There are numerous compelling reasons to incorporate these fantastic air fryer turkey burgers into your meal rotation. Here are just a few benefits that make this recipe a true winner:

• An Ideal Low-Calorie and Low-Carb Meal: If your health goals involve reducing calorie intake or lowering your carb consumption for weight management, these turkey burgers are an exceptional choice. By simply skipping the bun, you effortlessly transform this dish into a delicious and satisfying keto air fryer turkey burger, perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
• Abundant in High-Quality, Satisfying Protein: These substantial burgers offer a high-protein entrée designed to provide sustained satiety – that wonderful feeling of fullness that lasts between meals. As a result, you may find yourself less inclined to reach for unhealthy snacks shortly after eating, which can be a significant aid in achieving or maintaining a healthy weight. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making these burgers a nutritious cornerstone of any diet.
• A Clever Vehicle for Essential Vegetables: We’ve strategically packed a generous amount of zucchini into each of these burgers. For anyone looking to effortlessly increase their daily vegetable intake, this air fryer turkey burger recipe provides a delicious and often undetectable way to do so. It’s a smart way to boost nutrient density without compromising on flavor.
• Effortlessly Family-Friendly and Highly Customizable: Burgers are almost universally loved, making this recipe a guaranteed hit with the entire family. Its inherent customizability is another major plus; you can easily adapt it to suit a variety of taste preferences. For instance, if you have children or family members who aren’t fond of spicy foods, simply swap the sriracha mayo for classic ketchup, a dollop of mustard, or a mild ranch dressing. This versatility ensures everyone at the table can enjoy their perfect burger.
• Remarkably Fast and Delicious: Time is a precious commodity, and these turkey burgers respect that. They air fry to perfection in approximately 18 minutes, which is often less time than it would take to drive to a fast-food establishment, place an order, and wait for your meal. Enjoy a gourmet-quality, homemade burger in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

To craft these perfectly air-fried turkey burgers, you’ll only need a handful of basic, wholesome ingredients:

• Ground Turkey: Ensure it’s thawed if previously frozen. For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using ground turkey thighs rather than ground turkey breast. The slightly higher fat content in turkey thighs allows the burgers to brown more beautifully and stay considerably juicier compared to leaner options. The small amount of extra fat makes a significant difference in the end result.
• Grated Zucchini: This is our star ingredient for moisture!
• Chili Powder: Our primary seasoning for a delicious, savory kick.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Opt for a non-aerosol variety for even coating and healthier cooking.

For our optional, but highly recommended, homemade sriracha mayo, you’ll need two additional items:

• Mayonnaise: Your preferred brand.
• Sriracha: The spicy kick!

I personally favor True Made Foods Veracha (Vegetable Sriracha) as my go-to sriracha brand. I appreciate its commitment to veggie-packed ingredients and the absence of added sugars. Their ingredients list speaks for itself:

• Tomato Puree
• Jalapeno Puree
• Butternut Squash
• Carrots
• Garlic Powder
• Distilled Vinegar
• Spinach
• Onion Powder
• Salt
• Cayenne Pepper

While I could certainly attempt to replicate this vibrant condiment at home, True Made Foods has truly perfected it, and I’m happy to let them do the work. If you’re looking to stock your pantry with delicious, no-added-sugar condiments, they are an excellent brand to explore.

Gathering the right kitchen equipment will ensure a smooth and successful cooking experience:

• Air Fryer: The star of our show!
• Peeler: For preparing the zucchini (optional, if you prefer to remove the skin).
• Grater: Essential for shredding the zucchini to the right consistency.
• Meat Thermometer: Non-negotiable for ensuring food safety and perfectly cooked burgers.

The peeler and grater are specifically for preparing the zucchini, ensuring it’s finely shredded and ready to be incorporated into the turkey mixture. For my recipes, I typically use a large Kalorik Digital Air Fryer Oven, which features two trays rather than a single air fryer basket, offering more cooking surface area. This allows for cooking multiple burgers simultaneously without overcrowding.

Rest assured, this recipe is adaptable to various air fryer models, including popular brands like Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Philips, Pampered Chef Air Fryer, Actifry, Cosori, Nuwave, and Power Air Fryer. However, it’s important to remember that cooking times and temperatures can vary slightly between different air fryer brands and models. I always recommend checking your food frequently, especially when trying a new air fryer recipe, and adjusting cooking times as needed to achieve your desired results.

This next step is crucial for achieving the perfect burger consistency and preventing a soggy patty. Place the shredded zucchini onto several layers of paper towels or a clean piece of cheesecloth. Over the sink, thoroughly squeeze out all of the excess moisture from the zucchini. Zucchinis can vary significantly in their water content, and this step ensures consistent results for our moist and flavorful burgers every time.

Once your ingredients are well-mixed, divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties. Aim for burgers that are approximately 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) in diameter. It’s important not to make the burgers significantly larger than this, as bigger patties may risk drying out before they are cooked through to a safe internal temperature.

Here’s a chef’s trick to prevent your burgers from bulging in the middle as they cook: gently press a divot into the center of each burger with your thumb. This simple technique works equally well for both turkey and beef burgers, ensuring a flatter, more even patty.

Food safety is paramount when cooking poultry. Always use a reliable meat thermometer to verify that your turkey burgers are thoroughly cooked. The safe minimum internal temperature for all poultry products, including ground turkey, is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger. If your burgers haven’t reached this temperature, simply give them a little extra air frying time, checking every couple of minutes.

