Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Why this recipe works
- Fast cooking: The air fryer cooks the patties quickly and evenly, making the recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner.
- Classic burger format: Juicy turkey patties, warm buns and flexible toppings give the familiar satisfaction of a burger with a lighter protein.
- Simple method: The mixture is shaped by hand and cooked in one appliance, with no pan-frying or complicated technique required.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the patties juicy: Squeeze the grated onion well, then mix the turkey mixture only until combined so the burgers stay tender.
- Avoid drying them out: Check the burgers towards the end of cooking; turkey can become dry if left in the air fryer longer than needed.
Common mistakes
- Overworking the mixture: Mixing too firmly compacts the mince and can make the cooked burgers dense rather than tender.
- Overcrowding the basket: Arrange the patties in a single layer so hot air can circulate and brown them properly.
- Not cooking through: Turkey burgers should be cooked all the way through, with clear juices and a firm feel before serving.
Make-ahead tips
- Prepare the aromatics ahead: The onion, garlic and parsley can be prepared in advance and kept chilled until you are ready to mix the patties.
- Freeze cooked patties: Cool the cooked burgers completely, then freeze the patties for a convenient future meal.
- Reheat in the air fryer: Reheat chilled patties at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot, adding the buns only briefly at the end so they do not dry out.
Ingredient notes
- Grate and drain the onion: Finely grated onion seasons the turkey evenly, but squeezing out excess liquid helps the patties hold their shape.
- Use fresh herbs where possible: Fresh parsley gives the burgers a clean, herby flavour; chives also work well for a softer onion note.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs can replace standard breadcrumbs, though the patties may feel slightly more delicate when shaping.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely grate the onion, then squeeze it well to remove excess liquid. Crush the garlic and finely chop the parsley.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, fine sea salt and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into 4 equal patties and press a slight dimple in the centre of each.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the patties in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and cooked through. The burgers should feel firm and any juices should run clear.
- Warm the burger buns in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve the turkey burgers in the buns with your preferred toppings.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Mix the burger mixture lightly to keep the patties tender; overworking can make them dense.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches and keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you finish.
- If serving to young children, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system, make sure the burgers are cooked all the way through.
Substitutions
- Replace Fresh parsley with Fresh chives for a milder, oniony herb note.
- Replace Breadcrumbs with gluten-free-bread-crumbs for a gluten-free option.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool cooked burgers completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 3 to 5 minutes until piping hot, or freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months and reheat from thawed.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 25min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Wheat
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