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

Turkey burgers are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They can be cooked from fresh or frozen in an air fryer, with the added benefit of being quicker and less messy than other cooking methods. This guide will take you through the simple steps to making juicy, tender turkey burgers in an air fryer.

Choosing and preparing your ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is essential for making delicious turkey burgers in your air fryer. Here is a detailed guide to help you select and prepare the ingredients for this mouth-watering dish.

Selecting the Meat

For the star ingredient, you will need ground turkey, which is readily available at most grocery stores. When choosing ground turkey, opt for a lean variety, such as 93% or 97% lean meat. This will ensure that your burgers are moist and juicy. If you prefer a fattier option, you can go for ground turkey with a higher fat content, but be mindful of the excess moisture that may be released during cooking.

Seasonings and Flavour Enhancers

The beauty of turkey burgers is that they lend themselves well to various seasonings and flavour combinations. Here are some essential and optional ingredients to consider:

• Salt and pepper: These are fundamental seasonings to enhance the flavour of your turkey burgers.
• Worcestershire sauce: A classic condiment that adds a savoury tang to your burgers.
• Garlic: Minced or powdered garlic adds a savoury kick to the meat.
• Onion: Finely chopped or shredded onion not only enhances flavour but also helps keep the burgers moist.
• Spices: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning are great options to add a punch of flavour.
• Breadcrumbs: While not necessary, breadcrumbs can add a lighter texture to your burgers. Opt for fresh or panko breadcrumbs.
• Egg: This acts as a binding agent and helps hold the burger together.
• Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese slices can be added on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking for a melty treat.
• Dijon mustard: This ingredient not only adds moisture but also helps bind the meat together.

Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Fresh herbs and vegetables not only boost the flavour of your turkey burgers but also provide a nutritional boost. Here are some options:

• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a delightful freshness to your burgers.
• Lettuce: Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves provide a crisp texture to your burger.
• Tomato: Sliced tomatoes are a classic burger topping, adding a touch of freshness and colour.
• Avocado or guacamole: Creamy avocado or guacamole adds a rich, healthy twist to your burger.

Buns and Sides

No burger is complete without a soft bun to hold it all together. Here are some suggestions:

• Hamburger buns: Classic hamburger buns are a perfect vessel for your juicy turkey patty.
• Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap your burger in crisp lettuce leaves.

As for sides, the possibilities are endless:

• Fries: Sweet potato or regular French fries are always a tasty choice.
• Salad: A crisp salad, such as a kale crunch salad or a simple cucumber and carrot salad, can balance out your meal.
• Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are excellent options to pair with your burger.

Now that you have selected your ingredients, it's time to prepare them. Here are the steps to follow:

• If you are using fresh garlic and onion, finely chop or mince them.
• Measure out and prepare any other ingredients according to the quantities specified in your chosen recipe.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, seasonings, flavour enhancers, herbs, and any other ingredients you have selected.
• Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
• Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties. A burger press can help ensure uniform size and shape.
• Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step helps the burgers firm up and stay together during cooking.

Mixing your ingredients

Choose Your Meat:

Start by selecting good-quality ground turkey as the base for your burgers. You can opt for lean ground turkey, which is recommended for a moist and juicy texture, or go for a fattier cut if you prefer. If you don't have ground turkey, you can create your own by adding turkey breast fillets to a food processor and blending them down. Alternatively, you can use ground chicken or beef as a substitute.

Gather Your Ingredients:

In addition to the ground turkey, you'll need a variety of ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of your burgers. Here are some options to consider:

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning will add a savoury kick to your burgers.
• Liquids: Worcestershire sauce is a must for any good burger patty, adding a savoury tang. You can also include unsweetened apple sauce, which acts as a secret ingredient to keep your turkey burgers moist without adding extra oil. Dijon mustard is another unexpected ingredient that helps bind the meat and adds moisture.
• Vegetables: Finely chopped onions, grated or shredded, add moisture and a subtle sweetness to the mix. Freshly minced garlic cloves bring a punch of flavour. You can also include other vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and moisture.
• Binders: Breadcrumbs act as a binder and add a slight crunch to your burgers. You can use fresh or panko breadcrumbs. If using fresh breadcrumbs, soak them in milk beforehand to retain moisture. Eggs also act as a binding agent and help hold the patties together.
• Cheese: If you're a cheese lover, feel free to mix in some shredded cheese, such as Cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey jack, into your burger mix.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried parsley adds a touch of freshness to your burgers. You can also experiment with other herbs like basil or oregano.

