Tasty and Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe

Ditch your usual cooking method and discover the magic of air fryer turkey burgers!

As a passionate home cook, I love this recipe for its simplicity, speedy preparation, and unbeatable taste. It brings a fresh take on a classic dish, using the air fryer's unique capability to achieve an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and succulent.

Compared to conventional oven or stovetop methods, the air fryer gives these burgers an unrivaled texture, and in significantly less time too. I prefer this version for its combination of convenience, health, and flavor—everything a modern cook could want. 

Jump to:

• Video Tutorial
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Tools & Equipment Needed
• Steps on How to Cook Turkey Burgers in Air Fryer
• Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature in the Air Fryer
• Serving Recommendations
• Recipe Variations
• Storing and Freezing Leftovers
• Pro Tips for Success
• Coming to a Tasty Conclusion with Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
• Recipe

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

• 13 ounces/350 grams of ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 hamburger buns

Optional for Serving

• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced cheese
• Red onion
• Tomato
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard

Kitchen Tools & Equipment Needed

• ​Air fryer (Mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL)
• Large mixing bowl for the patty mixture
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Burger patty shaping tool (if available)
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Fork
• Wooden burger skewer
• Serving plate

Steps on How to Cook Turkey Burgers in Air Fryer

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped ground turkey, finely chopped onion, dried garlic, dried marjoram, Worcestershire sauce, and Sriracha chili sauce.

Add black pepper and salt to taste. Thoroughly mix the patty mixture for about five minutes, and then let it rest for at least 20 minutes.

Shape the patties. If available, use a burger press or patty shaper. Otherwise, shape the patties by hand. Place them on parchment paper.

Note: Keep in mind that the patties will shrink slightly during cooking, so make them slightly larger than the width of the burger buns.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F/180°C. Once the air fryer is heated, place the patties on the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through.

Five minutes before the cooking time ends, you can place the bottom part of the burger buns on the bottom of the basket to lightly toast them.

Two minutes before the cooking time ends, you can place sliced cheese on top of the patties to allow it to melt.

After 15 minutes, your delicious and flavorful turkey burger patties are ready. Transfer them to a separate plate.

Now you can assemble the burger. My personal favorite is placing lettuce leaves on the bottom part of the bun, followed by a patty with melted cheese.

Add tomato and red onion. Spread mayonnaise and mustard on the top part of the bun.

Your turkey burger is now ready to be served!

Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature in the Air Fryer

Remember, not all air fryers are created equal! Depending on your model, you might find that it cooks a little faster or slower.

So, my tip to get that perfect turkey burger is to keep an eye on it and adjust as needed. If you find your air fryer is speedy, dial down the time or temperature a touch. And if it's a slowpoke, give it a bit more time or a heat boost.

Serving Recommendations

These turkey burgers are versatile, and the fun part is all the ways you can dress them up! Here are a few of my go-to options:

Classic Pairings

I love serving these burgers with a heap of sweet potato fries or my special homemade potato wedges. Add a fresh salad or some crunchy coleslaw, and you've got a plate of pure happiness.

Fresh Toppings

Load up your burger with slices of creamy avocado, a crisp lettuce leaf, juicy tomato, or even a few tangy pickles. These simple touches add an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Sauces and Condiments

From good old ketchup and mustard to smooth mayo or a spicy aioli, don't be shy with the condiments. They can really take your turkey burger to new heights.

Recipe Variations

Who said turkey burgers have to be plain? Feel free to play around with the recipe to suit your taste buds!

Flavor Combinations

Spice up your turkey burgers with different herbs and seasonings. Try an Italian twist with basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes, or add a Southwest punch with cumin, paprika, and chipotle peppers.

Alternative Ingredients

Even though the recipe calls for ground turkey, feel free to shake things up. Try ground chicken for a different taste, or use plant-based ground meat for a vegan-friendly option.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze the turkey burgers, individually wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight before reheating.

Pro Tips for Success

• Start with Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground turkey. It gives you a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Don't Overmix the Patty: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overworking the mixture can lead to tough burgers.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and a perfect sear on your burger.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check if your turkey burgers have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Rest the Burger: Allow your burger to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful burger.

Coming to a Tasty Conclusion with Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

After trying these air fryer turkey burgers, you'll wonder why you ever cooked them any other way. Quick, easy, and packed full of flavor, they're the perfect centerpiece for any meal.

With this recipe in your arsenal, you're now ready to explore even more culinary adventures. So why stop here?

Continue exploring our blog for more ingredient swaps, mouth-watering recipes, and handy tips for getting the most out of your air fryer. Unlock a world of delicious and healthy meals, all at the touch of a button—right in your own kitchen.

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Recipe