If you love a burger that is golden and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this air fryer turkey burger is about to become a weeknight favorite. It cooks fast, stays moist, and packs about 34 grams of protein per serving, so it is filling without feeling heavy. Best of all, there is no grill to heat up and no messy stovetop splatter — just a hot air fryer, a few simple seasonings, and dinner on the table in about 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside, juicy inside: The air fryer gives the patties a beautifully browned crust while keeping the center tender.
- High in protein: About 34g protein per serving, perfect for a satisfying, high-protein dinner.
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, with minimal washing up.
- Family friendly: Serve in buns with your favorite toppings, or keep it lighter with lettuce wraps or a salad.
- Great for meal prep: Cook a batch, then reheat for fast lunches all week.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground turkey (680g)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (50g)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion (40g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray, for the air fryer basket
- 4 burger buns, plus lettuce, tomato, and your favorite toppings, to serve
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Season the ground turkey. Add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — do not overmix, or the burgers can turn tough.
- Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Press a small dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb to help it cook evenly and stay flat.
- Preheat and air fry. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil, place the patties in a single layer, and air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
- Check and rest. The burgers are done when they reach 165°F (74°C) in the center and the juices run clear. Rest for 3-5 minutes so the juices settle.
- Serve. Place the patties in toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, cheese if you like, and your favorite sauces.
Reheat tip: To reheat leftover turkey burgers, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, until heated through and crisp again.
Pro Tips
- Use 93% lean ground turkey for the juiciest result; very lean turkey can dry out.
- Keep the patties the same thickness so they cook at the same rate.
- Do not press the patties down while cooking — that squeezes out the juices.
- Toast the buns for extra crunch and to stop them going soggy.
- For a lighter option, serve the patty in a lettuce wrap with a big salad.
FAQ
How do I know when turkey burgers are cooked through? They should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, with no pink remaining in the center.
Can I make these ahead? Yes. Shape the patties up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months.
Can I cook them from frozen? Yes, air fry from frozen at 380°F (193°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Note
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary with toppings, bun choice, and exact ingredients. Each serving (one burger patty, without bun or toppings) is estimated at about 34g protein.
