These juicy air fryer turkey burgers are made without eggs or breadcrumbs, using 93% lean ground turkey, shredded onion, and Dijon to keep them tender. They air fry at 360°F in 10 to 13 minutes and pack 22 grams of protein per patty.
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers At A Glance
- ✅ Recipe Name: Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers (No Egg or Breadcrumbs)
- 🕒 Ready In: ~20 minutes
- 👪 Serves: 4 patties
- 🍽 Calories: ~184 per patty (without bun)
- 💪 Protein: ~22g per patty
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: 93% lean ground turkey, shredded onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, onion powder, salt, pepper
- 📖 Dietary Info: High-protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, low-carb, no breadcrumbs
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Tender, juicy turkey burgers that never come out dry or dense, and they reheat well for easy meal prep lunches all week.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
The air fryer is hands down my favorite kitchen appliance, and these turkey burgers are one of my top five recipes to make in it, right up there with my air fryer turkey meatballs. They were the very first burger I ever made in my air fryer back in 2019, and I still make them at least once a week!
Most turkey burgers I'd tried came out dry or dense, so I was determined to make one that stayed juicy without egg or breadcrumbs. After a lot of testing, the biggest lesson was surprisingly simple: the ground turkey you buy makes all the difference. I'll show you exactly what to look for below.
They're my go-to for busy weeknights and meal prep, especially with these air fryer sweet potato wedges or air fryer smashed potatoes. And if you're more of a chicken person, my juicy air fryer chicken burgers are just as easy!
Jump to:
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers At A Glance
- How Long to Cook Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
- How These Stay Juicy Without Egg or Breadcrumbs
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers (Step-by-Step)
- Recipe Video
- My Top Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers FAQs
- More Ground Turkey Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So easy and really, really juicy! I was surprised there were no eggs or panko in this recipe. It turned out amazing.
- Callie
How Long to Cook Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
Air fry ½-inch turkey burgers at 360°F (182°C) for 10 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the center reads 165°F (74°C).
That's the exact method I've been using almost every week since 2019. Every air fryer runs a little differently, so start checking the temperature at 10 minutes. Thicker patties or a crowded basket will take a few extra minutes.
How These Stay Juicy Without Egg or Breadcrumbs
Ground turkey is a lot leaner than beef, so it dries out faster and doesn't have as much fat to hold it together. That's why most turkey burger recipes add egg and breadcrumbs, but I've found you don't need either one as long as you get a few simple things right:
- 93% lean ground turkey: This is the big one. It has just enough fat to keep the burgers juicy without a binder.
- Shredded onion and fresh garlic: Shredded onion blends right into the meat and keeps the patties moist as they cook, and fresh garlic adds so much flavor. Don't skip them!
- Dijon mustard: It helps everything hold together and adds a subtle tang. I've tried yellow mustard, and it works, but Dijon is better here.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great recipe! They turned out perfect after 13 minutes. I tried these a second time with leaner ground meat, and they were quite dry. So, lesson learned!
- Erica
Ingredients You'll Need
These turkey burgers come together with simple ingredients you probably already have, and no egg or breadcrumbs. See the recipe card for exact quantities.
- Ground turkey: Use 93% lean, the same kind I use in my Greek turkey burgers with feta. Check the label, because 99% lean will turn out dry in this recipe.
- Yellow onion: Shred it so it blends right into the meat and keeps the patties moist.
- Fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic is best here. It adds so much more flavor than garlic powder.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps everything hold together.
- Fresh parsley: A little goes a long way and keeps the burgers tasting fresh. No parsley? See the substitutions below.
- Onion powder: Adds a deeper savory flavor on top of the fresh onion.
- Italian seasoning (optional): Just a small amount adds extra depth and pairs perfectly with the garlic and parsley.
- Salt and pepper: Season well, since there's no breadcrumb mix carrying extra flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground chicken: Swap in ground chicken, just make sure it's at least 92% lean so the burgers stay juicy. For more ideas, try my air fryer chicken meatballs.
- Add cheese: Mix in shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or crumbled feta. One reader even tucked mini mozzarella balls into the center!
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños.
- No parsley? Fresh basil or chives work great, but skip dried herbs here.
- Switch up the seasoning: Use my ground turkey seasoning in place of the Italian seasoning for a bolder, smoky flavor.
- Grill them: They're great on the grill too, or try my grilled turkey burger recipe, also made without eggs or breadcrumbs.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Burgers (Step-by-Step)
These come together in one bowl in about 5 minutes. Just shape them into ½-inch patties and air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 10 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F (74°C).
- Step 1: Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, shredded onion, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Mix gently, don't overmix. Stir until just combined. Overworking the turkey can make the burgers tough.
- Step 3: Shape ½-inch patties. Form the mixture into four patties. Place them in your air fryer basket, preheated to 360°F (182°C) and lightly sprayed, evenly spaced and not overlapping. If your air fryer is small, cook them in two batches.
- Step 4: Air fry to 165°F, flipping halfway. Cook for 10 to 13 minutes, until a meat thermometer in the center of each patty reads 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5 (optional): Top with cheese. Once the burgers are done, add a slice of cheese to each one.
- Step 6 (optional): Melt the cheese. Air fry for 1 more minute, just until the cheese melts.
- Step 7: Toast the buns. Lightly butter the buns and air fry them cut side up at 300°F (149°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. A toaster oven or skillet works too.
- Step 8: Rest, then assemble. Let the burgers rest for a few minutes, then build your burgers. I top mine with thinly sliced red onion, lettuce, tomato, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
My Top Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Use 93% lean ground turkey: After testing this recipe many times, 93% gives the best balance of moisture and flavor. Anything leaner, like 99%, turns out dry every time without egg or breadcrumbs.
