Ingredients and preparation
To make delicious air fryer turkey burgers, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and juicy patty. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground turkey – Opt for a mix of dark and white meat for a juicier burger, as turkey can sometimes be lean and dry.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the burger and give it a nice texture.
- 1 egg – Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the burger.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – For a hint of savory flavor.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor of the turkey.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard – Adds a slight tang and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt – To season the meat.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – For a bit of spice.
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the burger.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the turkey burger mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Mix everything together gently using your hands or a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than the buns, as they will shrink a bit during cooking.
- For best results, refrigerate the patties for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and hold their shape in the air fryer.
Cooking instructions
Once your turkey patties are ready and have had time to chill, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Cooking turkey burgers in an air fryer is quick and easy, and it ensures that the patties cook evenly while staying juicy inside. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the burgers start cooking immediately and helps achieve a nice sear on the outside.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil to prevent the patties from sticking.
- Place the turkey patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure to leave some space between each patty so that the hot air can circulate around them for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches.
- Cook the patties for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides get a nice golden-brown color. The internal temperature of the burgers should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Close the air fryer and let the cheese melt over the patties.
Once the burgers are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute within the patties, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
Tips for serving and variations
When it comes to serving your air fryer turkey burgers, there are plenty of ways to elevate the dish and customize it to your liking. Here are some tips and variations to consider:
- Buns: Choose a bun that complements the flavors of your turkey burger. Brioche buns are a popular choice for their soft, slightly sweet texture, but whole wheat buns or even lettuce wraps are great options if you’re looking for something lighter or gluten-free.
- Toppings: Classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, and red onion work beautifully with turkey burgers. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding avocado slices, pickles, or sautéed mushrooms. If you want a bit of heat, jalapeños or a spicy aioli can do the trick.
- Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack can add different flavor profiles to your burger. For a more gourmet touch, try blue cheese or goat cheese crumbles.
- Condiments: Ketchup and mustard are always reliable, but consider branching out with different sauces. A garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or even a tangy barbecue sauce can add a new dimension to your turkey burger. For a Mediterranean twist, try tzatziki or hummus.
- Side dishes: Serve your turkey burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for something more indulgent, onion rings or coleslaw are always crowd-pleasers.
- Variations: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different flavor profiles. For a Mediterranean-inspired burger, mix in some crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and a pinch of oregano into the turkey mixture. For a southwestern twist, add some cumin, chili powder, and diced green chilies to the patties.
- Meal prep: These turkey burgers are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a batch of patties, cook them, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain their crispy exterior. Alternatively, freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months and cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.