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You can make deliciously moist and flavorful burgers using ground turkey by following my Ground Turkey Burgers Recipe! It's made using only simple ingredients to bring out the best flavor and texture. Cook it on the grill, in the oven, or even in your air fryer - I've included instructions for all three!
Jump to:
- Are turkey burgers really healthier?
- My Turkey Burgers Aren't Dry
- What Makes My Turkey Burgers Special
- Turkey Burger Ingredients
- How to Make Turkey Burgers on the Grill
- Baked Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Turkey Burger Toppings
- Grilled Turkey Burgers Tips
- Storing and Reheating Turkey Burger Patties
- Turkey Burger FAQ
- Easy Burger Recipes to Try
- Juicy Turkey Burgers
- Reviews
Are turkey burgers really healthier?
You've probably heard before that turkey burgers are healthier than beef burgers, but what makes that true? While both beef and turkey can be a nutritional addition to your meal plan depending on how they're served, ground turkey has a reduced level of saturated fats that makes it overall better for you than beef (source).
But does that mean ground turkey has to be less tasty or juicy than ground beef? Not at all! Let me share my secrets to making the perfect turkey burger with you, and I guarantee you'll want to find more ways to incorporate ground turkey into your meal plans.
My Turkey Burgers Aren't Dry
The first time I tried a turkey burger, I have to admit that I was disappointed. It was dry and crumbly, and not flavorful like the beef burgers I was used to. We've all been there, right?
It became my mission to create the tastiest turkey burger recipe I could in that moment, and it turns out that the secret to juicy, tender turkey burger patties isn't in mixing in extra ingredients like vegetables, bread, or eggs to the meat, but the flavorings you add!
And oh, do I have the perfect seasoning for you! My special homemade turkey burger seasoning, complete with the perfect mix of spices, plus a blend of sauces, unites to perfectly flavor ground turkey to make the best turkey burgers out there. Try it out, and you won't miss beef at all!
What Makes My Turkey Burgers Special
- They're super flavorful. These burgers bring out the best in ground turkey and are far from bland!
- You'll be using only the easiest ingredients, and nothing with a low shelf-life.
- These turkey burgers have the perfect texture. By avoiding binding agents like egg, breadcrumbs, or peppers and onions, the turkey burgers turn out juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked!
Turkey Burger Ingredients
- Ground Turkey: I like extra lean ground turkey breast for turkey burgers, but you can use any type you'd like. You can even use ground chicken!
- Turkey Burger Seasoning: We're using my homemade turkey burger seasoning for this recipe! It's my secret ingredient to make the tastiest burger patties ever. Here's what you'll need:
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Cumin
- White pepper
- Ketchup: A little ketchup goes a long way in adding sweet tang to these burgers. The sugar content also helps the patties hold their shape.
- Dijon Mustard: Mustard adds bite and aroma that brings out lots of flavor in turkey meat, which can otherwise be a little bland.
- Worcestershire Sauce: You can't go wrong with Worcestershire! In turkey it brings out umami flavors that make the patty richer and more flavorful. I find Worcestershire helps a lot in burgers that aren't made with ground beef!
- Burger Buns: You can use your favorite hamburger buns, but I recommend brioche buns or sesame buns for the best texture and flavor.
- Optional Toppings:
- Sliced cheese
- Tomato
- Lettuce
- Red onion
- Pickles
- Caramelized onions
- Avocado
How to Make Turkey Burgers on the Grill
1: Mix Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, seasoning, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix with your hands for about 40 seconds, until well incorporated and the fat is well mixed through.
2: Assemble Patties
Separate the meat mixture into four equal balls, then press them flat, about ½-inch thick. Press down in the center more to create a shallow bowl shape.
3: Grill Patties
Spray your grill with non-stick spray, then heat to medium heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side. The internal temperature must reach 165°F.
4: Rest and Serve
Remove from the grill, and let rest for 5 minutes. Then assemble on buns with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Baked Turkey Burgers
You can also make turkey burgers in the oven! I recommend placing them on a cookie tray on top of a baking sheet; that way, all the edges get nice and crispy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Then place a drying rack on the tray.
- Place the patties on the rack, and place the tray in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove, rest 5 minutes, and serve!
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Last but certainly not least, you can make turkey burgers in the air fryer! This method is very similar to oven-baked burgers, but takes less time and tends to have a better crispy crust.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and brush it down lightly with oil.
- Place the patties in the air fryer, and cook for 7 minutes. Then flip, and cook another 5 minutes.
- Let rest 5 minutes, then remove, serve, and enjoy!
