Air Fryer Cowboy Turkey Burgers
If you’re looking for a lighter, flavorful spin on a classic burger with a Texas twist, these Air Fryer Cowboy Turkey Burgers are the answer. Packed with bold, southwestern flavors, these turkey burgers combine lean ground turkey with diced jalapeños, red onion, and a blend of Colby Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin gives each bite a smoky, slightly spicy kick that will remind you of a backyard cookout.
With the convenience of an air fryer, these burgers come together quickly without sacrificing juiciness or flavor. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the patties a nice crispy exterior, ensuring that each burger is both tender on the inside and perfectly cooked on the outside. The combination of jalapeños and cheese adds a creamy, slightly spicy meltiness that complements the turkey perfectly.
Whether you’re serving them at a weeknight dinner or firing up for game day, these Cowboy Turkey Burgers are a hit with all ages. And since they’re cooked in the air fryer, you’ll enjoy less mess and cleanup while still delivering all the savory flavors of a grilled burger.
Top these cowboy burgers with your favorite fixings—whether it’s avocado, barbecue sauce, or more cheese—and serve them on toasted buns. Every bite is a celebration of bold, southwestern flavor, and you won’t even miss the beef!
Man That’s Cooking
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1/2 cup italian bread crumbs
- 2 jalapenos diced
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup colby jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
Directions
Begin by removing the seeds from the jalapeños and finely dicing them. Finely dice the red onion as well. Set the vegetables aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced jalapeños, diced red onion, Italian bread crumbs, Colby Jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined, but try not to overwork the meat.
Using a food scale, portion the turkey mixture into either 4 oz (for 1/4-pound patties) or 5.33 oz (for 1/3-pound patties). After weighing each portion, roll the meat into a ball. To create uniform-sized patties, use a burger press, placing a sheet of wax paper under the meat ball to prevent sticking. Press each ball into a patty of even thickness.
If you plan to freeze the patties, place them in an unsealed vacuum-seal bag (or airtight freezer bag) and store them in the freezer for two hours to allow the patties to hold their shape. After two hours, vacuum seal the bag. The patties can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the unfrozen turkey burger patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook the patties for 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F
Once the patties are cooked, serve them on your favorite buns and top with slices of red onion, tomato, avocado, or any other preferred toppings. For added flavor, you can also spread mayonnaise, mustard, or your favorite sauce on the bun.
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