These turkey breakfast sausage patties are simple to make and full of flavor. They’re perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, and they store and freeze well so you can have quick, high-protein breakfasts ready all week.
I’m a big fan of breakfast and rarely skip it. A hearty, savory breakfast makes the day feel set, whether it’s the first meal in the morning or something we enjoy at night as a family.
For me, a satisfying savory breakfast usually includes eggs, a protein such as sausage or turkey bacon, and either vegetables or potatoes. When I post my breakfast plates on Instagram Stories I often hear, “I’d love to eat that but I don’t have time in the morning.” That’s where this Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage shines: make it ahead on the weekend, freeze individual patties, and reheat one or two on busy weekday mornings.
While store-bought frozen breakfast sausages are convenient, homemade versions are typically tastier. These patties use lean ground turkey, a touch of maple syrup, and a blend of dried herbs and spices. The simple ingredients combine to create a mild, family-friendly sausage with plenty of savory notes.
Even better: these cook in the air fryer, so there’s no added oil and no greasy splatter on your stovetop.
Ingredients (full amounts and instructions are in the recipe card below):
- Lean ground turkey
- Maple syrup
- Seasonings (dried rosemary, thyme, basil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper)
Should you preheat your air fryer?
Yes—preheat the air fryer when possible. Even a few minutes of preheating helps give the patties a better sear and more even cooking. If you forget to preheat, the recipe will still work; you may just need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
Which air fryer do I recommend?
I use two larger air fryers that both fit this recipe well. If you only have a compact model, plan to cook in two or three batches so the patties cook evenly without crowding.
My basket-style favorite holds a lot and is reasonably priced; it’s best to shake or flip the food about halfway through when using a deep basket. I also have a countertop convection-style air fryer that doubles as a toaster oven—more expensive, but very versatile and convenient for daily use.
Why choose turkey sausage?
Ground turkey offers a lean source of protein with fewer calories and less fat than many pork sausages. It’s a good option if you want a lighter breakfast protein that still delivers satisfying flavor.
Can you meal prep with these?
Absolutely. Make a batch, cool the patties completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Place a small piece of parchment between patties to prevent sticking. Thaw and reheat in a skillet, microwave, or the air fryer for a quick morning meal.
How to serve
- Serve with fried or scrambled eggs and fresh fruit, or pair with breakfast potatoes for a fuller plate.
- Make a breakfast sandwich: patty, egg, and cheese on toast or a biscuit.
- Slice a patty and add it to an omelet for extra protein.
- Chop a patty and toss into a breakfast hash for added savory flavor.
Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (85% lean / 15% fat suggested)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, maple syrup, and all seasonings. Mix gently until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into 8 even balls, then press each ball into a thin patty. The patties will puff while cooking, so flatten them fairly thin to avoid ending up with meatballs.
- Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 5 minutes, flip, then cook 3–5 more minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.