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A close-up shot of two perfectly cooked Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, golden brown and nestled in their buns.

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers with Zesty Aioli

These lean and flavorful turkey burgers are perfectly cooked in the air fryer, delivering a juicy interior and a slightly crisp exterior. Paired with a vibrant, homemade zesty aioli, they make for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Ground Turkey 93% lean
  • 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Onion finely minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, for burgers
  • 1/2 tsp Salt for burgers, or to taste
  • 1 tsp Olive Oil for brushing burgers
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise for aioli
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed, for aioli
  • 1 clove Garlic minced, for aioli
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard for aioli
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley finely chopped, for aioli (optional)
  • 1 pinch Salt for aioli, to taste
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper for aioli, to taste
  • 4 Burger Buns toasted (optional, for serving)
  • 4 slices Provolone or Swiss Cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Lettuce Leaves (optional, for serving)
  • Tomato Slices (optional, for serving)
  • Red Onion Slices (optional, for serving)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or Tongs

Method
 

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  2. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Cover and refrigerate the aioli while you prepare the burgers to allow flavors to meld.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, burger salt, and burger black pepper.
  5. Using clean hands, gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers.
  6. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each portion into a 1-inch thick patty, slightly larger than your burger buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from bulging.
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  8. Lightly brush both sides of each turkey burger patty with olive oil.
  9. Place 2 turkey burgers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
  10. Air fry for 8 minutes, then carefully flip the burgers using a spatula or tongs.
  11. Continue to air fry for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If adding cheese, place a slice on top during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  12. Remove the cooked burgers from the air fryer and set aside to rest for a couple of minutes while you cook the remaining burgers.
  13. Toast your burger buns lightly in the air fryer (if desired, 1-2 minutes) or a toaster.
  14. Spread a generous amount of zesty aioli on both halves of the toasted buns.
  15. Place a turkey burger patty on the bottom bun, topped with optional cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices.
  16. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture. Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Cook in batches if needed. The internal temperature for cooked turkey should always reach 165°F (74°C). Use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy. These burgers are also great served bun-less over a salad for a low-carb option.