A wholesome, protein-packed dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes, these juicy turkey burgers with crispy sweet potato fries are the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. The air fryer makes them healthier while still keeping everything golden, tender, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a complete meal made right in the air fryer. You get lean, juicy turkey burgers that are bursting with herbs, spices, and Parmesan, paired with naturally sweet and crispy sweet potato fries. It’s a healthier take on a classic comfort food combo, ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the turkey burgers:
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1 pound lean ground turkey
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat for a healthier option)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup diced onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
For the sweet potato fries:
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2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into thin fries
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
To serve:
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Whole grain burger buns
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Lettuce leaves
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Tomato slices
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Avocado slices
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Mustard or your favorite healthy condiment
Directions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer in the basket and cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
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In a bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently form into 4 patties, making a small indentation in the center of each.
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Brush patties lightly with olive oil. Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Toast burger buns in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes if desired.
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Assemble with lettuce, a turkey patty, tomato, avocado, and condiments.
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Serve alongside the crispy sweet potato fries.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Cheese lovers: Add a slice of cheddar or mozzarella to each patty.
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Spicy kick: Mix cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the turkey mixture.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats instead of regular breadcrumbs.
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Different buns: Swap whole grain buns for lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
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Alternative fries: Use regular potatoes, zucchini, or even carrot fries.
Storage/Reheating
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Fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Sweet potato fries can be refrigerated for 2–3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
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Reheating: Reheat burgers and fries in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I make the turkey patties ahead of time?
Yes, shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Do I need to flip the patties in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even cooking and browning.
Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, but it adds flavor and helps bind the mixture. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How do I prevent the burgers from drying out?
Do not overmix the turkey, and make sure to brush with olive oil before air frying.
Can I cook the fries and burgers together?
It’s best to cook them separately to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
What toppings go best with these burgers?
Lettuce, tomato, avocado, mustard, or light mayo are all great choices.
Are turkey burgers healthier than beef burgers?
Yes, turkey is leaner and lower in fat, making it a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness, especially for the fries.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake the fries at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes and the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Conclusion
These healthy air fryer turkey burgers with sweet potato fries are proof that nutritious meals can be just as delicious as indulgent ones. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly paired with crispy fries, this recipe is a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These healthy air fryer turkey burgers with sweet potato fries are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make in under 40 minutes! Packed with lean ground turkey, Parmesan, and herbs, then paired with crispy air fryer sweet potato fries, this meal is the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor. A family-friendly dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying!
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers:
1 pound lean ground turkey
¼ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
For the Sweet Potato Fries:
2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into thin fries
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve:
Whole grain burger buns
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Avocado slices
Mustard or other healthy condiment
Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Potato Fries:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Make the Turkey Burgers:
In a bowl, mix turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Divide into 4 patties, pressing a small indentation in the center.
Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
Cook the Patties:
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Assemble Burgers:
Toast buns for 2–3 minutes in the air fryer (optional).
Layer bun with lettuce, patty, tomato, avocado, and condiment.
Serve:
Plate burgers alongside sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Notes
You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken.
Add a slice of low-fat cheese if desired.
Fries cook best in a single layer—make two batches if needed.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best texture
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