Once cooked to perfection, remove the burgers from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger. Now, all that’s left is to add your favorite toppings and serve!

While your turkey burgers are air frying, it’s the perfect time to prepare your chosen toppings. For a quick and zesty sriracha mayo, simply whisk together two parts mayonnaise to one part sriracha until well combined. For my personal serving suggestion, I opted for crisp green leaf lettuce, vibrant slices of ripe tomato, and thinly sliced red onion to complement the savory burgers.

For those opting for bunless burgers, large lettuce leaves make an excellent, refreshing burger wrap. Alternatively, a fork and knife are always an option, allowing you to enjoy all the delicious flavors without the bread.

If my topping suggestions don’t quite match your palate, don’t worry! The beauty of turkey burgers is their versatility. Here’s an extensive list of other fantastic topping ideas you can mix and match to create your perfect burger:

• Cheeses: Sharp Cheddar, spicy Pepper Jack, creamy Swiss, rich Gruyere, or a tangy Feta.
• Meats: Crispy cooked bacon (try making Air Fryer Turkey Bacon for a lighter option) or even a fried egg.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Earthy sautéed mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, or vibrant green chiles.
• Classic Condiments: Ketchup, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or a gourmet BBQ sauce.
• Specialty Sauces & Spreads: Our Vegan Honey Mustard, a smoky Vegan Chipotle Mayo, or a savory bacon jam.
• Pickled & Fresh Elements: Tangy No Cook Refrigerator Pickles, zesty pickled jalapenos, fresh coleslaw, creamy guacamole, or a vibrant pico de gallo (or any other fresh salsa).
• Dressings: Creamy ranch dressing or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Recipe (No Breadcrumbs)

Author: Summer Yule

Can you air fry turkey burgers? Yes! Learn my tips to make air fryer turkey burgers moist and juicy, with no breadcrumbs and no oil. This recipe makes 4 servings.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Course: Dinner
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 4 burgers
• Calories per serving: 269 kcal (burger + mayo topping, without bun)

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey (454 grams; dark meat recommended for best results)
• 8 ounces zucchini (227 grams)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Cooking oil spray (non-aerosol)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (choose a brand with no added sugar)
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, burger buns

Instructions

1. For faster cooking, let the ground turkey rest at room temperature for about one hour. Peel 8 ounces (227 grams) of zucchini. Grate the zucchini using a coarse grater. For a less noticeable texture, chop the shredded zucchini a little finer.
2. Place the shredded zucchini on several layers of paper towels or a clean piece of cheesecloth. Over the sink, thoroughly squeeze out all the moisture from the zucchini. This critical step ensures consistent, non-soggy results.
3. In a large bowl, combine the thoroughly dried zucchini, ground turkey, and chili powder. Mix well with clean hands until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Wetting or lightly oiling your hands can prevent sticking.
4. Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burgers, approximately 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) in diameter. Avoid making larger burgers to prevent them from drying out before cooking through.
5. To prevent bulging during cooking, create a slight depression in the center of each patty with your thumb before air frying.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly mist a hot air fryer tray with cooking spray, then gently place the burgers on the tray in a single layer. (A large air fryer oven can typically fit all four on one tray).
7. Place the tray in the top position of your air fryer oven and air fry for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Then, gently flip each burger and continue to air fry on the top rack for an additional 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
8. Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature of your turkey burgers has reached a safe minimum of 165°F (74°C). If needed, air fry for a few more minutes until this temperature is achieved.
9. After air frying, remove the burgers and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender burger.
10. While the burgers rest, prepare your sriracha mayo by whisking together the mayonnaise and sriracha. Prepare any other desired burger toppings.
11. To serve: Top each burger with an equal amount of sriracha mayo. I recommend adding crisp lettuce leaves, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced tomatoes. Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or on your favorite burger buns. Enjoy!

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Peeler
• Grater
• Meat Thermometer

Notes from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). The nutrition information provided for this meal includes the turkey burger and the sriracha mayo topping only. For aesthetic purposes, these burgers were photographed with a brioche bun. If you are aiming for a lower-calorie meal, I highly recommend enjoying your turkey burger without a bun.

These turkey burgers offer a versatile protein base, allowing you to easily adjust side dishes to meet the diverse energy needs of family members. This approach is particularly helpful if you are managing weight with a low-carb diet while also feeding active teenagers with higher energy requirements. For example:

• For those needing more energy (higher calories): Enhance the meal with energy-dense whole grains and starchy vegetables (e.g., a burger bun, sweet potato fries, corn). You can also add more healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of olive oil.
• For those with lower energy (lower calorie) needs: Reduce added fats and increase your serving of non-starchy vegetables (e.g., a large side salad with minimal dressing, steamed green beans). Focusing on fewer grains can be an effective way to create a lower-calorie meal without meticulous counting.

A bunless turkey burger paired with sriracha mayo and a generous side salad (with light dressing) offers a remarkably filling, low-calorie meal. For a higher energy dish, as I sometimes do, you can add more starch to your plate. There isn’t a single “right” way to eat that suits everyone perfectly, so customize to your individual needs and lifestyle.

Please remember: Nutrition information is an estimate for one turkey burger with mayo topping and does not include a bun or other additional toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 269 kcal

Carbohydrates: 3.4g

Protein: 19.9g

Fat: 20.4g

Saturated Fat: 4.8g

Sodium: 203mg

Potassium: 185mg

Fiber: 1.2g

Vitamin A: 16.8% DV

Vitamin C: 10.2% DV

Calcium: 9.7% DV

Iron: 10% DV

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