- Shred the onion, don't dice it: Shredded onion melts right into the meat and releases moisture as the burgers cook. Diced onion stays in chunks and doesn't do the same job.
- Mix gently: Stop as soon as everything comes together. Overmixing packs the meat down and makes the patties dense and tough.
- Pull them at exactly 165°F (74°C): Lean turkey goes from juicy to dry fast, and every air fryer runs a little differently. I always check the center with a meat thermometer instead of relying on time alone.
- Let them rest: Give them a few minutes before serving. The juices redistribute, and the burgers stay tender.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
These go with just about anything, but here are my favorite ways to round out the meal:
- Crispy potatoes: Try these air fryer fingerling potatoes or crispy oven-roasted potatoes.
- Coleslaw: My healthy coleslaw is a crunchy, fresh side that's perfect with burgers.
- Fresh salads: This watermelon feta salad is perfect for summer; or this edamame feta salad and this cucumber carrot salad work year-round.
- Roasted veggies: Try blistered air fryer shishito peppers, honey sriracha Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or broccoli.
- Sauces: Take them up a notch with avocado, spicy mayo, or my healthy tzatziki.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Turkey Burgers
- Store: Let the burgers cool completely, then keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freeze cooked burgers: Let them cool, then freeze with parchment paper between each patty so they don't stick. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers FAQs
Yes! Each patty has about 184 calories and 22 grams of protein, with no breadcrumbs or other fillers. Using 93% lean turkey keeps them light while still juicy, and the air fryer cooks them without extra oil.
Yes, and this recipe proves it! The trick is using 93% lean ground turkey, shredded onion for moisture, and Dijon mustard to help everything hold together. Leaner turkey, like 99%, needs a binder, so stick with 93%.
Yes. Flip them halfway through so both sides brown evenly and cook through at the same rate.
Use the regular air fry setting at 360°F (182°C). If you have a multi-function air fryer or air fryer oven, choose air fry rather than bake or roast for the best browning.
Ground turkey can stay slightly pink even when it's fully cooked, so color isn't a reliable test. If the center reads 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer, they're safe to eat.
More Ground Turkey Recipes You'll Love
If you loved these juicy air fryer turkey burgers, try these recipes with ground turkey next:
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Video
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey, not 99% lean
- ⅓ cup shredded yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving (optional)
- 4 hamburger buns or lettuce wraps
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting the buns
- Red onion, lettuce, and tomato, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 360°F (182°C) and lightly spray the basket.
- Mix gently. In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, shredded onion, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Shape ½-inch patties. Form into 4 patties and place them in the basket evenly spaced and not overlapping. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry to 165°F, flipping halfway. Cook for 10 to 13 minutes, until the center reads 165°F (74°C).
- Melt the cheese (optional). Once the burgers reach 165°F, top each with a slice of cheese and air fry 1 more minute until melted.
- Toast the buns (optional). Lightly butter the buns and air fry them cut side up at 300°F (149°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until golden.
- Rest, then assemble. Let the burgers rest for a few minutes, then build them with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe tested and developed by Tati Chermayeff, creator of Healthful Blondie. A former Division I rower, Ironman triathlete, and recipe developer based in Austin, TX, Tati creates high-protein, air fryer, and healthy recipes that actually taste like the real thing.
Erica says
Great recipe! I used 97/3 ground turkey. I didn't have parsley, so used basil instead. They turned out perfect after 13 minutes. I tried these a second time using a leaner ground of meat, and they were quite dry. So, lesson learned! I will be making these again, using the proper ground of meat.
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you so much, Erica! You nailed the biggest lesson with this recipe. Leaner turkey just doesn't have enough fat to stay juicy without a binder, which is why I always use 93%. And basil is such a great swap for parsley!
Pat says
Excellent! I did add 2T pecorino romano cheese and some leftover chopped broccoli (small amt) into the mix. Good for kids or adults that don’t enjoy broccoli as a stand alone.
Tati Chermayeff says
Love this, Pat! Pecorino and a little chopped broccoli is such a smart way to sneak in some veggies. Thanks for sharing your twist!
Tati Chermayeff says
I love air frying everything but most burger recipes I tried in the past are dry or dense. So I was determined to create a great one... this is it! I love these juicy burgers. They are so tender and so delicious. I love that they call for 6 ingredients and store very well for meal prep.
April says
I made these, I found your recipe by googling an eggless turkey burger recipe, it was very simple , turned out super juicy! Also I did it a bit different by cutting those small mozzarella balls in half and putting them in the middle of the patty
Will be looking at all your recipes now thanks
Tati Chermayeff says
So happy you found these, April! And halved mozzarella balls in the center sounds amazing. I'm definitely trying that next time!
Jan says
tastes good, well written with lots of tips!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you so much, Jan! So glad the tips were helpful.
Emily says
One of my new favorites!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Emily! Thank you so much for leaving such a kind review. So happy you enjoyed them!
Andrea says
easy to make and just flavorful. I recommend highly
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you, Andrea! So happy you loved them, and thanks for recommending them!
Callie E says
So easy and really really juicy! I was surprised there were no eggs or panko in this recipe, but it would out amazing.
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you, Callie! Isn't it the best surprise? The 93% lean turkey and shredded onion keep them super juicy without any egg or panko.
Saskia says
So juicy and made for the perfect lunch! Delicious!!
Tati Chermayeff says
YAY! So happy to hear that!