Make the panade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs and milk. Stir with a fork until the breadcrumbs are fully saturated and form a thick, soft paste. The mixture should look creamy and feel like wet sand when pressed between your fingers.

Mix the patties: Add the turkey mince, grated onion (with all its juices), minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Using clean hands, gently mix everything together until just combined. You should see the ingredients evenly distributed, but avoid overworking the meat — it will feel slightly tacky and smell aromatic from the spices.

Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 2cm thick and slightly wider than your buns — the patties will shrink slightly as they cook. Press a small dimple into the centre of each patty with your thumb; this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing. The patties should feel firm but springy to the touch.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Cook the burgers: Place the patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each for air circulation. Brush the tops of the patties with a little olive oil. Cook for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, carefully flip each patty using a spatula — you'll see the cooked side is a deep golden brown with some darker caramelised spots. Brush the flipped side with a little more oil. Cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) when tested with a meat thermometer. The patties will feel firm when pressed and sound sizzling as they finish cooking.

Rest and assemble: Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Meanwhile, toast the burger buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, or in a toaster, until they are lightly golden and smell nutty. Assemble your burgers with your chosen toppings and serve immediately.