Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Jump to Recipe
Are you craving a burger but don’t want to fire up the grill? These juicy, flavorful air-fried turkey burgers are the perfect solution! Since they’re cooked in the air fryer, you don’t need to use as much oil, making this a healthy option.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
This juicy turkey burgers in air fryer recipe only takes about 15 minutes and includes hidden veggies, so it’s the perfect weeknight meal for individuals and families.
Fast – These yummy air fryer turkey burgers only take 15 minutes to create and cook!
Flavorful – Using a mixture of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, you can expect these air fryer turkey burger patties to be 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.
Hidden veggies – I’ve included grated courgette in each burger, which you can’t taste once the air fry turkey burgers are cooked.
Great for families – With a short cooking time and the option to include whichever toppings each family member likes on the cooked turkey burgers, these are a hit in the household.
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 ground turkey to make this turkey burger air fryer recipe, as you can shape the burgers or adjust their size to your liking. This recipe for air fryer turkey burgers also works with ground chicken, beef, or pork.
Craving more ground turkey recipes? Try my Southwest Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet and my Ground Turkey Pasta
Panko Breadcrumbs – Panko crumbs help create the best turkey patties in air fryer recipe, 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 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 create air fryer turkey burgers you love! 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, add sliced cheese, or use other veggies (like caramelised onions).
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 out the ground turkey for other protein to create 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.
Pair this yummy turkey burgers with one of these potato sides; Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe, The CRISPIEST Roast Potatoes and Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
How to make air fryer turkey burgers
- 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).
- 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 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 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
Tips for the best results
More fat in the turkey means juicier burgers
If you want the juiciest air fryer turkey burgers, pick a pack of ground turkey that’s higher in fat. I recommend aiming for 93% lean ground turkey for juicy burgers.
Don’t overmix
Only mix the turkey burger mixture until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing the burgers can cause them to be chewy and dry.
Cook to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
Turkey is one meat you don’t want to eat undercooked, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp of the burgers before enjoying them. You’ll know each air fry turkey burger is done when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Be sure to insert the thermometer into the middle of the thickest part of the burger for an accurate read.
Spray the air fryer grate with cooking spray so the burgers don’t stick
Be sure to spray the basket before adding the turkey burgers air fryer recipe to the air fryer to avoid sticking. This step will also make cleanup easier.
Flip burgers halfway through. Even though you’re cooking the burgers in the air fryer, you’ll still need to flip them halfway through. This step ensures a more even cook on the burgers.
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 this burger, like potato salad, pasta salad, or fruit salad.
Pair this burger with some delicious and healthy veggies; Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli, Sauteed Leeks and Sauteed Broccoli
FAQs
I recommend flipping air fryer turkey burgers halfway so they can cook more evenly. Even if you toss these on the grill or into a pan, you should still flip the turkey patties halfway through for the best results.
If you’re wondering, “How long to cook turkey burgers in air fryer?” you’ll want to read this section. It will depend on the size/thickness of the burgers, along with the temperature of the air fryer.
When I make this turkey burger in air fryer recipe, I preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about five minutes and then cook the patties for 12-15 minutes. You can use this as a starting point and adjust it based on your burgers. Check for turkey burger doneness by using a meat thermometer (more information above).
Yes, you can use foil in the air fryer. Avoid wrapping the burgers fully. Instead, add a small amount of foil under each patty, but don’t cover the holes in the air fryer basket so the air can still circulate.
If you tried this Airfryer Turkey Burgers recipe, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys 💛 Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x
Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
For the Burger
- 1 courgette, grated (£0.40)
- 500 g ground turkey (£3.00)
- 1 egg (£1.50/6)=(£0.25)
- 35 g panko breadcrumbs (£1.10/2)=(£0.55)
To make with the bun
- 2 beef tomatoes (£1.50)
- 2 little gem lettuces (£0.89)
- 2 red onions (£0.75/3)=(£0.50)
- 6 burger buns (£1.00)
- 1 tsp mayonnaise per person
Cupboard Essentials (for burger)
- Oil spray for air fryer
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt & Pepper
Method
- 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.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey mince, egg, panko breadcrumbs, seasoning, grated courgette and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to ensure everything is evenly mixed, then form into 6 patties.
- Add a spray of oil to the air fryer basket and distribute the 3 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.
- Pop 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. 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!
Notes
- Choose 93% lean ground turkey for juicier burgers.
- Mix the burger ingredients just until combined to avoid dryness.
- Cook burgers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they're fully cooked.
- Spray the air fryer grate with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Flip the burgers halfway through cooking for even doneness.
Nutrition
Leave a comment and a rating!
- Weekly meal plans with a £20 budget
- 150+ exclusive recipes
- Personal dashboard
- Exclusive step by step videos
- Shopping list tools
- Advert Free experience
Comments