Let me tell you about my new obsession – air fryer turkey smash burgers that come out juicier than you’d ever believe possible! I used to dread turkey burgers because they’d always turn out dry or bland, but then I discovered the magic of smashing them thin and letting my air fryer work its crispy, golden-brown wonders. In just 18 minutes flat, you get these gorgeous, flavor-packed patties with that perfect crispy edge and tender middle. No more standing over a splattering stovetop – this method is all about minimal mess, maximum flavor. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to soggy turkey burgers again!
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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Turkey Smash Burgers
Let me count the ways these burgers will become your new weeknight hero:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes – perfect for those “I’m starving NOW” moments
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives you that dreamy crispy edge while keeping the center juicy (no more hockey pucks!)
- Healthier but still indulgent: Lean turkey cuts calories without sacrificing flavor, especially with our spice blend
- Almost no cleanup: One bowl for mixing, no greasy stovetop splatters – just pop the basket in the dishwasher
- Endless customization: Dress them up gourmet or keep it simple – they’re delicious either way
Seriously, these check all the boxes – quick, tasty, and way better than drive-thru!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Smash Burgers
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these flavor-packed burgers – measure carefully, because these proportions give you that perfect balance I’ve tweaked through dozens of test batches!
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7 blend works best – more on that below)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (not heaping – level it off with a knife)
- 1 tsp onion powder (the secret umami booster)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (regular works if that’s all you have)
- 1/2 tsp fine grain salt (I use kosher – adjust if using table salt)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (trust me, freshly cracked makes a difference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing – avocado oil works too)
- 4 burger buns (see bun notes below)
Optional toppings (go wild!):
- Sliced cheese (pepper jack is my favorite melt)
- Crisp lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickle chips
- Avocado or special sauce
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Turkey talk: I swear by lean ground turkey (93/7) – regular 85/15 makes greasy air fryer burgers that stick. If you must use regular, blot patties with paper towels before cooking.
Spice swaps: No smoked paprika? Use 1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp regular paprika. Onion powder MIA? Grate 1 tbsp fresh onion into the mix (squeeze out excess liquid first).
Oil options: Olive oil gives great flavor, but avocado or grapeseed oil work if you’re cooking hotter. Melted butter? Only if you want an extra-rich crust (and don’t mind some smoke).
Bun intel: Brioche toasts beautifully but gets soggy fast – whole wheat holds up better. For low-carb, try butter lettuce wraps or portobello “buns.” Pro tip: Lightly toast any bun in the air fryer for 90 seconds first!
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Juicy 18-Minute Air Fryer Turkey Smash Burgers
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Make juicy and flavorful turkey smash burgers in your air fryer with minimal effort. These burgers are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into thin patties.
- Brush both sides of each patty with olive oil.
- Place patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Toast the buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Assemble burgers with your favorite toppings and serve.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for best results.
- Press patties thin for a crispy texture.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Adjust cooking time based on patty thickness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer turkey burgers, smash burgers, easy turkey burgers
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Smash Burgers
Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this process is so easy you’ll have it memorized after the first try. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have crispy, juicy air fryer turkey smash burgers ready before you know it.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – fire up that air fryer! Set it to 375°F and let it preheat while you mix the burger goodness. Now, take your ground turkey and all those lovely spices we talked about (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper) and get ready to give them a good mix. Here’s my trick: I like to whisk the dry ingredients together in a small bowl first, then sprinkle them evenly over the turkey. That way, every bite gets perfectly seasoned. Use your hands (yes, get messy!) to gently but thoroughly combine everything – stop as soon as it’s uniform, though. Overmixing makes tough burgers!
Step 2: Shape and Oil the Patties
Now comes the fun part – smashing! Divide your mixture into 4 equal portions (a kitchen scale helps, but eyeballing works too). Here’s where the magic happens: grab a portion and gently form it into a loose ball, then place it on a plate or cutting board. Using the palm of your hand or a flat spatula, press it down to about 1/4-inch thickness – yes, that thin! The key is keeping them uniform so they cook evenly. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil (this gives us that gorgeous golden crust). Pro tip: make the patties slightly larger than your buns since they’ll shrink a bit while cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Carefully place your patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer – no overlapping! You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. Now, set the timer for 8 minutes total, flipping the patties halfway through (at the 4-minute mark). Watch for that beautiful browning – when they’re done, the internal temperature should hit 165°F (a meat thermometer is your best friend here). Don’t worry if they look slightly pink at first – turkey keeps more color than beef when cooked properly. For more information on safe internal temperatures for poultry, check out the USDA’s guidelines.
