How to Cook Juicy and Flavorful Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer

These Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are juicy, delicious, and full of amazing flavor. I use my healthy secret ingredient to keep these turkey burgers nice and juicy with no added oil or butter.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips/tricks in theblog post.

I’ve used ground turkey to replace ground beef in a ton of recipes for as long as I can remember. Not because I think it’s better for you, but because I like diversity in my food.

But turkey burgers usually get a bad rap for being dry and tasteless. That’s because turkey has to be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can’t get away with undercooking it a bit as you can with other meats. But the secret ingredient to keep those turkey burgers nice and juicy is unsweetened apple sauce.

Apple sauce without sugar adds moisture to burgers, keeping them juicy without extra oil. I also add a bit of grated fresh onion to the meat mixture to add moisture and flavor. It works every time and results in perfectly cooked juicy turkey burgers. And because I love my Air Fryer, that’s exactly what I use to cook them.

Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years as a way to make delicious fried foods with less oil. One of the best things to make in an air fryer is turkey burgers! When cooked in the air fryer, turkey burgers come out tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy, lightly browned exterior.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to cook turkey burgers in the air fryer for perfect results every time.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

There are several benefits to cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer rather than pan frying or baking them in the oven

Uses little to no oil, resulting in a healthier cooking method. Air fryers use rapid air circulation and top-down heat to mimic deep frying, allowing you to get that crispy exterior without submerging the food in oil.
Cooks burgers evenly and prevents drying out. The circulating hot air surrounds the burgers entirely cooking them through without losing moisture.
Infuses burgers with lots of flavor. The air fryer seals in juices and allows seasonings to penetrate fully into the meat.
Quicker than oven baking. Air fryers preheat and cook faster than a conventional oven.
Easy clean up. Unlike dealing with greasy pans, air fryer baskets wipe down easily after cooking.

Picking the Right Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is very versatile and the ideal lean protein for burgers. Here are some tips when selecting ground turkey for air fryer burgers:

Choose 93% lean or higher. Going above 93% fat content can cause burgers to become overly dry as they cook.
Opt for ground turkey breast rather than thigh. Turkey breast is more lean.
Avoid pre-frozen or packed burgers. Fresh ground turkey lets you control the flavor and texture.
Get coarse ground meat for more texture. Finely ground turkey can turn dense and rubbery when cooked.

Seasoning Your Turkey Burgers

One of the best parts of making your own turkey burgers is being able to customize the seasoning. Here are some easy ways to add lots of flavor:

Fresh herbs – Try chopped parsley, basil, oregano, or cilantro.
Minced garlic and onion – For lots of aromatic flavor.
Spices and spice blends – Cajun seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and paprika work well.
Worcestershire or soy sauce – For umami depth.
Cheese – Shredded cheddar, parmesan, feta or blue cheese.
Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or other veggies.
Panko breadcrumbs – To help retain moisture.

Shaping the Patties

Shaping even patties ensures the turkey burgers cook evenly in the air fryer:

Make indentations. Use your thumb to press into the center of each patty. This prevents puffing up.
Keep patties on the thinner side, 1/2 inch thick. Thick patties won’t cook through.
Make the patties slightly wider than the bun. They’ll shrink slightly as they cook.
Use parchment paper. If the meat is sticky, place patties on parchment when shaping to prevent sticking.
Chill patties before cooking. Put shaped patties in the fridge for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape better.

Cooking Turkey Burgers in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer turkey burgers:

Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
Brush or spray basket lightly with oil. This promotes browning.
Arrange patties in a single layer, not touching.
Cook 7 minutes on first side. Then flip and cook 6 minutes more until 165°F internal temperature.
For 4-6 ounce patties, cook times range from 8-15 minutes total.
Let patties rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Make your turkey burgers even more flavorful by serving them on potato buns or pretzel buns. Top with cheese slices, lettuce, sliced onions, pickles, mustard, ketchup, or mayo.

For the ultimate turkey burger meal, air fry some frozen french fries or sweet potato fries along with the patties. Brussel sprouts, coleslaw, and oven baked beans also pair deliciously.

Tips for Leftovers and Meal Prep

Making a batch of turkey burgers in the air fryer is a great way to meal prep for your week! Here are some storage tips:

Let burgers cool completely before storing.
Place cooked burgers in a container or zip top bag. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat burgers in the air fryer at 370°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
To freeze, separate patties with parchment paper and store in an airtight freezer bag. Defrost before reheating.

More Air Fryer Turkey Recipes

If you love how moist and delicious turkey burgers turn out in the air fryer, be sure to also try cooking turkey meatballs, turkey breast cutlets, turkey drumsticks, and even a whole turkey breast!

The air fryer works its magic on all kinds of turkey dishes by locking in juices and adding that crispy exterior.

So skip the oil-laden pan frying and discover just how easy it is to make your favorite turkey recipes in the air fryer. With a little practice, you’ll be amazed at the quick, healthy, and delicious meals you can whip up.

how to cook turkey burgers in the air fryer

How to make burgers from frozen in the Air Fryer

These turkey burgers freeze beautifully and can go straight from the freezer to the Air Fryer. For frozen turkey burgers, cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes, flipping halfway over. Use a quick-read thermometer to ensure your turkey burger has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Core Culinary Cooking Skills

Flavorful Mix Preparation: Combine ground turkey, apple sauce, grated onion, and seasonings.
Patty Shaping: Form the mixture into even-sized patties.
Chilling: Refrigerate patties to firm up before cooking.
️ Air Fryer Cooking: Cook patties in the air fryer, flipping halfway to the right temperature.

For detailed ingredient quantities and instructions, check out the complete recipe card at the end of this post.

Air Fryer Turkey Patties (Fresh Homemade)

FAQ

How long does it take to cook turkey burgers in the air fryer?

Place 4 turkey patties on a rack, evenly spaced apart. Set the air fryer temperature to 400˚F and set the timer to 20 minutes. Close the door and press start. Please note that cooking times may vary depending on air fryer wattage and personal preference.

What temperature should turkey burgers be cooked at?

Use a thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook and dry out the turkey burgers. They’ll continue cooking for a few minutes after being taken off the heat, so cook them to an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow them to rest a few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Do burgers need to be flipped in air fryer?

Cook air fryer hamburgers at a temperature of 360 degrees so that the burgers don’t cook too quickly, giving the burgers time to brown. Do you need to flip burgers in an air fryer? It’s a good idea to flip burgers in an air fryer halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

How to cook turkey burgers in air fryer?

Step 3- Prep the air fryer. After preheating the air fryer to 180C/350F and greasing the air fryer basket, place the turkey burger patties in it. Step 4- Air fry the turkey burgers. Air fry the turkey burgers for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Before you assemble your burger, let the patties sit for 5 minutes to retain the juices.

Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.

How do you know if a turkey burger is cooked in an air fryer?

Checking for Doneness: Because all air fryers are different, always remember to judge if your burger is done by the temperature, not the time. Check your user manual for your air fryer for best cooking times and adjust if needed. Turkey burgers are done when they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are air frying turkey burgers healthy?

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are the perfect answer when you want a juicy, flavorful burger that’s a bit healthier. With a seared outside and moist tender inside it’s the ideal burger! Air frying is quick, delicious, and usually a healthier way to cook and you must try it out!