Air-Fryer Turkey Burgers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Turkey burgers are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. But can you cook them in an air fryer?

The good news is, yes, you can! Air fryers are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook your food, and turkey burgers are no exception. They only take around 10-15 minutes to cook, and you can add your favourite toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

So, if you're looking for a fast, tasty, and mess-free way to cook your turkey burgers, get out your air fryer!

How long does it take to cook a turkey burger in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make turkey burgers in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the burger, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether the burgers are fresh or frozen.

For fresh burgers, cooking times range from 8 to 15 minutes, with most sources recommending a cooking time of around 10 to 12 minutes. For a 4-ounce burger, cook for 8 to 9 minutes. A 5-ounce burger will take 9 to 10 minutes, and a 6-ounce burger will take 10 to 12 minutes. For burgers larger than 6 ounces, add an extra 3 minutes for each additional ounce.

It's important to ensure that turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. This usually takes around 15 minutes in an air fryer set to 360°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check that your burgers are cooked properly.

For frozen burgers, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Frozen burgers will take around 15 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer set to 360°F. Again, use a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached the correct internal temperature.

Turkey burgers are a great option for a quick, healthy, and juicy meal. They can be made even healthier by using lean ground turkey and skipping the breadcrumbs and eggs. Air frying also reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

What ingredients do you need to make a turkey burger in an air fryer?

Making turkey burgers in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook. The air fryer's circulation of hot air creates a crispy outer layer, while the inside remains moist and tender.

The Basics

• Ground turkey: Opt for 93% lean ground turkey to ensure your burgers are extra moist and juicy. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer.
• Salt and pepper: Season your burgers to taste.
• Worcestershire sauce: This adds incredible umami flavour to the burgers.

Herbs and Spices

• Smoked paprika: A little smoked paprika goes a long way in adding a subtle smoky flavour to your burgers.
• Garlic: Use either minced or powdered garlic to enhance the flavour of your burgers. If using fresh garlic, be sure to mince it finely so that it blends nicely with the meat.
• Onion: Freshly grated or minced onion adds moisture and flavour to your burgers. You can also use onion powder for a subtle onion flavour.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a wonderful freshness to your burgers. If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute it with dried parsley.
• Italian seasoning: This is an optional ingredient, but it can add a nice herbal flavour to your burgers.

Extras

• Olive oil: A little olive oil helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the burgers.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs can help add structure and moisture to your burgers. You can use fresh or panko breadcrumbs.
• Egg: This acts as a binding agent and helps hold your burgers together.
• Cheese: Add a slice of your favourite cheese to your burgers during the last minute of air frying for a delicious, melty topping.
• Dijon mustard: While you can't taste it, Dijon mustard helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to your burgers. You can substitute it with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or mayo.
• Ranch seasoning: This adds extra flavour to your burgers and keeps them juicy.

How do you make a turkey burger in an air fryer?

Turkey burgers are a great option for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make juicy and tender turkey burgers in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Worcestershire sauce
• Burger fixings (buns, lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, red onion, etc.)

Optional Ingredients:

• Unsweetened apple sauce
• Ranch seasoning
• Freshly grated onion
• Breadcrumbs
• Fresh herbs (parsley, Italian seasoning)
• Dijon mustard
• Egg
• Milk
• Mayonnaise
• Cayenne pepper
• Ground black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180-190°C). Grease the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well until the spices and sauces are evenly blended into the ground turkey.
• Slightly wet your hands and shape the mixture into round burger patties. Place the patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help them firm up and stay together during cooking.
• Place the turkey burger patties in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced evenly and not overlapping. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry the turkey burgers for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your burgers. For a 4-ounce burger, cook for 8-9 minutes. For a 5-ounce burger, cook for 9-10 minutes. For a 6-ounce burger, cook for 10-12 minutes.
• Before assembling your burger, let the patties sit for 5 minutes to retain the juices.
• Assemble your burger with your choice of fixings and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can use lean or fattier ground turkey, but keep in mind that fattier cuts may release excess moisture during cooking.
• You can add more spices and seasonings to your turkey burgers according to your preference.
• To check if the turkey burgers are cooked, use a meat thermometer. Fully cooked burgers should have an internal temperature of 165°F.
• You can make the turkey burgers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 6 months.
• To reheat, simply place the burgers back in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes.

How do you make a juicy turkey burger in an air fryer?

How to Make a Juicy Turkey Burger in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make juicy turkey burgers in an air fryer:

• Ground turkey
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Worcestershire sauce
• Burger fix-ins (e.g. buns, lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and red onion)

Optional ingredients include:

• Minced garlic
• Ranch seasoning
• Breadcrumbs
• Yellow onion
• Dijon mustard
• Italian seasoning
• Parsley
• Onion powder

Method

Step 1: Make the burger mixture. In a large mixing bowl, add all your ingredients and mix well until all the spices and Worcestershire sauce are evenly blended into the ground turkey.

Step 2: Shape into patties. Slightly wet your hands to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into round burger patties.

Step 3: Prep the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F and grease the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Air fry the turkey burgers. Place the turkey burger patties in the air fryer and air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a 4-ounce burger, air fry for 8-9 minutes. For a 5-ounce burger, air fry for 9-10 minutes. For a 6-ounce burger, air fry for 10-12 minutes. For burgers larger than 6 ounces, add 3 minutes for every additional ounce.

Step 5: Let the burgers rest. Before assembling your burgers, let the patties sit for 5 minutes to retain their juices.

Tips:

• To check if the turkey burgers are cooked, use a meat thermometer. Fully cooked burgers will have an internal temperature of 165F.
• To maintain the firm shape of the turkey patties, keep the meat in the refrigerator for some time before shaping.
• If your ground turkey is sticky and hard to shape, use parchment paper or refrigerate/freeze the meat to help firm it up.
• To prevent the burgers from shrinking too much, push your thumb into the middle of each patty to create a divot.
• You can make these turkey burgers ahead of time and freeze them. Simply form the turkey into a burger shape, place it on a cookie sheet lined with wax or parchment paper, and freeze for 1-2 hours or until firm but not frozen solid. Then, stack the burgers in a freezer-safe ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, cook the frozen burgers in your air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes.

What can you serve with a turkey burger?

There are many options for what to serve with a turkey burger. Here are some ideas:

Fries and Wedges

• Sweet potato fries
• Potato wedges
• French fries

Salads

• Beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill
• Arugula caprese salad
• Greek salad
• Whole wheat pasta salad
• Roasted vegetable pasta salad
• White bean and apple cabbage slaw
• Broccoli raisin salad
• Herbed potato salad

Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine
• Roasted asparagus with lemon
• Roasted baby broccoli
• Roasted butternut squash
• Roasted Brussels sprouts and asparagus
• Air fryer broccoli and cauliflower
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts

Other Sides

• Crispy baked zucchini chips
• Air fryer fingerling potatoes
• Marinated heirloom tomatoes
• Sautéed sweet potatoes
• Turkey bacon-wrapped asparagus
• Pickles
• Crispy air fryer smashed potatoes

Frequently asked questions