Step 4: Toast Buns and Assemble
While the burgers rest for a minute (trust me, this keeps them juicy), pop your buns in the air fryer for just 1-2 minutes to get them lightly toasted. Then, the fun part – assembly! Pile on your favorite toppings: maybe some melted cheese (add it during the last minute of cooking if you want it melty), crisp lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, or my personal favorite – a dollop of garlic aioli. The beauty of these air fryer turkey smash burgers is how perfectly they hold up to whatever flavors you’re craving!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Smash Burgers
After making these burgers more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for air fryer turkey smash burger perfection:
- Give them space: Overcrowding = steamed burgers. Cook in batches if needed – it’s worth the wait!
- Parchment is your friend: Cut a round to fit your basket – prevents sticking without sacrificing crispiness
- Consistency is key: Keep patties uniformly thin (1/4-inch) so edges and centers cook evenly
- Don’t peek too soon: Resist opening the air fryer before flipping time – you’ll lose precious heat
- Thermometer test: Even if they look done, always check for 165°F internal temp
Follow these, and you’ll get that perfect crispy-yet-juicy burger every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Smash Burgers
Oh, the possibilities! These air fryer turkey smash burgers play well with so many sides. My go-to? Crispy air fryer fries (obviously) or sweet potato wedges for something different. For lighter meals, pair with a bright kale salad or roasted broccoli. And don’t forget – pickles and cold beer make everything better!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Let’s talk leftovers – because these air fryer turkey smash burgers make fantastic next-day meals! Store cooked patties separately from buns in airtight containers; they’ll keep for 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to revive that crispy magic. They taste almost fresh-made!
Air Fryer Turkey Smash Burgers FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time about my favorite turkey burgers – here’s everything you need to know!
Can I freeze the patties?
Absolutely! You’ve got options: freeze raw patties between parchment paper for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge before cooking). Or freeze cooked patties – they reheat beautifully straight from frozen at 375°F for 5-6 minutes. Game changer for meal prep!
What can I use instead of smoked paprika?
No worries! Mix 1/2 tsp cumin with 1/2 tsp regular paprika – it won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious. In a pinch, a dash of chili powder works too (just use half the amount).
What’s the best bun for these burgers?
My top pick is brioche for that buttery softness, but whole wheat holds up better if you’re loading on toppings. For gluten-free, try toasted sourdough or even crisp romaine leaves as wraps! For more bun ideas, check out these breakfast and brunch options that might inspire a different bun choice.
Why do my burgers stick to the basket?
Two tricks: 1) Make sure you’re brushing enough oil on both sides, and 2) Don’t move them too soon – let them develop a crust before flipping. A parchment liner helps too!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on these air fryer turkey smash burgers – they’re way lighter than traditional beef burgers but still pack all the satisfaction! Just remember, these numbers can change depending on your exact ingredients and toppings (I’m looking at you, extra cheese lovers).
Per burger (patty + plain bun):
- 280 calories – perfect for when you want a burger without the guilt
- 12g fat (3g saturated) – thanks to that lean turkey!
- 22g protein – keeps you full for hours
- 22g carbs – mostly from the bun (easy to cut by going lettuce-wrapped)
- 450mg sodium – easy to reduce by cutting salt if needed
Pro tip: Want to lighten it up further? Skip the bun and serve on a bed of greens – knocks off about 150 calories instantly!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your air fryer turkey smash burgers turned out! Did you stick with my spice blend or add your own twist? Maybe you discovered the perfect cheese melt technique or a killer sauce combo – spill all your burger secrets in the comments below!
And hey, if you snapped a photo of that golden, crispy masterpiece (we all know you did), tag me on Instagram so I can drool over your creation. Nothing makes me happier than seeing you guys make my recipes your own. Happy smashing, friends – can’t wait to hear your burger stories!