Why You’ll Love 20-Minute Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers Recipe

I love how fast these burgers come together, making them perfect for busy weeknights. The turkey stays moist, the seasoning is simple but flavorful, and the gooey mozzarella center feels indulgent without being over the top. I also appreciate that the air fryer keeps things lighter while still delivering great texture.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground turkey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 mozzarella cheese sticks
4 burger buns

Directions

I start by mixing the ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until just combined. I divide the mixture into 8 equal portions so the burgers cook evenly. I place one mozzarella stick on a portion, top it with another portion, and carefully seal the edges to keep the cheese inside. After preheating my air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes, I cook the burgers for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I serve them warm on burger buns.

Servings and Timing

I get 4 burgers from this recipe. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is around 12 minutes, so everything is ready in roughly 22 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap mozzarella for pepper jack when I want a little heat. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the turkey mixture gives the burgers a different flavor profile. When I want to skip buns, I serve the burgers over a salad or wrapped in lettuce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through, which helps keep them juicy without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

I can substitute ground chicken, but I make sure it’s not too lean so the burgers stay moist.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

I press and seal the edges firmly and avoid overstuffing the burgers.

Can I cook these burgers frozen?

I prefer cooking them fresh, but if frozen, I add a few extra minutes to the cook time and check the internal temperature.

What internal temperature should the burgers reach?

I always cook them to 165°F to ensure they’re safe to eat.

Can I make these without an air fryer?

I can cook them in a skillet or oven, but the air fryer gives the best texture.

What buns work best for these burgers?

I like soft brioche buns, but any standard burger bun works well.

Can I add vegetables to the turkey mixture?

I sometimes mix in finely chopped onions or spinach, making sure to remove excess moisture.

Are these burgers low calorie?

I consider them lighter than traditional beef burgers, especially when paired with simple toppings.

Can I prepare the burgers ahead of time?

I can assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

What toppings pair well with these burgers?

I enjoy them with lettuce, tomato, a little mustard, or a light garlic sauce.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to these air fryer mozzarella-stuffed turkey burgers because they’re easy, flavorful, and feel a little special without extra effort. They fit perfectly into my weeknight routine while still delivering that wow factor at the table.