Air Frying A Turkey: Is A 10-Quart Air Fryer Enough?

Air fryers are a great way to cook a turkey, and you can use a 10-quart fryer for this purpose. While a standard 3-6 quart air fryer is used for simple smaller dishes, you can cook a whole turkey in a 10-quart air fryer. In fact, a 15-pound turkey can be cooked in an air fryer of this size. However, it is important to note that the size of the turkey you can cook will depend on the specific model of your air fryer, so be sure to check the capacity of your air fryer before attempting to cook a turkey.

Turkey preparation

Thawing:

Start by completely thawing your turkey. This process can take a few days, so plan ahead. It is important to ensure that the turkey is fully thawed to avoid uneven cooking.

Removing Giblets:

Once thawed, remove the neck, giblets, and any other packaging from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.

Seasoning:

Loosen the skin of the turkey breast and legs gently with your hands, being careful not to tear the skin. Create pockets between the skin and meat to spread softened butter, which will keep the turkey moist and juicy. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage to the butter for extra flavour. Additionally, season the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice.

Temperature and Timing:

Preheat your 10-quart air fryer to 350°F for about 10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your turkey, with a general rule of thumb being 8-10 minutes per pound. For example, a 15-pound turkey will take about 2 hours to cook. However, if you are cooking in a colder climate, it may take a little longer.

Using a Meat Thermometer:

To ensure your turkey is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The recommended temperature for cooked turkey is 165°F. Check the temperature towards the end of the estimated cooking time.

Resting:

Once your turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier turkey.

Additional Tips:

• Do not brine your turkey before air frying, as it can result in an overly salty dish.
• Always cook your turkey at the appropriate temperature and avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
• If you wish to make gravy, collect the drippings from the bottom of the air fryer during or after cooking.

Air fryer temperature

The temperature you should set your air fryer to when cooking a turkey depends on what you are cooking. For a whole turkey, the air fryer should be set to 350°F/175°C. For a turkey breast, the temperature should be set to 400°F.

It is important to ensure that your turkey is fully thawed before air frying. If not, it won't cook evenly, and the outside will become overcooked while the inside remains undercooked. A thawed turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days before cooking.

When checking if your turkey is cooked, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. The recommended temperature for a cooked turkey is 165°F/74°C. You can check this by inserting the thermometer into the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast, ensuring it is close to, but not touching, the bone. If you do not have a thermometer, you can pierce the same areas with a fork or thin knife. If the juices run clear and are no longer pink or reddish, this indicates that the turkey is cooked.

Cooking time

The cooking time for a turkey in an air fryer depends on the weight of the turkey and the temperature setting. It is recommended to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350°F/175°C. Therefore, a 10-pound turkey should be cooked for around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the turkey is fully thawed before air frying, as this will ensure even cooking. If the turkey is not fully thawed, the outside may become overcooked while the inside remains undercooked.

When air frying a turkey, it is also crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. The recommended internal temperature for a cooked turkey is 165°F/74°C. This can be checked using a meat thermometer, which should be inserted into the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the turkey rest for about 15-20 minutes after air frying to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender final product.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as external factors such as temperature and weather conditions. For example, air frying a turkey in colder climates or during the winter may take longer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it reaches the recommended 165°F/74°C.

Checking if the turkey is cooked

Checking if your turkey is cooked is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your turkey is cooked properly:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not check the turkey until it is at least 85% through its cooking time. Checking too early and frequently can cause a loss of heat, which will affect the cooking time and potentially impact the final result.

The recommended way to check if your turkey is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast, ensuring it is close to but not touching the bone. The recommended internal temperature of a cooked turkey is 165°F/74°C.

If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can perform a visual check. Poke the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast with a fork or thin knife. If the juices run clear and are no longer pink or reddish, this indicates that the turkey is cooked.

Once your turkey has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and cover it with foil. Let the turkey rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period is important, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful final product.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that your turkey is fully thawed before air frying. Cooking a frozen turkey will result in dry meat and increase the cooking time. Always follow the instructions on the package for thawing your turkey properly.

By following these instructions and being mindful of the cooking time and temperature, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked thoroughly and safely.

Making gravy

Skim the fat from the drippings at the bottom of the air fryer. Put the flour in a medium bowl and ladle in about a cup of the drippings. Whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the air fryer with the remaining drippings. Whisk until smooth.

Place the air fryer lid back on and air fry at 400°F/205°C for about 10 minutes or until thickened, whisking a couple of times while cooking.

If you want to add extra flavour to your gravy, you can add vegetables to the air fryer while the turkey is cooking. For example, a whole head of garlic, which you can squeeze out when making the gravy, or carrots, which you can blend into the gravy at the end.

Frequently asked questions