Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
Turkey mince is lean, which is why turkey burgers so often come out dry and crumbly. Turkey burgers in air fryer baskets cook in about 12 minutes, and with a little grated courgette in the mix they stay moist inside while the outside turns golden. Here is the recipe, plus timings for shop-bought and frozen patties.
- Temperature
- 190°C
- Total time
- 32min
- Prep
- 15min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 75°C
- Per serving
- 400kcal
Why the air fryer works for turkey burgers
Turkey burgers in air fryer baskets avoid the two usual problems. In a frying pan the surface can burn before a lean patty is cooked through, and under the grill the juices run out and leave it dry. The air fryer surrounds the patty with a steady stream of hot air, so the outside browns and the centre cooks at the same pace, and the fat that does render drips away through the basket.
Because turkey is so lean, a few small habits matter more than the machine: a moist ingredient in the mix, a short rest and a thermometer. Do those three and an air fryer turkey burger is every bit as juicy as a beef one, with a milder flavour that takes spices well. If you prefer beef, see the burger recipe.
How to make turkey burgers in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Prepare the courgette Squeeze the grated courgette in a clean tea towel until it stops dripping. Too much water makes the mixture sloppy and the burgers fall apart.
- Mix and shape Combine the turkey mince, courgette, breadcrumbs, onion, paprika, garlic granules, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper with your hands for about , just until it holds together. Divide into four and shape into patties 2 cm thick. Press a shallow dimple into the centre of each one, then chill for .
- Preheat and oil Preheat the air fryer to 190 °C for . Brush the patties lightly with the olive oil on both sides.
- Cook Place the patties in the basket in a single layer with a little space between them. Cook for , turning them over after . Add a slice of cheese for the last minute if you like.
- Check the temperature Push a meat thermometer into the centre of a patty. The Food Standards Agency says minced poultry must be cooked through, so look for 75 °C, no pink meat and clear juices. Rest the burgers for .
- Assemble Toast the buns in the air fryer for , then fill with the patties, lettuce and tomato.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Turkey Burgers | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh turkey burgers, 2 cmTurn halfway | 190 °C | 12 min |
| Thin shop-bought burgers | 190 °C | 9–10 min |
| Turkey burgers from frozenTurn halfway | 180 °C | 14–16 min |
| Thick turkey burgers, 3 cmLower heat so the middle catches up | 180 °C | 15–17 min |
| Cheese-topped turkey burgersCheese for the last minute | 190 °C | 12 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 75 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
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Tips
- Handle the mixture lightly. Overworked mince turns dense and rubbery. Mix until it just holds together, then shape the patties quickly.
- Make the dimple. A shallow press in the middle stops the burger puffing up into a dome, so the top stays flat and the toppings sit properly.
- Do not press the cooked burger. Squashing it with the spatula pushes out the juices you worked to keep in.
Serving
Serve the burgers in toasted buns with lettuce, sliced tomato and a spoonful of yoghurt mixed with a little mint or mayonnaise. Chips or potato wedges cook in the same machine while the burgers rest. For a lighter plate, skip the bun and serve the patties with salad and sweet potato fries.
Storing and reheating
Cooked turkey burgers keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer at 160 °C for 5–6 minutes, until they are steaming hot all the way through (75 °C in the centre). Uncooked patties can be frozen between layers of baking paper for up to 3 months and cooked from frozen.
Variations
- Greek style: Replace the paprika with 1 tsp dried oregano, add 50 g crumbled feta and a little lemon zest, and serve with cucumber and yoghurt.
- Apple and sage: Stir in half a grated apple and 1 tsp dried sage instead of the courgette for a sweeter, moister burger.
- Spicy: Add 1 finely chopped red chilli and 1 tsp ground cumin to the mix.
Troubleshooting
- The turkey burgers are dry
- Turkey mince has little fat, so overcooking shows quickly. Keep the grated courgette in the mixture, take the burgers out at 75 °C and rest them for 3 minutes.
- The burgers fall apart in the basket
- The mixture was too wet or too warm. Squeeze the courgette well, chill the patties for 10 minutes and turn them with a flat spatula, not tongs.
- The centre is still pink while the outside is dark
- The patties were too thick or the heat too high. Keep them to 2 cm and lower the temperature to 180 °C for thicker burgers.
Frequently asked questions
How long do turkey burgers take in an air fryer?
Fresh homemade patties 2 cm thick take about 12 minutes at 190 °C, turned halfway. Thinner shop-bought burgers need 9–10 minutes.
Can you cook turkey burgers from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen turkey burgers at 180 °C for 14–16 minutes, turning them halfway, and check that the centre has reached 75 °C. There is no need to thaw them first.
What temperature should turkey burgers reach?
The Food Standards Agency says minced meat must be cooked through. A thermometer reading of 75 °C in the centre, with no pink and clear juices, is a safe point.
Do I need oil for air fryer turkey burgers?
Only a light brush. Turkey is lean, so a little oil helps the surface brown and stops it sticking to the basket.
Can I cook turkey burgers without breadcrumbs?
Yes, leave them out and add one more tablespoon of grated onion or courgette. The burgers will be a little softer, so chill them well before cooking.
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