Ground Turkey Burgers (Air Fried or Grilled)

Ground turkey burgers typically fall short in two areas; they lack flavor or are too dry. This recipe solves these common problems by using a couple of simple ingredients and techniques like grated onions and a touch of olive oil. In addition, I add Mediterranean inspired ingredients like feta cheese and diced Castelvetrano olives to make the juiciest Greek turkey burgers you have ever had. I guarantee it.

Many people swap out ground beef burgers for ground turkey burgers because of the obvious health benefits. Fewer calories, less fat including saturated fat with just as much protein.

But I love turkey burgers for another simple reason; their mild, neutral flavor makes it the prefect canvas for more interesting ingredient additions that would compete with beef.

Beef has its own distinct, powerful flavor that can often taste strange when competing ingredients are added to a burger. But turkey not only allows for the addition of fun ingredients like olives(!!), but is made better by them! If you love the flavors of Mediterranean food, you’ll love these. The olives and herbs give them a bit of texture, and the additions of feta and Worcestershire sauce elevate and deepen the flavor.

I show you two ways how to cook these Greek turkey burgers, either in the air fryer or in a cast iron skillet. You can make stove top turkey burgers (my preference), or use the cast iron on the outdoor grill. Either way, we recommend the cast iron because of how it more evenly cooks the burgers and locks juices in.

Why You’ll Love these Greek Turkey Burgers

• Juicy and tender – the most common issue with turkey burgers is they can dry out and become tough. These are truly the juiciest and most tender turkey burgers you can make, I promise!
• Full of flavor – skip boring salt and pepper and maybe garlic powder. These do have a few extra ingredients than you may be used to, but they make all the difference. These are flavorful burgers that taste great on their own or with your favorite bun and toppings.
• Lean and nutritious – while the differences between 93/7 ground turkey and ground beef are very similar, most burgers are made with fattier cuts of ground beef like 80/20. Most ground turkey sold in stores are 93/7 at minimum, so from the starting point turkey burgers tend to have fewer calories from fat, and just as much if not more protein.
• Great for meal prep – this recipe makes 6-8 burger patties, so plenty to enjoy throughout the week if making for your meal prep.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Burgers

• 1.5 pounds 93/7 ground turkey. Most stores including Costco, package ground turkey in larger quantities, which is perfect for making a good amount of ¼ burgers. We do not recommend going leaner than 93/7.
• ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled. You can use low-fat or full fat here, but do not use fat free.
• ¼ cup finely chopped Castelvetrano olives. These green olives are not to be confused with Manzanilla or other sharp and pungent green olives. Castelvetrano are buttery and mild, but still offer a distinct olive flavor. Don’t skip on these as they not only add flavor, but little bits of texture as well. They’re easily found in all markets.
• ¼ cup grated onion, white or yellow works best, but not red onion. Definitely grate on a box grater versus dicing, as this is our secret moisture weapon. Grated onions releases its juices into the ground turkey mixture and contributes moisture as it softens when cooked.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped. I love the way the fresh herbs not only adds flavor but creates visible spots of green in the burger!
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped. May sub out dill here if mint is not available
• 1 egg works as a binder
• 2-3 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs, just enough to add a little extra binding help, but not enough to make the burgers resemble the texture of meatloaf. Start with 2 tablespoons and if the mix is too wet and sticky, add a bit more.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil adds a bit of moisture to help keep patties juicy.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestshire sauce is incredibly helpful in adding depth and umami flavor. It’s the secret ingredient to many beef and poultry dishes.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) the addition of both Dijon and lemon zest are just for a bit more flavor, however the burgers won’t be noticeably lacking if you want to simplify and skip.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – helps lift that Mediterranean flavor vibe.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to make Grilled or stove Top Turkey Burgers

Air Fried Turkey Burgers

If air frying is you preferred method of cooking, simply preheat your air fryer at 375 degrees for 3 minutes. Spritz the basket with a bit of cooking spray, and depending on the size of your basket, place the burger patties in a single layer. In my Ninja 5 quart, 2 patties fit perfectly without overcrowding.

Air fry the burgers 10-11 minutes at 375 degrees, flipping the burger over halfway through the cooking process. Internal temperature should still reach 165 degrees and you should allow them to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Patties Puff Up More with Air Fryer Turkey Burgers?

As you can see in the photo above, the air fryer burgers are smaller in circumference but are actually a bit taller than the pan grilled burgers.

In a cast iron skillet, the bottom cooks first and is physically held flat by the pan, so the burger spreads a bit instead of puffing. Unlike a skillet, an air fryer surrounds the burger with hot air. That even cooking encourages the proteins to contract toward the center from all directions, resulting in a “puffier” burger.

You can try making the patties flatter and wider, or not worry about it at all. The taste and texture were almost identical, and aside from the seared crust and shape, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two burgers.

Serving Suggestions

Because of the heavy Mediterranean flavors in this Greek turkey burger, we suggest skipping the usual American burger accompaniments and instead go with a light yogurt sauce and fresh veggies. Our favorite way to stack this burger:

• A slice of crisp romaine or other green leaf lettuce.
• Thinly sliced cucumbers.
• A zesty lemon garlic yogurt sauce or a classic tzatziki.
• Pickled red onions are a nice addition, as well as thinly sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
• Air fried French fries or sweet potato wedges make a great side dish.
• A cold light beer or a refreshing glass of fruit tea to finish it off.
• Serve wrapped in a large lettuce leaf, or choose a nutritious whole grain bun. Our favorite are the Dave’s Killer Bread 21 Grain burger bun. They’re really soft and fluffy and don’t taste like a whole wheat bun, which can often be dry. They also have 6 grams of protein and are just 150 calories per serving.

Storing and reheating instructions

Because of the fresh herbs and feta, these store and reheat incredibly well. Still all the same flavor and won’t dry out even after a couple days! To store leftover Greek turkey burger patties, simply individually wrap in tin foil or parchment paper and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Air Fryer

Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the outside lightly crisp while reheating the center gently.

Microwave (Fastest)

Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. The damp towel helps prevent the turkey from drying out.

Skillet

Warm in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until heated through.

To Freeze Cooked Burgers

• Allow the burgers to cool completely.
• Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

More Ground Turkey & Beef Recipes