Air frying burgers is a game changer, especially when it comes to making turkey burgers! Often, poultry tends to dry out in the oven before it’s fully cooked. But with the air fryer, you get the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness every time. These air fryer turkey burgers are tender, and ready in no time at all. Making them the perfect option for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Turkey mince is a fantastic, healthier alternative to traditional beef for making burgers due to its lower fat content. Making it a great option if you’re looking to reduce fat without sacrificing flavour. The beauty of cooking turkey burgers in the air-fryer is that they cook faster and with less oil compared to using a frying pan or deep-fat fryer. This method not only saves time but also makes the cooking process healthier. The air-fryer ensures that the burgers cook through quickly while keeping the inside juicy and the outside perfectly golden and crispy. Just like a classic burger should be.
In less than fifteen minutes, you can have these delicious and juicy turkey burgers ready to serve. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavour, making them ideal for weeknights or when you want something simple yet satisfying. You can serve them on a bun with your favourite toppings, or even wrap them in lettuce for a low-carb alternative. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or just need a fast meal, these air-fryer turkey burgers are sure to be a hit. Learn how to make these burgers in your air fryer and enjoy a healthier, more convenient way to prepare a meal!
PREP: 5 minutes
COOK: 12 minutes
SERVES: 2 people
KIT So you will need an air fryer and mixing bowl
Ingredients for air fryer turkey burger
250g of Turkey mince – fresh not frozen
1 teaspoon of paprika
45g of breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
A teaspoon of garlic granules
1 teaspoon of onion granules
Salt and pepper
To serve:
2 burger buns, toasted
Lettuce leaves
Red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
Mayonnaise or tomato ketchup
Method
Start by cracking one large egg into a large mixing bowl and beat it lightly with a fork until the yolk and white are fully combined. This will bind the turkey mince and other ingredients together. Next, add 250g of fresh turkey mince to the bowl. Turkey mince is a lean protein option, making this a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers.
To the bowl, add 1 teaspoon each of garlic granules, onion granules, and smoked paprika. These spices add depth and a little warmth to the turkey, which can sometimes be quite mild in taste. Then add 45g of breadcrumbs – these will help hold the mixture together and give the burgers a nice texture. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavours.
Using a spatula, spoon, or your hands, mix everything together thoroughly until evenly combined. Once your mixture is well mixed, divide it into two equal portions and shape each one into a round burger patty.
Place the patties directly into your air-fryer basket, ensuring the crisper plates are in place. Be sure to leave a bit of space between the burgers to allow hot air to circulate for even cooking. Cook at 190°C for 12 minutes, turning the burgers halfway through to ensure both sides become golden and crispy. Don’t hesitate to open the air fryer to check – unlike traditional ovens, it quickly returns to the set temperature.
For a complete meal, use an air-fryer rack if you have one – cook the burgers on the top layer and some chips or wedges underneath.
Once cooked, carefully remove the burgers and assemble in toasted buns with lettuce, sliced red onion, and your favourite burger sauce – I love mine with spicy mayo! Serve with fries or wedges for a perfect burger night.
Tips for Air Fryer Turkey Burger
1. Use lean (but not too lean) turkey.
Opt for turkey mince with a bit of fat (around 7%–10%) to keep the burgers juicy. Extra lean turkey can dry out quickly in the air fryer.
2. Add moisture-boosting ingredients.
Mix in grated onion, a spoonful of Greek yoghurt, or even a bit of breadcrumbs soaked in milk to help retain moisture and improve texture.
3. Season generously.
Turkey is mild, so don’t be shy with herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Garlic powder, paprika, cumin, parsley, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce all work well.
4. Shape evenly sized patties.
Form patties that are similar in size and thickness (about 1.5cm/½ inch thick) for even cooking. Slightly dimple the centre of each patty with your thumb to help them stay flat.
5. Chill before cooking.
Pop the patties in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before air frying. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.
6. Preheat your air fryer.
Give your air fryer a 2–3 minute preheat at 180°C–200°C (350°F–390°F) to ensure the burgers start cooking immediately and get a good sear.
7. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Cook the burgers in a single layer, giving them enough space to circulate air and crisp evenly. Work in batches if needed.
8. Flip halfway through.
Turn the burgers once during cooking to ensure even browning on both sides. Typically around the 8-minute mark if cooking for 14–16 minutes total.
9. Check internal temperature.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach 74°C (165°F) in the centre for safe eating.
10. Serve with fresh toppings.
These pair perfectly with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and your favourite burger sauce on a toasted bun. Or go bunless for a low-carb option!
Similar recipes
If you love this easy air fryer turkey burger, you might also like my simple air fryer turkey kofta traybake, the air fryer sausage burger or the air fryer halloumi burger recipe.
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