If you’re craving fast food but want to stick to healthier choices, I’ve got the perfect reimagined meal for you—Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers with crispy Air Fryer Yellow Squash Fries! This dish gives you all the comfort food feels without the guilt, and it’s super meal-prep friendly too. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering, simple recipe that’s packed with protein, flavor, and fun!
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Reasons Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep (Especially When Craving Fast Food Comfort!):
- Healthier than Takeout: These turkey burgers are lean and protein-packed, while the air-fried squash fries have the crispy goodness of regular fries, but with way fewer calories!
- Quick and Easy to Make: You can whip up these turkey patties and fries in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for meal prep days or busy weeknights.
- Refrigerates and Freezes Well: Both the burgers and squash fries store beautifully! Make a batch, and you’ve got delicious grab-and-go meals for the whole week.
- Balanced and Nutritious: The turkey burgers are loaded with lean protein, spinach adds a veggie boost, and the feta adds a satisfying creaminess without being heavy. The fries are a fun way to sneak in more vegetables too!
- Comfort Food Vibes: Craving that burger-and-fries combo? This recipe satisfies those cravings but with healthier, feel-good ingredients that fuel you, not slow you down.
- Customizable: You can make this meal your own—swap the yellow squash for zucchini or sweet potatoes, and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Perfect for keeping meal prep exciting!
- Saves You Money: Skip the fast food drive-thru! This recipe is budget-friendly and uses staple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Why These Ingredients Work So Well Together
- Ground Turkey (93% Lean): The lean turkey is the star of the show, providing a solid source of protein while keeping things light. It’s a great canvas for absorbing the flavors of the seasonings and feta without being greasy like higher-fat meats. The 93% lean ratio gives you enough moisture to keep the burger juicy but still healthy.
- Frozen Spinach (Thawed and Squeezed Dry): Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals without overwhelming the flavor. Since spinach has a mild taste, it complements the turkey beautifully while adding moisture and a touch of green goodness to the patties.
- Crumbled Feta: Feta cheese brings a tangy, salty bite that gives these turkey burgers a Mediterranean twist. Its creaminess melts slightly during cooking, adding moisture and a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping the turkey mixture hold together while keeping the patties light and airy. They also soak up the moisture from the spinach and egg, so the burgers stay juicy without becoming mushy.
- Egg: The egg serves as a binder, holding all the ingredients together. It helps the patties maintain their shape during cooking and adds a bit of richness to the mix.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic adds a punch of flavor and aromatic depth. Its savory notes enhance the overall taste of the burger, balancing the tanginess of the feta and seasoning the turkey.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder brings a subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions, making it easy for beginner cooks to use and ensuring the burgers aren’t too wet.
- Garlic Powder: A little extra garlic powder intensifies the flavor without being overpowering. It’s a great way to boost flavor without adding more fresh ingredients that could make the mix too moist.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives the burgers an earthy, aromatic flavor, adding depth and a hint of herbaceousness that pairs well with the feta and garlic.
- Pepper and Salt: These seasonings bring balance to the dish. Salt enhances the flavors of the turkey, feta, and spinach, while the pepper adds just a bit of warmth and spice without overpowering the other flavors.
Turkey Burger Recipe Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, spinach, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, and all the seasonings. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon. Don’t worry about mixing it perfectly—just make sure everything is combined without mashing the meat too much.
- Shape the Patties: Once mixed, divide the turkey mixture into four even portions and shape them into round patties using your hands.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a pan over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on one side. Flip them over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Make sure the inside temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pair your delicious turkey burgers with the crispy air fryer yellow squash fries and enjoy your meal!
Air Fryer Squash Fries Recipe Instructions:
- Prepare the Squash: Take the yellow squash and cut it into long strips, about 5 inches long and ½ inch thick, like thick fries.
- Coat the Squash: In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. In a separate bowl or plate, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. First, dip each squash strip into the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is fully covered.
- Air Fry the Squash: Place the coated squash strips in a single layer in your air fryer basket (don’t overlap them). Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the squash fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy squash fries hot alongside your turkey burger for a healthy and delicious “burger and fries” combo!
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Tips:
- Make Patties Ahead: Form the turkey burger patties ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them between sheets of parchment paper for longer storage (up to 3 months), so you can quickly cook them later.
- Batch Cook the Fries: Prep the yellow squash fries in bulk, air fry them, and let them cool before storing. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, and you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.
- Pre-Chop and Store Ingredients: Save time by thawing and squeezing out the spinach, crumbling the feta, and measuring out your seasonings and breadcrumbs in advance. Keep these prepped ingredients in small containers or bags, ready to mix when needed.
- Separate Storage: Store the cooked burgers and squash fries in separate meal prep containers to keep the fries from getting soggy. If reheating, keep the fries uncovered for a crispier texture.
- Serving Tip: Serve the burgers on a whole wheat bun or lettuce wrap for a lower-carb option, and pair them with a side of Greek yogurt dip or hummus for added flavor and protein!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?
Yes! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the turkey burger mix.
Can I cook the turkey burgers in the oven instead of a pan?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the patties on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I substitute another cheese for feta?
Yes, you can use goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor. Just note that feta adds a unique tangy taste to the burgers.
Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers with Air Fryer Yellow Squash Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
Turkey Burger Ingredients
Air Fryer Yellow Squash Fries Ingredients
Instructions
Turkey Burger Patties
Air Fryer Yellow Squash Fries
Notes
Nutrition