Mixing Techniques:

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. Here are some tips to ensure your burger mixture is well-combined:

• Use a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients.
• Start by gently mixing the ground turkey with the shredded vegetables, Dijon mustard (if using), minced garlic, and any other seasonings or herbs.
• If using breadcrumbs, stir them into the milk in a separate bowl first and let them absorb the liquid before adding them to the meat mixture.
• If using eggs, make sure the mixture is cool before stirring them in, as this will prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.
• Use your hands to gently but thoroughly combine the ingredients. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the burgers tough.

Forming the Patties:

After mixing, it's time to shape the mixture into patties. Here are some tips:

• Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into round, flat burger patties.
• Keep the patties about 1/2 inch thick, as they will shrink during cooking.
• If the mixture is sticky and hard to shape, use parchment paper to help form the patties, or chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a bit to firm it up.
• Create a divot in the centre of each patty by pushing your thumb into the middle. This will help prevent the burgers from shrinking too much during cooking.

Now that your patties are formed, you can follow the remaining steps to cook them in your air fryer, resulting in juicy and delicious turkey burgers!

Shaping your burgers

Firstly, divide your burger mixture into equal portions. The number of portions will depend on how many burgers you are making and your preferred size. For example, you can shape the mixture into four equal portions for four burgers.

Next, slightly wet your hands to prevent the meat from sticking to them. Take one portion of the mixture and start shaping it into a round, flat patty. Repeat this process for the remaining portions. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch, as the patties will shrink during cooking. You can use a burger press to ensure uniformity in size and shape.

To help prevent shrinkage during cooking, create a small indentation or divot in the centre of each patty by gently pushing your thumb into the middle. This technique helps the burgers retain their shape and prevents them from puffing up too much.

If you find the ground turkey mixture is sticky and challenging to work with, you can use parchment paper to aid in shaping the patties. Alternatively, you can chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help it firm up and become easier to handle.

Once you have shaped your burgers, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your chosen recipe's instructions. Remember to preheat your air fryer and follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for the best results.

Cooking your burgers

Now that your turkey burgers are ready to be cooked, it's time to get your air fryer ready. Preheat your air fryer to 350–375°F (about 180–190°C) for 3 minutes. You can also grease the air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Place your burgers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the burgers in batches.

Air fry the turkey burgers for 10–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your burgers. As a guide, a 4-ounce burger will take 8–9 minutes, a 5-ounce burger will take 9–10 minutes, and a 6-ounce burger will take 10–12 minutes. For burgers larger than 6 ounces, add 3 minutes for every additional ounce.

To check if your burgers are done, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Turkey burgers are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and enhance their flavour and texture.

If you are cooking frozen turkey burgers, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply place them in the air fryer and cook at 350–400°F (about 175–205°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Again, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving your burgers

Buns and Toppings

There are endless ways to serve your juicy air-fried turkey burgers. You can go classic with a bun, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Or, if you're feeling fancy, add a slice of cheese, some cranberry sauce, or even a dollop of guacamole. If you're serving a crowd, lay out a spread of toppings and let your guests build their burgers to their liking.

Sides

As for sides, air-fried turkey burgers pair well with a variety of dishes. You can keep it simple with a side of sweet potato fries or roasted potatoes. Or, go for something more substantial like air fryer potato wedges, air fryer French fries, or air fryer sweet potato fries. If you're looking for something a little healthier, try a side salad, grilled vegetables, or a bowl of hummus with carrot and celery sticks.

Make it a Meal

For a complete meal, serve your air fryer turkey burgers with some air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer broccoli, or air fryer sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts. If you're feeding a crowd, you can also offer a variety of sides, such as potato salad, couscous salad, or a simple mixed green salad.

Leftovers and Storage

If you have any leftover burgers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze cooked and cooled burgers for up to 3-6 months. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions