Air Fryer Turkey Burgers (Healthy & Easy to Make)

These juicy, flavorful air fryer turkey burgers are so easy to make & ready in just 25 minutes! They’re a much a lighter alternative to beef burgers – with less oil and added veggies for a healthier twist. Turkey burgers in air fryer would pair perfectly with these Healthy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries for a fun, healthy dinner.

Why you’ll love this recipe

You just air fry turkey burgers for 15 minutes at 390°F & dinner’s ready! This is a great recipe because it’s so easy but it’s also full of hidden veggies. Here are some reasons to love it:

• Fast & flavourful: We use a mixture of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in my recipe for turkey burgers in the air fryer. They take a total of 25 minutes to make and are bursting with flavour.
• Healthier: With courgette mixed into each burger patty and less oil needed, this is a healthier alternative to pan-fried or grilled burgers. I promise you can’t taste the hidden veg once you cook the turkey burger in air fryer! And it’s very high protein too!! Consider making these Chocolate Protein Muffins for dessert to keep things healthy.
• Great for families: With a short cooking time and the option to include whichever toppings each family member likes on the air fryer turkey burgers, these will be a hit, especially if you pair them with Crispy Garlic Fries.

Love a burger? You’ll enjoy trying my Halloumi Burger, Hamburgers in 15 Minutes! and Spicy Chicken Burger recipes!

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: I love using lean ground turkey to make this turkey burger air fryer recipe, as you can shape the burgers or adjust their size to your liking. If you’ve got some left, try The Best Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta next. But this recipe also works with ground chicken, beef, or pork if you’d prefer those over air fryer turkey burgers.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Panko crumbs help create the best turkey patties in air fryer, as they help the burgers hold their shape and aid in a lighter, more tender patty. You can use any bread crumbs, including regular breadcrumbs, a homemade version, or gluten-free crumbs.
• Burger buns: Any bun will work for this turkey burgers air fryer recipe, from brioche (like the ones I use for my Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwich) to plain white or wheat. Gluten-free or low-carb buns are also excellent with this recipe.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

Try these variations to make air fryer turkey burgers you love!

• Toppings: I’ve noted some toppings you can include on each air fryer turkey burger, but feel free to use your favourites. Feel free to use other condiments like this Low Sugar BBQ Sauce, add sliced cheese, or use other veggies (like caramelised onions).
• Different seasonings: You can also swap out the seasonings for spices and flavourings that you like, such as Worcestershire sauce. Or, try a pre-made burger or steak spice mix.
• Swap the protein: If you don’t have ground turkey, you could also make pork, chicken, or beef burgers. I prefer fresh ground turkey, as it’s easy to form into these healthy turkey burgers. However, you can also use frozen turkey burgers that have been thawed if that’s what’s on hand.

How to make Air fryer Turkey Burgers

1. Place the grated courgette in a bowl lined with a tea-towel. Add a pinch of salt to draw out the water and squeeze the towel until the courgette is fairly dry (Image 1).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey mince, egg, panko breadcrumbs, seasoning, grated courgette and a pinch of salt and pepper (Image 2).

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F  (200°C) for 5 minutes. 

3. Use a spoon or your hands to ensure everything is evenly mixed (Image 3).

4. Form into 6 turkey patties. Add a spray of oil to the air fryer basket and distribute the 3/4 patties (I cooked them in 2 batches).  Make sure there is space between them to prevent steaming and spray a little oil over each pattie (Image 4).

5. Pop the turkey patties in the airfryer for 12 to 15 minutes at 390°F  (200°C).  Once the burgers start to get some colour, flip half way through the cook time (Image 5).

6. Then depending on how you like your burgers cooked, continue to cook until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165℉ (74℃). Be careful to not cook for too long as this will dry out the burgers! (Image 6).

For the best burger, toast the burger buns with a griddle pan (no oil). Toast them for around a minute until they’re golden or have a little char. Serve each burger with some thinly sliced onion, lettuce, a slice of beef tomato and condiment of choice. I went for mayonnaise but ketchup/Sriracha/anything will go with these beauties.

Need inspiration for some other turkey recipes? Try my Easy Turkey Steak Recipe, Ground Turkey (the best way!) and Easy Roasted Turkey Legs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these air fryer turkey burgers with your favourite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, cheese, ketchup, etc. They’re delicious with French fries or a side salad. You can also add other BBQ sides to your air fried turkey burger, like potato salad, pasta salad, or fruit salad.

Try them with:

• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Super Crispy Ninja Airfryer Roast Potatoes
• Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
• Rocket Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli
• Sauteed Leeks
• Sauteed Broccoli

FAQs

Craving more ground turkey recipes? Try my Southwest Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet and my Ground Turkey Pasta.