Infused with fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics, this simple air fryer turkey burger is packed with pizzaz. The ingredients all come together in a really special way, so say goodbye to dry, dull turkey burgers!
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients. If you would like to double-check the seasonings, fry a small amount of the meat. The burgers can be shaped up to 24 hours in advance. See Notes about replacing egg with yogurt
The burger mixture will be soft, but don't be afraid. Divide the mixture into four equally sized portions and form into 1/2-inch burgers. To help you shape the patties, wet your hands with water or coat them with oil. With your fingertips make a 1/4-inch depression in the center of each patty. Be careful not to overwork the mixture.
Place two—or 4 if they fit (See Notes)— patties in the air fryer basket and cook them at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Rotate and turn the patties over. Cook for another 5 minutes and check that they have reached 160°F (70°C). If they aren't cooked through, cook for another minute or two. Times will vary depending on your air fryer. Repeat with the 2nd two burgers.
Rest the turkey burgers for 5 minutes under foil, and as they rest, the internal temperature will increase by about 5 degrees. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will dry out.
While the patties are cooking and if you toasting buns, you can toast them in a pan on the stove now, or in the air-fryer after the burgers have finished cooking.
Adding Cheese?
Immediately after the air fryer turkey burgers have come to temperature, top them with cheese. Close the air fryer, and wait until the cheese melts.
To Toast the Buns in the Air Fryer
While the burgers are resting, place the tops and bottoms of the buns cut side down in the air-fryer basket. Insert the basket into the air-fryer and turn the temperature to 370°F (185°C). Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. See Notes below for some low-carb ideas.
Garnish as You Wish
My favorite toppings: caramelized onions, sliced or diced red onions, green chutney, tomato, lettuce, masala potato chips, pickles, mayo, and cabbage slaw.
Notes
Don't crowd the burgers or they won't cook evenly. I have a 5.8-quart GoWise air fryer, and there is not quite enough room in the basket to cook 4 burgers at a time.
Yogurt instead of egg: The mixture with yogurt will be softer and take more care to shape. And they also seem to cook much more quickly. Start checking the doneness at 7 minutes.
Green chili: If you want more heat, add more green chili. Manage the heat by removing the seeds and ribs.
Toasting the buns is optional, but it makes a big difference by creating buttery, crispy edges.
If gluten-free, serve the turkey burger on a bed of cabbage salad, or any other salad situation you love.
The calorie count: Includes the burger, not the optional bun and toppings.