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A close up of a turkey burger on a whole wheat bun with tomato, lettuce, and burger sauce.
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Air Fryer Turkey Burgers w/ a Healthy Protein-Packed Burger Sauce

Looking for a quick, healthy, and family-friendly dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes? These Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or weekend BBQ vibes without the grill! Paired with a protein-packed burger sauce, this meal is a win for adults and kids.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 335kcal
Author Jillian Schneider

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • air fryer

Ingredients

  • 48 oz ground turkey can sub in ground turkey or ground beef
  • 1 tbsp steak seasoning McCormicks montreal steak seasoning or hamburger seasoning or Craft Spice Blends bourbon barrel steak seasoning.
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsps smoked paprika divided
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup no sugar added ketchup
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup capers
  • whole wheat buns
  • cooking spray
  • sliced tomato optional topping
  • butter lettuce optional topping

Instructions

  • Step 1 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, steak seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and eggs. Mix well to combine.
  • Step 2 - Using clean hands, form patties. Spray the bottom of the air fryer and place the patties down. Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the patties and cook for another 5 - 8 minutes. Make sure the inside of the burgers are 165 degrees.
  • Step 3 - Meanwhile, for the burger sauce, in a small mixing bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, ketchup, dijon mustard, capers, and 1 tsp of smoked paprika.
  • Step 4 - Assemble the burgers, on a whole wheat bun, place a piece of butter lettuce, turkey burger, sliced tomato, a sliced dill pickle, and some delicious protein-packed burger sauce smeared all over.

Notes

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef are great alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fat content varies between meats.
How long do I cook turkey burgers for in the air fryer?
Cook turkey burgers at 400°F for about 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check for an internal temp of 165°F for doneness.
Can I make the burgers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw before air frying.
How do you store leftovers?
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F to keep them juicy.
How can the kids help?
  • Let them mix the ground turkey with spices and herbs using clean hands or a large spoon.
  • Kids love shaping food! Guide them in creating uniform patties using a burger press or by hand.
  • They can stir the sauce ingredients and taste test (with clean spoons!) to adjust flavors.
Bonus Tip: Turn it into a "Build Your Own Burger Night" and let the kids name their burger creations.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.8g | Protein: 24.6g | Fat: 7.2g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.2g | Cholesterol: 195mg | Sodium: 2702mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 4.5g | Sugar: 13.8g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 17mg