Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re a great option when you don’t want to use the stove or break out the grill.
I love a good turkey burger and tend to make them all summer long. While I often grill burgers (like spicy jalapeño turkey burgers), wet or cold weather makes the air fryer a welcome alternative.
The air fryer delivers consistently juicy burgers year-round. A quick check with a meat thermometer helps you avoid overcooking and drying them out.
If you enjoy switching up proteins, try air frying salmon or chicken patties the same way and serve them on a bun for variety.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy. Make the patties in 5–7 minutes and air fry for about 13 minutes—no chilling required.
- Moist and juicy. Adding a little oil to extra-lean ground turkey helps keep the burgers tender while still reaching the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Very flavorful. A simple blend of dried herbs and garlic powder seasons these burgers well—don’t skimp on seasoning, as turkey can be mild on its own.
Details on the ingredients
- Ground turkey – Extra-lean works well, but you can use any ground turkey or swap in ground chicken.
- Extra virgin olive oil – One tablespoon helps add moisture when using lean turkey. Omit if your meat has higher fat.
- Egg – Acts as a binder so the patties hold together.
- Panko crumbs – Absorb moisture and bind the mixture. Regular breadcrumbs can be used but may yield slightly stickier patties.
- Seasonings – A mix of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper gives balanced flavor. Adjust herbs and spices to taste.
How to cook turkey burgers in the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 4 minutes.
Add all ingredients to a large bowl and gently mix with a fork until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
Shape into 4 equal patties, about 4 inches across and ½-inch thick.
Place the patties carefully in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 8 minutes. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes, or until each burger reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer and check each patty.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Turkey burger toppings
There are many delicious topping options:
- Lettuce, tomato, and red onion are classic; pickled red onion adds a tangy twist.
- Pickles or relish add brightness.
- Sliced avocado or guacamole brings creaminess.
- Condiments like ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, or mayo work well.
- Cheeses that pair nicely include cheddar, Monterey Jack, Jarlsberg, or feta.
- Sautéed spinach and mushrooms are great for extra veggies.
Frequently asked questions
350°F is ideal for turkey burgers in the air fryer. It allows them to brown and reach 165°F inside without over-browning the exterior.
At 350°F, cook about 12–13 minutes total (8 minutes, flip, then 4–5 minutes). Times vary by air fryer model—use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
Flipping helps both sides brown evenly, so it’s recommended for turkey burgers.
Yes. Wrap raw patties individually, freeze on a baking sheet, then store airtight for up to 3 months.
Yes—add about 3–5 minutes to the cooking time and confirm they reach 165°F.
Yes. Cook ground beef burgers at a similar temperature and time, aiming for at least 160°F internal temperature for beef.
Key recipe tips
- Air fryer size. A 5.8-quart basket fits four patties at once; smaller baskets may require two batches.
- Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free panko or almond flour (almond flour may make patties stickier) and ensure seasonings are gluten-free.
- Sticky patties. If the mixture is sticky, shape with parchment paper or chill for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Non-stick basket. If your basket isn’t non-stick, lightly spray it to prevent sticking.
- Preheating. Preheating shortens cook time slightly; if you skip it, add a few extra minutes.
- Safe temperature. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F and check each patty with a thermometer.
If you try these air fryer turkey burgers, consider leaving a comment or rating to share how they turned out.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) extra lean ground turkey
- ¼ cup panko crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Toppings of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine all burger ingredients and gently mix until seasonings are incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, about 4 inches in diameter and ½-inch thick.
- Place patties in the preheated air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 8 minutes. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes, or until each reaches 165°F internally.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches so the patties don’t overlap.
- Spray the basket with oil if it does not have a non-stick coating.
- Omit the tablespoon of oil if your ground turkey contains more fat.
- Substitute regular breadcrumbs or almond flour if desired; almond flour can make the patties sticky.
- Chill sticky patties for 30 minutes or shape them using parchment paper.
- If you skip preheating, add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Carbohydrates: 25 g
| Protein: 28 g
| Fat: 16 g
| Saturated Fat: 4 g
| Cholesterol: 130 mg
| Sodium: 922 mg
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on substitutions and brands used.