20-Minute Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers That Wow

Name: 20-Minute Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers That Wow
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Author: lia

Published: November 8, 2025

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Oh my gosh, you guys – these air fryer mozzarella-stuffed turkey burgers are my latest obsession! I’ll never forget the first time I made them – it was one of those “what’s left in the fridge?” kind of nights, and wow, did we stumble onto something magical. In just about 20 minutes, you get these juicy, flavorful turkey patties with a surprise molten cheese center that’ll make you forget all about beef burgers. The best part? Your air fryer does nearly all the work while you kick back (or, let’s be real, frantically prep sides while pretending to have it all together). After testing this recipe more times than I can count, I can promise you – it’s the perfect quick, healthier weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Air fryer mozzarella-stuffed turkey burgers - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Trust me, once you try these burgers, you’ll be hooked just like my family was. Here’s why:

Done in 20 minutes flat – From fridge to table faster than takeout (but so much tastier!)
All the melty goodness – That gooey mozzarella center is pure magic with every bite
Lighter but still satisfying – All the burger joy with less guilt than beef
No greasy cleanup – Your air fryer basket wipes clean while the oven would leave a mess

Ingredients for Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

You won’t believe how few ingredients you need for these flavor-packed burgers! Here’s what to grab:

1 pound ground turkey (I use 85% lean for juiciness – don’t go too lean or they’ll dry out)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (the secret flavor booster!)
1 teaspoon onion powder (trust me, it makes a difference)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste – I sometimes add an extra pinch)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if you have it)
4 mozzarella cheese sticks (the standard 28g ones – don’t get the skinny ones!)
4 burger buns (toasted in the air fryer for 2 minutes while the burgers rest)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Don’t stress if you’re missing something – here are my tried-and-true swaps:

Ground chicken works great if you’re out of turkey – just as juicy!
For a lighter option, part-skim mozzarella sticks still melt beautifully
Got picky eaters? String cheese works in a pinch (same thing really)
Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF buns or wrap in crisp lettuce leaves
Spice lovers – add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the turkey mix for a kick

Pro tip: Cheese sticks are key here – shredded mozzarella tends to leak out more. And don’t skip toasting those buns – that crunch makes all the difference!

How to Make Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Okay friends, here’s where the magic happens – and I promise it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps for the juiciest, cheesiest turkey burgers you’ve ever had.

Step 1: Mix the Turkey Patty Ingredients

First things first – grab that ground turkey (make sure it’s cold!) and plop it into a big mixing bowl. Sprinkle in your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now here’s my trick – I like to mix it all together with a fork at first to distribute the seasonings evenly, then switch to using my hands just until everything’s combined. Don’t overdo it though – overmixing makes tough burgers, and nobody wants that!

Step 2: Assemble the Stuffed Burgers

Now the fun part! Divide your turkey mixture into 8 equal portions (I eyeball it, but you can weigh them if you’re extra). Take one portion and flatten it slightly in your palm, then place a mozzarella stick right in the center. Top with another turkey portion and gently press the edges together – really work that seal like you’re making a little turkey dumpling! I run my finger around the edge to make sure it’s completely closed – this is your best defense against cheese leaks.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3 minutes while you finish shaping the burgers. When it’s hot, pop them in the basket (don’t overcrowd – I do 2 at a time in mine). Set the timer for 12 minutes total, but here’s the key – flip them at the 6 minute mark for even cooking. When they’re done, you want the internal temp to hit 165°F (yes, a meat thermometer is your friend here). Let them rest for 2 minutes before biting in – trust me, that molten cheese is lava-hot right out of the air fryer!

Bonus tip: If you notice any cheese escaping during cooking (it happens to the best of us), just scoop it up with a spatula when you flip – it makes for delicious crispy cheese bits on the outside!

Air fryer mozzarella-stuffed turkey burgers - detail 2

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

After making these burgers more times than I can count (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks that’ll take yours from good to “oh-my-goodness” amazing:

Chill your patties for 10 minutes before cooking – this helps them hold their shape better in the air fryer’s powerful heat.
Parchment paper liners are my secret weapon – they catch any cheese that might escape and make cleanup a breeze (just trim to fit your basket).
Space is your friend – don’t crowd the basket! I cook just 2 burgers at a time so the hot air can circulate properly.
Spritz with oil – a quick mist of olive oil spray gives the outside that perfect golden crispness.

