FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Turkey Burger Recipe Is The Juiciest Around
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Turkey Burgers
• My Recipe Tips
• Turkey Burger Recipe (With The Best Sauce) Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

My Turkey Burger Recipe Is The Juiciest Around

I’ve spent years perfecting my best beef burger recipe , and I must say, they’re not easy to beat. But when I want something lighter with an extra punch, these turkey burgers seriously challenge the throne. They’re packed with zesty chipotle flavor, have this irresistible creamy, smoky sauce, and believe it or not, they’re as juicy as my beef ones. Here’s what makes them special:

• Golden outside, super juicy inside – Lean turkey is so hard to keep moist, but I promise that you can . I have a few tricks to give you the juiciest turkey burgers around.
• Bold chipotle flavor – Unlike beef that you can season simply, ground turkey makes the perfect blank canvas for add-ins. I’ve made these a few different ways, but this is my best turkey burger recipe, with extra layers of chipotle flavor in the burgers themselves and the creamy sauce.
• Fast and easy – Like many of my healthy dishes , this one’s quick, and most of the ingredients are pantry staples. You can have these mouthwatering burgers on the table in just around 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknights!
• 4 ways to cook – I’ve got instructions for your stovetop, oven, grill, or air fryer, so you can choose how you want to cook these.

If you’re craving something different for dinner , my turkey burger recipe is your next must-try. Make it with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my turkey burgers recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Ground Turkey – Any type of ground turkey works, but I usually steer clear of fat-free since it tends to be too dry. Ground chicken works great, either with this recipe or you can try my other chicken burger recipe . I’ve even made salmon burgers , but for those you need a totally different method.
• Avocado Oil – Adding a bit of avocado oil right into the meat is one of my little tricks to keep it juicy! (I do this with my beef burgers too, but with lean ground turkey it’s even more important.) Olive oil works just as well.
• Coconut Aminos – This brand is my go-to soy sauce substitute , and it adds a layer of umami flavor with a hint of sweetness. Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, or you can substitute Worcestershire sauce like I do for my regular beef ones.
• Herbs & Spices – Dried oregano , fresh cilantro, crushed chipotle pepper flakes , smoked paprika , cumin , and sea salt. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder and/or onion powder for extra flavor. And feel free to use parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan.
• Chipotle Mayo – Don’t skip the sauce, I think it makes this recipe for turkey burgers! You only need 2 ingredients: mayonnaise and chipotle chile powder ! I like this brand of mayo, but homemade mayo is even better. The powder is the ground version of the crushed flakes above. To avoid buying both, you can just grind some of the flakes in a coffee grinder or small food processor. If you don’t want to fuss with that either, my spicy mayo would be the closest substitute.

TIP: The crushed chipotle pepper flakes are the secret ingredient that gives my turkey burger recipe so much flavor!

You can get these flakes here . They’re made of chipotle chile peppers, which have a smoky flavor and moderate heat, unlike regular crushed red pepper flakes that are mainly just hot and sharp. Although you could swap in regular ones, your turkey burgers will turn out a lot more spicy and you’d lose the chipotle flavor.

A closer substitute would be chipotle chile powder (used in the sauce), but I’d recommend 1/4 to half the amount if you make the swap in the burger meat.

How To Make Turkey Burgers

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Mix the seasonings. In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, coconut aminos, crushed chipotle pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cilantro, and sea salt.
2. Mix in the turkey. Add the ground turkey to the bowl and mix with your hands just until combined. Divide the burger meat mixture into 4 sections and form patties. Make a thumbprint in each.

1. Cook the turkey burgers. You can bake and then broil (I do it on this sheet pan ), pan fry on the stovetop (my favorite method in this skillet ), air fry them (similar to my air fryer turkey burgers ), or grill them outside. Make sure to let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
2. Make the chipotle sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and chipotle chile powder. I usually just do this while I cook the turkey burger recipe, but you can make it in advance, too. And don’t miss my serving suggestions below for the other toppings!

My Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the turkey meat. Mixing too much will result in a tough turkey burger. This is why I mix all the other ingredients first, before adding the ground turkey.
• You can tweak the chipotle pepper amount for a spicier or milder burger. Mine is moderately spicy as written, but I find that the mayo-based sauce mellows it out even with the chipotle pepper in there.
• A thumbprint in the center matters. This little trick I always use keeps your hamburgers from puffing up when you cook them, but it’s not just for looks — it helps with even cooking, too!
• For the juiciest turkey burger recipe, cook them to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. This is why I always use my instant-read thermometer , and it’s my other main trick for juicy results. I remove the burgers from heat at 160, then let them rest for 5 minutes to come to 165 degrees F.
• Feel free to add cheese. Just place a slice on top of each turkey burger in the last couple minutes of cooking.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Turkey Burgers:

