Aug 17th 2026

Juicy Air-Fryer Turkey Burgers

These air fryer turkey burgers come out tender and juicy every single time. The key is a grated onion, a tablespoon of mayo, and a quick freezer step before cooking.

Made with simple real-food ingredients and lean ground turkey, these are an easy weeknight dinner when it's too hot to fire up the grill, or when I just need a quick protein option.

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Set Time: 20 mins

Equipment

• 1 air fryer

• 1 mixing bowl

• 1 baking sheet

Ingredients

• 1lb ground turkey

• 1/4 cup grated yellow or white onion

• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Optional add-ins:

• Add veggies - Mix in some chopped spinach, chopped sweet pepper, and/or chopped zucchini with the ground turkey.

• Add some herbs or spices - Elevate the flavor by adding chopped parsley, chopped scallions, chopped cilantro, ranch seasoning, or Italian seasoning.

• Make it a cheeseburger - Add cheese after the turkey patties are cooked. Turn off the air fryer, place the cheese on the burgers, and put the basket back in. Let the cheese melt. It should take less than 2 minutes.

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and combine with your hands until evenly blended. Do not overmix.

3. To prevent sticking, get your hands slightly wet before forming the patties. Next, divide meat mixture into 4 equal-sized pieces. Create a ball in your hands with each piece and then place on the prepared baking sheet. Press mixture down into a round patty shape about ½" thick. Using your thumb, place a dent in the middle of the patty (this will prevent the patty from shrinking when cooked). Repeat for all 4 patties.

4. Place baking sheet with patties in the freezer for a minimum of 20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape, so they don't fall apart when transferring to the air fryer.

5. Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F. Once preheated, using a spatula, gently transfer the turkey patties to the air fryer basket.

6. Air fry for 12-14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165-degrees F. Flip burgers halfway through cooking time.

7. If adding cheese, turn the air fryer off and return the cooked burgers to air fryer with sliced cheese to allow cheese to melt (this should take less than 2 minutes).

8. Serve with your choice of toppings and enjoy!