One more thing – if you’re making these for guests, shape all the patties ahead of time and keep them chilled until ready to cook. That way you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is eating!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got these gorgeous melty burgers ready, let’s talk about making them a meal to remember! Here are my go-to ways to serve them up:

Classic burger style – Toasted buns with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a swipe of garlic aioli (mix mayo with minced garlic – so good!)
With air fryer sweet potato fries – Tossed in a little olive oil and salt, they cook at the same temp as the burgers (talk about efficiency!)
On a salad – Break it up over fresh greens with balsamic glaze for a deconstructed burger bowl
Breakfast-style – Top with a fried egg and hot sauce for the ultimate morning-after burger

Don’t forget the napkins – that ooey-gooey cheese center is worth every messy bite!

Storage & Reheating

Okay, confession time – these burgers rarely last long enough in my house to need storing! But when we do have leftovers (miracle of miracles), here’s how I keep them tasting just as amazing:

For refrigeration, let the burgers cool completely first – no one wants a soggy bun from trapped steam. Pop them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The cheese stays surprisingly melty when reheated!

When you’re ready for round two, reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes brings them back to life perfectly. I like to spritz them lightly with water first to prevent drying out. If you’re in a hurry, 30 seconds in the microwave works in a pinch, but the air fryer really gives you that fresh-cooked texture.

Pro tip: If you’re meal prepping, assemble the raw stuffed patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking – the flavors meld together beautifully!

Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers Nutrition

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “These taste too good to be healthy!” But here’s the happy truth about these melty masterpieces. While I’m all about indulging (life’s too short not to enjoy your food), it’s nice when something delicious also happens to be pretty good for you!

Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used, but here’s what you can expect per burger (including the bun):

Calories: 320
Protein: 28g (turkey is such a great lean protein!)
Carbs: 22g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g (mostly from that heavenly mozzarella)
Sodium: 680mg
Fiber: 1g

Now let’s compare this to a typical beef burger – you’re saving about 150 calories and cutting the saturated fat nearly in half! That’s what I call a win-win situation. Of course, if you want to lighten it up even more, you can try whole wheat buns or skip the bun altogether (though personally, I think life needs bread).

One thing I love about cooking with ground turkey is how it absorbs all those delicious seasonings while keeping things light. And that mozzarella? It gives you that satisfying cheesy goodness while being one of the lower-fat cheese options out there. My nutritionist friend always says “it’s all about balance” – and these burgers absolutely nail that balance between indulgence and nutrition!

FAQs About Air Fryer Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

I know you’ve got questions – I did too when I first started making these burgers! So here’s everything I’ve learned through trial and (delicious) error:

Can I freeze these burgers?
Absolutely! I actually love keeping a batch of these in the freezer for last-minute meals. Just shape the patties around the cheese sticks, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. No need to thaw before cooking – just add 2-3 extra minutes in the air fryer.

What if my cheese leaks out?
Oh, this happens to me sometimes too! The key is really sealing those edges well – I like to pinch and press them like I’m making a dumpling. If some cheese does escape during cooking, don’t panic! It just makes these crispy, cheesy bits on the outside – honestly, they’re delicious. Just scrape them up with a spatula when you flip the burgers.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of cheese sticks?
You can, but I really recommend sticking with the cheese sticks if possible. They hold their shape better and create that perfect molten center. Shredded mozzarella tends to melt out more easily, and you might lose some of that gooey goodness. If you must use shredded, freeze it first so it’s easier to handle, and really pack it tight in the center.

Can I make these in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Sure thing! Just bake them at 375°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They’ll take about 15-18 minutes – flip halfway through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but they’ll still be delicious. Just keep an eye on them – oven temperatures can vary a lot!

What’s the best way to check if they’re done?
I’m a big believer in using a meat thermometer for these – you want that internal temp to hit 165°F. If you don’t have one, make a small cut in the center of one burger to check that the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Just be careful of that hot cheese – it’s like lava right out of the air fryer!

Rate This Recipe

You know what makes my day? Hearing how these burgers turned out in your kitchen! Did the cheese ooze perfectly? Did your family go crazy for them? Drop a quick note below to let me know – I read every single comment (usually while nibbling on leftover burger bits).

And hey, if you gave them a try, tap those stars to share your rating! Whether it’s five stars or “needs a little tweak,” your feedback helps me (and fellow burger lovers) know what works. Some of my best recipe improvements have come from your brilliant suggestions!

No pressure though – I’m just thrilled you’re here cooking with me. Now go enjoy that melty, turkey-y goodness!

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