• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
You Say Potatoes
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
  • Close up of air fryer stuffed mushrooms on a plate.
    Tex Mex Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Looking down at a plate of curried chicken legs.
    Curried Chicken Legs
  • A plate of cookie butter white chocolate chip cookies, with a Lotus biscoff cookie in it.
    White Chocolate Cookie Butter Cookies
  • An Instant Pot whole roasted chicken on a plate on a table.
    Instant Pot Whole Chicken
  • Looking down at a bowl of edible chocolate chip cookie dough.
    Chocolate Chip Edible Cookie Dough
  • A plate of kung pao chicken.
    Spicy Chicken Recipes
  • Looking down at a plate of breaded chicken cutlets, with one cut into strips.
    Breaded Chicken Cutlets
  • A plate of chicken rice casserole without soup.
    Chicken and Rice Casserole Without Soup
  • Close up of lemon pepper chicken wings.
    Lemon Pepper Wings
  • A wooden table with a serving dish of homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni.
    Cheeseburger Macaroni
  • Side look close up of salmon kabobs on a plate.
    Salmon Kabobs
  • Looking down at a wooden table with a bowl of chickpea and lentil soup on a cloth napkin.
    Vegetable, Chickpea and Lentil Soup
Home » Recipes » Dinner

Turkey Patties

Published: Sep 16, 2022 by Kate

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Stack of turkey patties with list of ingredients.
Stack of turkey patties.

These homemade Turkey Patties are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Serve them with sides, or use them as turkey burgers! You can use ground turkey or leftover roasted turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas. Stove top and Air Fryer instructions included.

Turkey patties on a plate.
Turkey Patties

These turkey patties are super easy to make and taste incredible! Use any leftover turkey and turn them into this tasty dish. Serve them with sides, or turn them into turkey burgers!

Holiday leftovers are always something we get excited about. There are so many ways you can transform your food from Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations, starting with the turkey!

This recipe for homemade turkey patties is another way to use leftover turkey in a delicious and satisfying recipe. These patties are high in protein and make a great sandwich filling or burger, or they can be enjoyed on their own with sides such as Buttered Cabbage, Jiffy Corn Casserole, or Sesame Green Beans.

You can change up the flavor to your liking, and they can easily be made right on the stove in a pan or by using your air fryer!

Jump to:
  • Why Make This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Cook's Tips
  • Variations
  • Storage & Freezing
  • FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why Make This Recipe

Don't let leftovers go to waste! Transform them into a high protein satisfying meal.

These turkey patties come together easily and cook quickly as they are made with already cooked meat.

You can make these on the stove top or in an air fryer, both methods are included.

They are great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. Simply thaw and cook when you are ready to eat them.

Ingredients

  • Cooked Turkey - You can use leftover roasted turkey from the holiday or ground turkey that has already been cooked.
  • Onion - Adds texture and fresh onion flavor throughout the turkey patty.
  • Egg - Helps bind all of the patty ingredients together as they cook.
  • Plain Greek Yogurt - Helps bind the meat and spices and gives the patty a tangy flavor and a tender texture.
  • Dried Breadcrumbs - Gives the turkey patties a crispy exterior when cooked and helps bind all of the ingredients.
  • Dried Seasonings - To flavor the turkey patties, use a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Fresh Dill - Adds a fresh herb taste throughout the turkey patties.

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.

Instructions

Wondering how to make this Turkey Patties recipe? It's easy!

Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

To make the turkey patties:

Cook ground turkey: If using ground turkey, pan-fry it until cooked. Let cool.

Mixing up turkey patty mix.

Prepare roasted turkey: If using leftover roasted turkey, remove all bones, then chop the meat very finely, or add it to a food processor and process until fine. Transfer it to a mixing bowl.

Cook the onion: Very finely dice the onion, then fry it in a skillet with one tablespoon of oil for a few minutes until soft. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Form the turkey patties: Add the egg, yogurt, breadcrumbs, spices, salt, and pepper to the bowl and stir to mix thoroughly. Stir in the dill. With wet hands, form the mixture into burger shapes.

Turkey patties cooked in an air fryer.

To air fry:

Prepare the air fryer: Line an air fryer basket with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.

Air fry the turkey burgers: Place the turkey patties into the air fryer in a single layer and air fry at 400F/200C for 8 minutes, then flip them to the other side and air fry for a further 4 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

To pan fry:

Heat the oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Pan fry the turkey patties: Add the turkey patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.

