These air fryer turkey burgers are so easy, juicy, and delicious! Make this healthy and flavorful burger in less than 30 minutes or prep ahead to make it straight from frozen!
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Air fryer turkey burgers are great for a quick and light summer meal when you don't want to turn on the oven or grill. They are quick and easy to make and can be prepped and cooked straight from frozen.
If you like burgers check out this Greek spinach feta burger or this cheeseburger bowl! Serve with some fresh asparagus and potato wedges to your sides and you have one tasty dinner your entire family will love!
The meat mixture for these air fryer turkey burgers is a great base recipe you can use in meatballs or meatloaf!
Why You Need To Make This Recipe
- Juicy and delicious!
- Simple ingredients.
- They are way tastier than store-bought patties.
- Easy to prep ahead so you can cook them straight from frozen.
- 30-minute meal.
- Quick summer dinner and a great meal for busy weeknights.
- Heart healthy! No oil or butter.
- Kid-friendly and a great hidden veggie recipe for picky eaters.
- Dairy-free and can be made keto, low-carb, and gluten-free.
Ingredients You Need For This Recipe
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Ground turkey: Ground turkey thigh meat is a better choice than turkey breast due to its increased fat content, which results in a juicy burger.
- Zucchini: Zucchini works as a binder to make these air fryer turkey burgers with no egg.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are optional but recommended to help keep the burgers together. Panko or any kind of breadcrumb will work.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Can be swapped with buffalo sauce for a spicy version.
How to Make This Recipe
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
Step 1
Preheat your air fryer or Ninja Foodi while you combine the ingredients. Add ground turkey to a large bowl, season with salt & pepper, and add in remaining zucchini, bbq sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to incorporate but not over-mix.
If the mixture seems too wet, add in breadcrumbs, starting with ½ cup and adjusting from there. Use your hands to mix and create 6 patties.
Step 2
Place patties on parchment paper or a plate and cover them with plastic wrap. Freeze for 10 minutes or up to one hour to set.
Step 3
Place into an air fryer basket with a small space between each. Air fry on 360F for 7-9 minutes.
Step 4
Flip each patty then air fry for an additional 7-9 minutes. Burgers are cooked at 165F.
Expert Tips
- Use your thumb to push a divot into the burger. This will help them from plumping up too much.
- Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. Overcooking will result in a dry turkey burger.
- Make sure you chill or freeze the burgers before cooking. This will help them to keep their shape during air frying.
- If the meat mixture is sticky, add more breadcrumbs.
- Select ground turkey thigh instead of turkey breast for optimal taste and texture.
- For a low-carb or keto option, eat these in lettuce wraps instead of with buns.
- If you want your patties to resemble store-bought, consider purchasing a burger press.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Make-Ahead: Store uncooked patties in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between burgers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- How to Reheat: Heat at 350F for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway if desired.
Recipe FAQs
The cook time for fresh air fryer turkey burgers is approximately 7 minutes per side. Burgers are cooked when an instant-read thermometer temp reads 165F.
No, these air fryer turkey burgers can be cooked straight from frozen.
Cook time for frozen raw burgers is approximately 9 minutes per side, depending on the size of the patty. Turkey burgers are cooked at an internal temperature of 165F.
Classic toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and pickles are perfect for air fryer turkey burgers. You can also add some melted cheese, sautéed onions, fried eggs, mushrooms, or avocado.
If your air fryer turkey burgers seem to be falling apart, add in some panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or toasted almond flour. Also, freezing uncooked turkey burgers prior to air frying will help them to stay together.
To get a burger with melted cheese, place a slice of cheese on top of the cooked patty after it is done air frying. Close the lid with power off and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.
Related Recipes
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Air Fryer Turkey Burger
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer or Ninja Foodi while you combine the ingredients (approximately 3 minutes). Add ground turkey to a large bowl, season with salt & pepper, and add the remaining zucchini, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to incorporate but not over-mix.1 lb ground turkey, 2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¾ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoon ketchup, 2 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1 cup zucchini
- If the mixture seems too wet, add in breadcrumbs, starting with ½ cup and adjusting from there. Use your hands to mix and create 6 patties and place a divot with your thumb on the top of each patty.breadcrumbs
- Place patties on parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 10 minutes or up to one hour to set. Place into air fryer basket with a small space between each. Air fry on 360F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Burgers are cooked at 165F.
Notes
- Make sure you chill or freeze the burgers before cooking. This will help them to keep their shape during air frying.
- If meat mixture is sticky, add in a bit of breadcrumbs.
- Storage Tips: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Make Ahead Tips: Make patties and store in a freezer safe container with parchment paper between burgers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- How to Reheat: Heat at 350F for 3-4 minutes.
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