Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

I started making Air Fryer Turkey Burgers when I wanted something lighter than beef without giving up any of the flavor, and this one delivered way beyond what I expected. The patties come out golden brown and juicy, packed with Parmesan, garlic, and Dijon that make every bite savory and filling. Lighter has never tasted this good.

Air Fryer Turkey Burger. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

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Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a summer cookout, these are the burgers I reach for when I want something a little more wholesome without anyone feeling like they’re missing out. They come together quickly, cook fast in the air fryer, and the whole family loves them. Store leftover patties in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat them in the air fryer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

Ingredients for a delicious Turkey Burger are arranged on a surface, including ground turkey, buns, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, sauce, cheese, parsley, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Air Fryer Turkey Burger Ingredients. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

This juicy turkey burger recipe comes together so quickly, and once you’ve made it once, you’ll have the process down for good.

Mix the Burger Mixture

Add the fresh ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, red onion, garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl.

Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing the ground meat mixture will make the patties tough, so stop as soon as everything comes together to keep the burgers tender.

Gently mix the burger mixture ingredients until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 3 equal portions.

Shape the Patties

Divide the turkey mixture into 3 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1 inch thick. Press a small indent into the center of each patty.

That little dent keeps the patties from puffing up in the middle as they cook, so you get an even shape all the way through.

Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, then arrange the raw patties in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t overlapping so the hot air can circulate around each one properly.

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Cook the Patties

Air-fry the burger patties at 375°F (190°C) for 14 to 16 minutes, flipping halfway through with a pair of silicone-tipped tongs, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in a meat thermometer.

I always use an instant-read meat thermometer here because the turkey needs to hit that mark for food safety, and it also tells you exactly when the patties are perfectly done and fully cooked without guessing.

Crispy air fryer turkey burgers cooking in a basket, ready to serve.
Air-fry the burger patties for 14 to 16 minutes.

Toast the Buns

Once the patties are done, pop the hamburger buns into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes, or toast them in a pan if you prefer. That quick toast makes a real difference in texture and keeps the bun from getting soggy under the patty.

Assemble and Serve

Place each turkey patty on a toasted bun and pile on your favorite burger toppings. Sliced tomatoes, fresh greens, red onion rings, and your favorite sauce or dressing all work beautifully here. Serve warm and enjoy right away!

Spread the sauce on the bottom bun.
Add the turkey patty.
Layer your favorite burger toppings.

These homemade turkey burgers travel well if you’re bringing them to a potluck or outdoor gathering. Pack the cooked turkey burger patties separately from the buns and toppings so nothing gets soggy in transit.

Wrap each patty individually in heavy-duty aluminum foil to hold in the heat, and keep them in an insulated bag or cooler if they need to stay warm for more than 20 minutes. Assemble the burgers on-site for the best texture and freshest presentation.

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Juicy air fryer turkey burger with fresh lettuce, tomato, and creamy sauce on a toasted bun.

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are the burger I reach for when I want something lighter than beef but just as filling and genuinely delicious. The patties are packed with Parmesan, Dijon, Worcestershire, fresh parsley, and garlic, so every bite is savory and well-seasoned from the inside out. The air fryer cooks them up golden brown and juicy every single time, and I toast the buns right in the basket at the end because it makes such a difference. These are my favorite for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, and family meals, when I want something crowd-pleasing without a lot of fuss.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 31 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Turkey Burger, Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Servings: 3
Calories: 433kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil for cooking spray
  • 3 hamburger buns

Toppings:

  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Fresh greens
  • Red onion rings
  • Your favorite sauce or dressing

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red onion, garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.
    1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup fresh parsley, ¼ cup red onion, 1 clove garlic, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions and shape into patties about 1 inch thick. Press a small indent in the center of each to ensure even cooking.
  • Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer.
    Olive oil
  • Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
  • Toast the buns in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at the end or in a pan before assembling.
    3 hamburger buns
  • Place the turkey patties on the buns and add your favorite toppings — tomatoes, greens, onions, and sauce. Serve warm.
    Sliced tomatoes, Fresh greens, Red onion rings, Your favorite sauce or dressing

Notes

Here are a few things I’ve learned from making these that’ll help yours turn out perfect every time.
Mix gently: Overworking the turkey mixture makes the patties dense and tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined and stop there.
Press the center indent: That small dent in the center of each raw patty keeps them from puffing up and bulging in the middle as they cook, giving you a flat, even patty that sits well on the bun.
Line or coat the air fryer basket: A light spray of olive oil on the air fryer basket or a sheet or parchment keeps the patties from sticking and helps the outside develop a nice finish.
Use a meat thermometer: Turkey must reach an internal temperature of 165°F before it’s safe to eat. A quick-read thermometer takes the guesswork out completely and tells you exactly when they’re done.
Toast the buns last: Toss the buns into the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes right after the patties come out. The basket is already hot, and it takes barely any time, but the result is so much better than a cold, soft bun.
Store properly: Flash-freeze cooled cooked patties on a sheet pan for 1 hour so they don’t stick together when you store them in a food container or zip-top bag. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1495mg | Potassium: 678mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 621IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

DO MORE WITH YOUR

AIR FRYER

A cartoon chef’s hat above hands holding a bowl of salad, with a knife in the left hand and a fork in the right hand.

This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.

Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.

A hand lifts a piece of lasagna from a dish on the cover of
Four baked red bell peppers stuffed with a vegetable and cheese filling, garnished with fresh herbs, on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Includes ad-free recipes like:

∙  Cheesy Egg Bites

∙  Broccoli Cheddar Soup

∙  Asparagus Casserole

∙  Walking Taco Casserole

∙  Chocolate Cake Cookies

...and much more!

How to Store Leftovers

Let the cooked patties cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The buns are best fresh so store them separately at room temperature in a bread container and toast right before serving.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Turkey Burger

Crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple coleslaw are all easy choices that round out the meal perfectly. A light garden salad or corn on the cob also pairs nicely if you want something fresher on the side.

For something a little more fun, set up a toppings bar with BBQ sauce, Swiss cheese, baby spinach, sliced avocado, and fresh herbs so everyone can build their own burger just the way they like it. It’s an easy way to make a weeknight dinner feel a little more special.

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About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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