lettuce
- tomato - sliced
- red onion - sliced
- burger sauce - or ketchup, mustard, tzatziki, or mayonnaise, to taste
- sliced cheese - optional; cheddar, American, or provolone recommended
Instructions
- Grate about half of a medium yellow onion using the fine side of a box grater. Measure out 2 tablespoons of the grated onion, leaving behind as much of the liquid as possible. Measure and prepare all seasonings.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with clean hands until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Lightly wet your hands, then shape each portion into a patty about ½ inch thick and 4 inches wide. Use your thumb to create a shallow indent in the center of each patty. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or place a pre-cut parchment liner in the bottom.
- Place the turkey patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving at least ½ inch of space between each. Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each patty. Continue air frying for another 5-6 minutes.
- Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of a patty. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Optional: For a cheeseburger, place a slice of cheese on each patty, close the air fryer (turned off) for about 60 seconds to melt. Toast buns cut-side down in the air fryer at 375°F for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading your preferred condiment on the bottom bun, layering with lettuce, the turkey patty, tomato, and red onion. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Don't overmix: Mix the turkey and seasonings just until combined. Overmixing will make the patties dense and rubbery.
- Use a thermometer: The color of turkey is not a reliable indicator of doneness. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Chill the patties: Refrigerating the formed patties for 20-30 minutes helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
- Make them ahead: You can shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
- Binder option: If your turkey mixture is very soft, you can add 2 tablespoons of plain breadcrumbs to help bind the patties.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover patties in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to prevent rubbery texture.
- Topping ideas: Avocado, pepper jack cheese, crispy onion strings, or a fried egg are excellent topping variations to try.
- No crowding: Ensure patties are in a single layer with space between them for even cooking. Cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Preheating is key: A preheated air fryer ensures a crisp outer crust rather than a steamed texture.