Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
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These air fryer turkey burgers are quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect when it’s too hot to grill outdoors. Plus, ground turkey burgers are leaner and lower in fat than beef burgers, but they are just as delicious!
Burgers are an easy win at my house, especially on nights when I need dinner to come together without much effort. Making turkey burgers in the air fryer is really simple, and the patties always turn out juicy and flavorful.
One of the things I appreciate most about this turkey burger recipe is that it works year-round. No standing outside in bad weather, no waiting for the grill to heat up, and no messy grill to clean up afterward. The air fryer cooks the pa quickly and consistently.
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Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
The ingredients are simple, the cooking method is reliable, and because everyone can choose their own toppings, it naturally suits different tastes and preferences.
It’s also a nice meal prep option. Leftover burgers can be tucked into lunch boxes, sliced over salads, or reheated for a quick dinner later in the week.
Best of all, it’s a dinner that doesn’t require much planning. Recipes like this one are worth adding to your weekly menu rotation!
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making turkey burgers in the air fryer! I’ve made this meal countless times, so I can save you from a failed attempt.
- Don’t make the patties too thick. Turkey burgers tend to puff up as they cook, so starting with thinner patties helps them fit the buns better.
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one. It is the easiest way to make sure the burgers are fully cooked without drying them out.
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them stay juicy and gives you time to toast the buns.
- Toast the buns. It only takes a minute or two, but it makes a big difference in the finished burger.
Ingredients
You’ll want to add these ingredients to your grocery shopping list:
Ground turkey is the star of this recipe. I like using 93% lean ground turkey because it stays tender and juicy while cooking. Leaner varieties will work, but they tend to dry out more easily.
Almond flour helps hold the burgers together and keeps them tender. If you don’t have any on hand, plain breadcrumbs or panko are easy substitutes.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
For the full step by step instructions, see the recipe card! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- Make the ground turkey mixture by mixing the turkey with almond flour and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Divide the burger mixture into four equal portions. This helps ensure the burgers cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Shape the mixture into four patties. I like to make them slightly larger than the buns since they will shrink a bit as they cook.
- Gently press the patties to create an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer and lightly spray the basket with oil. Once hot, place the patties in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.
- When they’re finished cooking, let them rest for a few minutes before serving on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Meal Prep Tips
If you're making extra patties to freeze, place a piece of parchment paper between each one. This prevents them from sticking together.
The patties can be frozen raw or cooked, giving you multiple cooking options.
Storing Leftovers
One of the things I love about this turkey burgers recipe is that it makes great leftovers. Refrigerate any extra burgers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
If you'd like to keep them longer, let the burgers cool completely, then freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat when you're ready to enjoy them again.
Turkey Burger Recipe FAQs
Ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, so it can dry out if overcooked. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they reach 165°F without cooking longer than necessary.
Definitely. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the mixture before shaping the patties.
Ground turkey mixtures are often softer than beef burgers. If needed, refrigerate the patties for 15–20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
Topping Ideas and Sides
Everyone in my family has a different idea of the perfect burger, so I like to set out a lot of toppings, to let everyone build their own. Lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado oil mayo, guacamole, and caramelized onions are always popular choices.
To round out the meal, serve these burgers with purple cabbage slaw, potato salad, or broccoli salad. For something a little heartier, sweet potato fries or air fryer French fries are great.
After you make this recipe, please give it a star rating below and comment to let me know how it went!
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean
- ⅓ cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 hamburger buns
- optional toppings ketchup, cheese, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Use your hands to mix all burger ingredients (1 pound ground turkey, ⅓ cup almond flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika) in a large bowl until well combined.
- Portion the mixture into baseball-sized balls, then flatten into thin patties. *They tend to puff up in the air fryer, so you want them thin so they stay large enough for your burger buns.
- Working in batches if necessary, place turkey burgers in air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overlap).
- Cook for 5 minutes, then use tongs to carefully turn the patties over. If adding cheese, place a slice on top of each turkey burger after flipping.
- Close the basket and continue air frying for another 5 minutes, or until burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from air fryer and let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving on toasted 4 hamburger buns with your favorite optional toppings.
Notes
- Always preheat your air fryer and spray it with an oil spray that's safe for your air fryer (avocado oil works!)
- Check the internal temperature after the first 5 minutes before continuing to cook.
- Toast the buns in the air fryer during the last 2 minutes of cook time if your model is large enough. Otherwise, toast them while the burgers are resting.