Turkey Burger Toppings
Grilled Turkey Burgers Tips
- Turkey absolutely cannot be served under-cooked, or it is unsafe! The only safe way to serve turkey burgers is at a temperature of 165°F or above. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- You can also cook these burgers on a skillet! If you want, you can press them nice and flat to turn them into Turkey Smash Burgers.
- Ground turkey is a pretty sticky consistency. If you find it hard to form the patties, try pressing the ground turkey balls flat under a sheet of parchment paper folded over itself.
- I don't recommend adding sliced vegetables to the meat. They won't cook well, can shatter the burger, and are generally better served sauteed on top of the burger as a topping.
Storing and Reheating Turkey Burger Patties
A great make-ahead dinner idea is making turkey burger patties for later! They're best stored raw, so you can serve them up crispy-fresh when it's time to dine.
To freeze turkey burgers, form the patties and carefully fold them into aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
To cook frozen burgers, air-fry or bake for an extra 5 minutes. If grilling, let the burgers thaw in the fridge overnight.
Turkey Burger FAQ
Yes! Turkey is fragile, and I don't recommend mixing it for more than 40 seconds or else the meat can start getting tough and spongy. Just mix until the seasonings are well incorporated.
I love turkey burgers in all the classic burger ways: topped with egg, served up cowboy-style with BBQ sauce and onion rings with potato wedges on the side, or a good blue cheese burger with blue cheese and caramelized onions. But these patties are great with any toppings you like!
Easy Burger Recipes to Try
- Loaded Caramelized Onion Burger
- Fried Egg Burgers
- Smoked Burger
- Mushroom Swiss Burger
- Wagyu Beef Burger
If you enjoyed the recipe, leave a comment and a rating below!
Juicy Turkey Burgers
Video
Equipment
- Grill or
- Oven or
- Air fryer or
- Parchment paper optional
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground turkey
- 2 Tablespoons Turkey burger seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 Hamburger buns
Turkey Burger Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon White pepper - or black pepper
Instructions
Grilled or Skillet Turkey Burgers
- Turn your stove or grill to medium heat. While it's preheating, combine the turkey, seasoning ingredients, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl, and mix with your hands until combined, about 40 seconds.1 lb Ground turkey,2 Tablespoons Turkey burger seasoning,1 Tablespoon Ketchup,1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard,1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce,1 teaspoon Salt,1 teaspoon Garlic powder,1 teaspoon Onion powder,½ teaspoon Paprika,½ teaspoon Dried parsley,½ teaspoon Cumin,¼ teaspoon White pepper
- Using parchment paper if necessary, assemble 4 equal patties. Press them down to flatten them into shallow bowls with raised edges.
- Spray the grill with non-stick spray (or use a nonstick skillet), then add the burgers. Cook for 5 minutes per side, or until no longer pink in the middle and with an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Remove from the heat and let rest 5 minutes. Then place on buns, top with your favorite toppings, and serve!4 Hamburger buns
Baked Turkey Burgers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. While it's preheating, combine the turkey, seasoning ingredients, ketchup, mustard, and worcestershire sauce in a large bowl, and mix with your hands until combined, about 40 seconds.
- Using parchment paper if necessary, assemble 4 equal patties. Press them down to flatten them into shallow bowls with raised edges.
- Cover a rimmed baking tray with foil or parchment paper, then place a wire rack on top. Place the patties on the rack and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let rest 5 minutes. Then place on buns, top with your favorite toppings, and serve!
Air Fried Turkey Burgers
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. While it's preheating, combine the turkey, seasoning ingredients, ketchup, mustard, and worcestershire sauce in a large bowl, and mix with your hands until combined, about 40 seconds.
- Using parchment paper if necessary, assemble 4 equal patties. Press them down to flatten them into shallow bowls with raised edges.
- Place the patties in the air fryer, and cook for 7 minutes. Then flip the patties and cook another 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let rest 5 minutes. Then place on buns, top with your favorite toppings, and serve!
Notes
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- The only safe way to serve turkey burgers is at a temperature of 165°F or above. Use a meat thermometer to check.
-
- You can also cook these burgers on a skillet! If you want, you can press them nice and flat to turn them into Turkey Smash Burgers.
-
- Ground turkey is a pretty sticky consistency. If you find it hard to form the patties, try pressing the ground turkey balls flat under a sheet of parchment paper folded over itself.
-
- I don't recommend adding sliced vegetables; they won't cook well, can shatter the burger, and are frankly better served sauteed on top of the burger as a topping.
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