Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, mix 1 lb ground turkey with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried sage, ½ teaspoon crushed fennel seed (optional), ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon black pepper, a pinch of white pepper if you have it, ⅛–¼ teaspoon cayenne, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of cloves/nutmeg/allspice if you like warm spice. Mix just until combined — overworking makes tough patties. Chill 15–30 minutes if you've got time.

2. 2

   Form into 8 thin patties about ½ inch thick so they cook through without drying out. If the mix feels crumbly, work in 1 teaspoon oil or a splash of egg white.

3. 3

   Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Lightly oil the basket if it sticks.

4. 4

   Air fry the patties in a single layer 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and the centers hit 165°F. Don't push past that or turkey sausage turns chalky.

5. 5

   Serve with eggs, toast, or tuck into breakfast sandwiches. Freeze extras between parchment. You want browned sage-fennel breakfast patties that are juicy inside — not pale undercooked centers or dry hockey pucks.