Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

You need these juicy, homemade air fryer turkey burgers in your life. They are moist, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly tasty. If you want to know exactly what's going into your patties, make these instead of buying ready-made turkey burgers.

two stacked turkey burgers in a white bowl

Summer, winter, rain or shine - nothing beats these DIY air fryer turkey burgers that taste like MORE. They turn out light, juicy, and ultra-delicious.

I love serving these with a side of my guacamole and this crunchy keto cucumber salad. Don't miss my air fryer chicken burgers.

Ingredients

The ingredient list seems long but really, there are loads of pantry staples that you probably have at home. The key to great-tasting burgers is loads of seasoning and added flavors.

Ground turkey: Use lean ground turkey but not too lean - a bit of fat is what gets them lovely and juicy.
Olive oil, plus more to spray: Adds moisture and prevents the patties from drying out. Use extra to coat your hands or the air fryer basket for easy handling and to prevent sticking.
Onion powder or onion: Onion powder is convenient, while finely chopped fresh onion adds extra moisture and flavor.
Garlic powder or garlic cloves, minced: Garlic powder is quick, but fresh garlic is my favorite!
Grated parmesan or nutritional yeast: Don't skip adding one of these!
Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth to the patties.
Dried Italian herbs: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme works well.
Chopped fresh parsley: I love adding fresh herbs to my patty mix. You'll use some in the slaw, too.
Worcestershire, soy, or coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free option.
Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess and helps bind the ingredients.

For the Slaw

Red and white cabbage: This combo is so pretty.
Carrots: Brings sweetness and color.
Chives or spring onions: Adds a mild onion flavor.
Mayonnaise (or lighter option: Greek yogurt + mayonnaise): Mayo creates a creamy base, while the yogurt-mayo mix is a lighter alternative.

Extras (Optional)

Cheddar cheese slices
Sliced tomato
Sliced red onion or caramelized onions
Pickles
Lettuce
Mayo
Ketchup

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Here are the steps to making your homemade air fryer turkey burgers:

A white bowl containing ground meat, tomato paste, herbs, nutritional yeast, and chopped parsley on a white background.

Step 1: Combine all the burger patty ingredients in a bowl.

A white bowl containing seasoned ground meat mixture on a marble surface.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients together.

Step 3: Form the mixture into burger shapes or use a burger press. Cook the patties in the air fryer.

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, green cabbage, and carrots, mixed with a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Make the slaw by combining the ingredients. Serve the burgers.

Hint: My number one tip here is to oil your hands (lightly) while working with the turkey burger patties. The other equally important tip is to oil the air fryer properly so the patties don't stick and break. A little oil in spray bottle works perfectly.

Two stacked chicken burgers with coleslaw and sauce on a white plate.

Substitutions

While the recipe is pretty perfect as is, you can use ingredient alternatives. Try these:

Ground turkey: Ground chicken, ground beef, or plant-based ground meat.
Tomato paste: Ketchup, sun-dried tomato puree, or tomato sauce (reduce liquid elsewhere).
Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce, tamari, coconut aminos, or fish sauce.
Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard, whole-grain mustard, or a touch of horseradish.
Red cabbage: Purple kale, radicchio, or beet greens.
White cabbage: Napa cabbage, iceberg lettuce, or shredded Brussels sprouts.
Carrot: Parsnip, shredded sweet potato, or thinly sliced radishes.

Variations

If you want to turn this into something a little different - try one of these fun versions:

Spicy Southwest flavors: Add: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and diced green chilies to the patty mix. Serve with guacamole, salsa, and lettuce on a brioche bun or in a lettuce wrap.
Italian version: Mix in fresh basil, grated mozzarella, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the patty mix.
Vegan: Swap ground turkey with plant-based ground meat. Replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast and Worcestershire with coconut aminos. Serve it with vegan mayo, tomato slices, and arugula on a vegan-friendly bun.

Equipment

So, besides mixing bowls, you'll need a trusty air fryer. Try this one for its great capacity.

Storage

This recipe is best served fresh in its bun. You can store leftover patties in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for 2 months.

I suggest storing any extra or leftover toppings in the fridge in separate containers.

The burger patties can be formed and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. The raw patties can also be frozen for 3 months.

For freezer storage, separating each patty with a layer of lightly oiled baking paper is a good idea to prevent sticking.

Top tip

These burgers will be delicate before cooking as they don't contain egg and breadcrumbs. They will absolutely firm up once cooked. My top tip to avoid the meat sticking to your hands as you shape them is to oil your hands with olive oil first!

FAQ

How do I keep turkey burgers from drying out in the air fryer?

To keep turkey burgers juicy, don't overcook them-check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Adding olive oil, tomato paste, or grated onion to the patty mix also helps retain moisture.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can cook these on a stovetop griddle, frying pan, or in the oven. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or grill over medium heat until cooked through.

Can I cook frozen turkey burgers in the air fryer?

Absolutely. Add the frozen patties directly to the air fryer and cook at 375°F. Increase the cooking time by 5-8 minutes, checking that they reach 165°F internally.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: