Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean is recommended for best results)
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns (brioche, whole wheat, or keto-friendly work well)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, avocado, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, Panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Gently: Using your hands or a fork, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Crucial Tip: Do not overmix! Overworking the ground turkey will result in tough, dense burgers. Mix only until you no longer see streaks of individual ingredients.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions (about 1/4 lb or 4 oz each). Gently roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a patty that is about 1/2-inch thick and slightly wider than your hamburger buns. The patties will shrink as they cook.
- Create the Dimple: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a shallow indentation into the center of each patty. This simple trick prevents the burgers from puffing up into a dome shape during cooking, ensuring they remain flat and cook evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating is essential for getting a good initial sear on the burgers, which helps to lock in the juices.
- Arrange in the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the turkey patties in the basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in two batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.
- Cook the Burgers: Air fry the turkey burgers at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your patties and the specific model of your air fryer.
- Check for Doneness: The burgers are done when they are golden brown and cooked through. For absolute certainty and food safety, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a cooked turkey burger should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Cheese: If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking. The residual heat and circulating air will melt it perfectly.
- Rest the Burgers: Once cooked, carefully remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Assemble and Serve: While the burgers rest, you can toast your buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 245 kcal