Close up of turkey patties.

Cook's Tips

Depending on how moist your turkey is, you may want to add more Greek yogurt or breadcrumbs to the mixture. If it seems too wet, add a few more breadcrumbs, while if it seems too dry, add a little more yogurt.

If you want to make these turkey patties ahead of time, simply form them into patties and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or plate. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook them, follow the instructions above.

When cooking them in the air fryer, place them in a single layer so they cook evenly.

You can serve these turkey patties on a bun with all your favorite burger toppings or eat them as is! They are delicious either way!

Variations

There are so many ways you can change up the flavor of these turkey patties. Here are a few ideas:

  • Add BBQ sauce, ketchup, or mustard to the mixture before cooking.
  • Stir some grated cheese, diced green chilies, or jalapeños for a cheesy, spicy patty.
  • Swap out the dill for another fresh herb, such as parsley or chives.
  • Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the mixture for a sweet and savory patty.

Storage & Freezing

Leftover cooked turkey patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in the air fryer or in a skillet on the stove before eating.

You can also freeze cooked turkey patties for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

These turkey patties can also be frozen before cooking. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or plate and freeze for 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When you are ready to cook them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then follow the instructions above.

Turkey patty on a plate with a forkful next to it.

FAQs

Can I use light and dark meat to make turkey patties?

Yes! You can use all dark meat, all-white meat, or a mix of both. If you use leftover turkey, removing the skin is best before chopping the meat.

Can I make these into mini sliders?

Yes! Simply form the mixture into small patties and cook for less time.

How long does leftover cooked turkey last in the fridge?

Cooked turkey will last in the fridge for up to four days.

Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

📖 Recipe

Plate with four stacked turkey patties.

Turkey Patties

Use leftover or ground turkey for these easy Turkey Patties! Serve them with sides, or as turkey burgers! Stove top and Air Fryer instructions.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ground turkey patties, how to make turkey patties, leftover turkey recipes, roasted turkey patties, what to make with leftover turkey
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 179kcal
Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 pound turkey roasted leftovers or cooked ground turkey
  • 1 onion small
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • ⅓ cup dried breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dill freshly chopped (or parsley, thyme or other herb)

Instructions

  • If using ground turkey, pan fry it until cooked.
  • If using leftover roasted turkey, remove all bones then chop the meat very finely, or add it to a food processor and whiz until fine. Transfer it to a mixing bowl.
  • Very finely dice the onion, then fry it in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of oil for a few minutes until soft. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  • Add the egg, yogurt, breadcrumbs, spices, salt and pepper to the bowl and stir to mix thoroughly. Stir in the dill.
  • With wet hands, form the mixture into patties/burgers.

To air fry

  • Line an air fryer basket with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Place the turkey patties into the air fryer in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and air fry at 400F/200C for 8 minutes, then flip them to the other side and air fry for a further 4 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

To pan fry

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over a medium heat. Add the turkey patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 1657mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 215IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

More Dinner Recipes

  • Spoon in a bowl of stovetop beef stew.
    Stovetop Beef Stew
  • Looking down at a plate of Guinness glazed chicken drumsticks.
    Guinness Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
  • Close up of a piece of tuna noodle casserole.
    Tuna Noodle Casserole
  • Lamb chops in an air fryer.
    Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Kate cooking.

Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

More about me →

Popular Recipes

  • Side view of a plate of Outback Steakhouse bread with one piece sliced and one with butter.
    Outback Steakhouse Bread copycat

  • Cooked chicken legs in air fryer.
    Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)

  • Serving dish of cooked cabbage with butter melting into it and pepper on top.
    Buttered Cabbage

  • Platter of raw vegetables and copycat ranch sauce.
    Wingstop Ranch Recipe (copycat)

Collage of press logos.

Healthy Recipes

  • Teriyaki salmon on a plate.
    Teriyaki Salmon (Air Fryer)

  • Close up of a salad topped with grilled shawarma chicken.
    Chicken Shawarma Salad

  • Looking down at a dish of mango black bean salad.
    Mango Black Bean Salad

  • Plate of Moroccan chicken couscous with harissa yogurt sauce.
    Moroccan Chicken Couscous

Footer

↑ back to top

Information

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • Website Accessibility Statement

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Partner Site

  • Veggie Desserts

Contact

  • Contact
  • About Me

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 You Say Potatoes

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this recipe!
We all loved this recipe and I'm sure I'll make it again and again!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.