If you’re looking for a meal that’s juicy, flavorful, and incredibly quick to prepare, this Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe is going to become your new go-to. With just a handful of simple ingredients and the magic of an air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked turkey burgers that are tender on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with classic savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a wholesome burger without the fuss, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in creating moist, tasty turkey burgers that come together effortlessly. From the punch of garlic to the subtle tang of Worcestershire sauce, every addition enhances the flavor and texture.
- 1 lb. ground turkey: Choose lean but not too lean for juicy, tender burgers.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a mild kick of flavor.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural turkey taste.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Delivers umami richness and a hint of tang.
- 4 slices cheese (optional): Any kind you love will melt beautifully for a creamy finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by placing the ground turkey in a medium bowl and adding the minced garlic, kosher salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until just combined. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed without overworking the meat, which keeps your burgers tender.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty no thicker than ¾ inch; this thickness helps the turkey cook through without drying out, while still maintaining juggy insides. Try to make the edges slightly thinner to promote even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Give your air fryer basket a light spray with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and to encourage a crisp, golden exterior. Carefully place the turkey patties inside, making sure they have a little breathing room to circulate hot air properly.
Step 4: Cook the Turkey Burgers
Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook the patties for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an instant-read thermometer handy and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F—this guarantees the burgers are safely cooked while remaining juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you want cheesy turkey burgers, lay one slice of your favorite cheese over each patty. Air fry for an additional 1 minute, just long enough to melt the cheese into a luscious topping that elevates the burger experience.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your perfectly cooked air fryer turkey burgers are now ready to be enjoyed. Whether you load them up with toppings or keep them simple, these burgers deliver satisfaction with every bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and crunchy pickles add brightness and textural contrast to your turkey burgers. A dollop of your favorite sauce—be it classic ketchup, spicy mayo, or tangy mustard—can truly make your burger feel customized and irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with crispy air fryer fries, a vibrant mixed green salad, or roasted sweet potato wedges for a well-rounded meal. You can even balance the meal with simple steamed veggies for a lighter option that complements the rich turkey flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Step up your burger game by serving them on toasted brioche buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative. Consider adding avocado slices or caramelized onions for extra layers of flavor, or get playful with a fried egg topping to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their flavor and keeps them ready for a quick lunch or dinner on the go.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each cooked patty tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen turkey burgers can be kept for up to 3 months without sacrificing taste or texture, perfect for meal prepping or last-minute meals.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover turkey burgers is in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes, which revives their juicy texture and crisp exterior. Alternatively, warming them gently in a skillet over medium heat works well, especially if you want to melt cheese again.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and works similarly in the air fryer. Just keep an eye on cooking times as it may vary slightly depending on the fat content.
Do I have to add Worcestershire sauce?
While Worcestershire sauce adds wonderful depth, it’s not mandatory. You can replace it with soy sauce or leave it out entirely, but the sauce helps keep the burgers juicy and flavorful.
How do I prevent the turkey burgers from drying out?
Using a good mix of seasoning, not overpacking the patties, and cooking to the correct internal temperature (165°F) keeps the burgers moist. Adding a bit of fat, like a small amount of olive oil or a cheese slice, can also help.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and buns or serve on lettuce wraps.
What cheese works best on these burgers?
Cheddar, Swiss, American, or pepper jack all melt beautifully and complement the turkey’s subtle flavor. Pick your favorite to customize each burger perfectly!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe, it will become a staple in your meal routine. The combination of simplicity, speed, and juicy, delicious results make these burgers impossible not to love. So grab your air fryer and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a burger experience that feels special every time.
Print
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and delicious recipe for air fryer turkey burgers, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. These juicy turkey patties are seasoned with garlic, kosher salt, and Worcestershire sauce, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Optionally topped with cheese, they make an easy and flavorful dinner option that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Turkey Burgers
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices cheese (optional, any kind)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, kosher salt, and Worcestershire sauce until just combined without overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Form Patties: Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty no thicker than ¾ inch to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and place the turkey patties inside without overcrowding.
- Cook Burgers: Air fry the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer requires it, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F (74°C) indicating they are fully cooked.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on each burger and air fry for an additional 1 minute, or until the cheese has melted beautifully on top.
- Serve: Remove the burgers from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite buns and garnishes such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments as desired.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the turkey burgers are cooked thoroughly to 165°F for safety.
- Do not overmix the turkey mixture to keep the patties tender and juicy.
- You can customize the burgers by adding your favorite herbs or spices like paprika, black pepper, or parsley to the meat mixture.
- For a low-fat option, omit the cheese or use a low-fat cheese variety.
- If you do not have an air fryer, these burgers can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