• 3 tbsp Avocado oil (plus more for frying) ▢
• 1 tbsp Coconut aminos ▢
• 1 tsp Crushed chipotle chile pepper flakes (or less if you don’t want much heat) ▢
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika ▢
• 1/2 tsp Cumin ▢
• 1/2 tsp Dried oregano ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh cilantro ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1 lb Ground turkey ▢

Chipotle Mayo:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise ▢
• 1/2 tsp Chipotle chile powder (or more crushed chipotle chile pepper) ▢

Optional For Serving:

• Your favorite buns ▢
• Salsa ▢
• Avocado (sliced thinly) ▢
• Fresh cilantro ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, coconut aminos, chile peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cilantro, and sea salt.
2. Add the ground turkey. Stir or mix with your hands until just combined. Do not over mix to avoid tough burgers.
3. Divide the meat into 4 sections and form them into burger patties. Make a thumbprint in the center of each one.
4. Cook turkey burgers using your favorite method: Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Oven: Arrange the burgers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees F for 16-18 minutes , until almost cooked through. Place under the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes , until browned and fully cooked. Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill turkey burgers over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Add the burgers and air fry for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For All Methods: Cook the burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes on a plate after cooking, and they should reach 165 degrees F as they rest.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise and chipotle chile powder to make chipotle mayo.
6. Serve turkey burgers with chipotle mayo, avocado, fresh cilantro, and homemade salsa.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 turkey burger + 2 tablespoons chipotle mayo

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get a juicy, tender, and evenly cooked turkey burger every time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: Form the ground turkey burger patties (work quickly, so they stay cold for juicy burgers later!), but don’t cook them. You can freeze them in a zip lock bag between layers of parchment paper, or keep in the fridge for 1-2 days.
• Reheat: Warm up in the oven or a hot skillet. The microwave is okay, but I don’t love it for turkey burger recipes since they dry out more easily than beef.
• Freeze: You can freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months, or raw seasoned ones for up to 12 months.
• Note on nutrition info: The numbers include the burgers and sauce, but not the buns and toppings.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Turkey Burgers

Serving Ideas

Now that you’ve got those turkey burgers ready, let’s talk about the best ways to serve them up:

• Bun, Lettuce Wrap, Or Bowl – You can use your favorite hamburger buns (the healthy ones I have pictured at the top are from my first cookbook ), wrap them in a lettuce wrap (pictured above), or even plop them onto a burger bowl . My fave combo for add-ins is some fresh salsa , sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and of course, the chipotle mayo.
• Fries – My air fryer French fries or air fryer sweet potato wedges are quick options, or make my zucchini fries for something lighter.
• Salad – I love serving this turkey burger recipe with taco slaw , because the Mexican flavors pair so well. But you can also whip up my broccoli cauliflower salad , cauliflower potato salad , or simple cucumber tomato salad .

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Turkey Burger Recipe (With The Best Sauce)

This easy turkey burger recipe is extra juicy and flavorful, with a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce. You can pan fry, bake, or grill them fast.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/turkey-burgers/

Ingredients

Turkey Burgers:

• 3 tbsp Avocado oil (plus more for frying)
• 1 tbsp Coconut aminos
• 1 tsp Crushed chipotle chile pepper flakes (or less if you don’t want much heat)
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tbsp Fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1 lb Ground turkey

Chipotle Mayo:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp Chipotle chile powder (or more crushed chipotle chile pepper)

Optional For Serving:

• Your favorite buns
• Salsa
• Avocado (sliced thinly)
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, coconut aminos, chile peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cilantro, and sea salt.
2. Add the ground turkey. Stir or mix with your hands until just combined. Do not over mix to avoid tough burgers.
3. Divide the meat into 4 sections and form them into burger patties. Make a thumbprint in the center of each one.
4. Cook turkey burgers using your favorite method: Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Oven: Arrange the burgers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees F for 16-18 minutes , until almost cooked through. Place under the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes , until browned and fully cooked. Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill turkey burgers over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Add the burgers and air fry for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For All Methods: Cook the burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes on a plate after cooking, and they should reach 165 degrees F as they rest.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise and chipotle chile powder to make chipotle mayo.
6. Serve turkey burgers with chipotle mayo, avocado, fresh cilantro, and homemade salsa.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 turkey burger + 2 tablespoons chipotle mayo

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get a juicy, tender, and evenly cooked turkey burger every time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: Form the ground turkey burger patties (work quickly, so they stay cold for juicy burgers later!), but don’t cook them. You can freeze them in a zip lock bag between layers of parchment paper, or keep in the fridge for 1-2 days.
• Reheat: Warm up in the oven or a hot skillet. The microwave is okay, but I don’t love it for turkey burger recipes since they dry out more easily than beef.
• Freeze: You can freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months, or raw seasoned ones for up to 12 months.
• Note on nutrition info: The numbers include the burgers and sauce, but not the buns and toppings.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)