Yes, you can cook a turkey breast in an oil-less fryer. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer is a popular choice for this. It uses infrared cooking technology, powered by propane, to create an even heat with no flare-ups. It is also quiet, contained, and safe to use in a small outdoor area. The Big Easy can cook a bird of up to 16 pounds and can produce moist, juicy meat with a crispy skin. It is also possible to cook a turkey breast in an air fryer.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Turkey Breast in an Oil-Less Fryer

Cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer

To start, take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix your choice of dry seasonings, such as a simple herb blend or a Cajun seasoning. Pat the thawed turkey dry with paper towels. Rub or brush the turkey breast with oil and season it all over with the dry seasoning blend.

Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning the turkey breast every 5-10 minutes to avoid burning. If the outside of the turkey looks dry, spray it with cooking spray to keep it moist. The cooking time will depend on the power of your air fryer, so use an instant-read thermometer to measure the doneness. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For an oil-less fryer, such as the Char-Broil Big Easy, the cooking time is estimated to be about 10 minutes per pound. For example, an 8-pound turkey breast will take about 80 minutes to cook. You can also use an injection marinade with a simple, spicy blend for extra flavour and moisture.

Infrared fryer vs gallons of hot oil

Infrared fryers, such as the Char-Broil Big Easy, are a great alternative to deep frying a turkey in gallons of hot oil. Not only is this method safer, but it also saves time and money.

Deep frying a turkey requires heating up gallons of cooking oil, which can be dangerous. The Char-Broil Big Easy, on the other hand, uses infrared cooking technology powered by propane, creating an even heat with no flare-ups. This means no more worrying about hot spots or oil disposal, and the risk of fire is low. The infrared coils hover above the heat source, distributing heat evenly to create a stable and evenly heated cooking surface. The high temperatures formed in the compact vessel, with heat bouncing off the reflective inner compartment, create an environment where food can sizzle and crisp without gallons of oil.

The Big Easy is also versatile, allowing you to cook other meats such as ham, chicken wings, roast beef, and prime rib. It is an excellent option for those who don't own a smoker or pellet grill but want to cook a whole bird outdoors. The unit can hold a lot of food, and you can add the grill grate on top to grill with the lid open like a traditional gas grill.

While the price point is slightly higher than a traditional turkey fryer, the Char-Broil Big Easy is a worthwhile investment. It produces moist, juicy meat with a crispy skin that is impossible to replicate in the oven. The cooking time is also significantly reduced, with a four-pound turkey breast taking only about two hours to cook, compared to four to six hours in the oven.

Infrared fryers, such as the Char-Broil Big Easy, offer a safer, more convenient, and versatile option for cooking turkey and other meats without the mess and expense of gallons of hot oil.

Preparing the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Char-Broil Big Easy is an oil-less turkey fryer, which is also a smoker and grill. It is an outdoor propane vertical roaster. It uses a 20-pound gas bottle as its heat source. To get smoke, fill a side box with wood chips.

To prepare the Char-Broil Big Easy, first, fire it up. Rinse the turkey thoroughly in cool water and pat it dry with paper towels. Brush the skin of the turkey with canola oil or vegetable oil, using a basting brush. Combine melted butter, chicken stock, and bourbon in a medium-size bowl. Fill a marinade injector with the mixture and inject both breasts and legs. Combine paprika, ancho chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and bay leaves. Apply liberally to all sides of the turkey.

Place the turkey in the roaster basket, breast-side up. Lower the basket into the cooking chamber. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, ensuring the tip does not touch the bone. The dial should be easy to read when the basket is in the cooker. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 2 hours. The cook time varies based on weather conditions and the size of the turkey.

To minimize sticking, coat the wire frame of the cooking basket with oil before inserting the turkey. Cover the fryer with the wire mesh lid during the last 15 minutes of cooking for crispy skin. After cooking, lift the roaster basket out of the chamber and set it on a shallow sheet pan. Allow the turkey to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, remove the turkey from the basket and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Cooking time and temperature

Most sources recommend cooking the turkey breast for about 10 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 4-pound turkey breast, you would cook it for about 40 minutes. However, it's important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the type of oil-less fryer you have. Some sources mention that their cooking time is longer, around 15 minutes per pound. Therefore, it's always best to refer to the specific instructions for your oil-less fryer model.

The ideal internal temperature for a cooked turkey breast is 165°F (74°C). To ensure that your turkey breast reaches this temperature, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, ensuring it doesn't touch the bone, and check the temperature during the cooking process.

When cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer, it's generally recommended to cook it at a temperature setting of 360°F (182°C). However, some sources suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F (204°C). It's important to refer to your oil-less fryer's instructions to determine the appropriate temperature setting.

It's worth noting that factors like outdoor temperature and elevation can also impact cooking time. Cooking in colder temperatures or at higher elevations may require additional cooking time. Additionally, if you're using an infrared fryer like the Char-Broil Big Easy, it's essential to have enough propane to avoid running out during the cooking process.

Apple-cider brine and Creole butter injection

You can definitely cook a turkey breast in an oil-less fryer, and brining the turkey beforehand is a great way to add flavour and moisture. A popular recipe is to brine the turkey in apple cider, and then inject it with Creole butter before cooking it in the oil-less fryer.

Ingredients:

• 7 lb turkey breast
• 1/2 gallon apple cider
• 1/2 gallon water
• 1 cup Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 6 bay leaves
• 25 cloves
• Cajun Injection Creole Butter
• Sucklebusters Competition BBQ Rub to taste

Instructions:

• In a large pot, mix all of the ingredients except the turkey and Creole Butter. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
• Add the turkey, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours.
• The next day, remove the turkey from the brine, pat dry with paper towels, and remove any excess fat/skin.
• Inject the turkey every 1-2 inches with the Creole butter. Apply any remaining Creole Butter to the outside of the turkey.
• Season the turkey with Sucklebusters Competition BBQ rub. Make sure to use a low-sugar content rub.
• Preheat the Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer on high for 15 minutes.

Some people choose to add other ingredients to their injection marinade, such as chicken broth, onion, or apple cider with alcohol in it. It is also recommended to strain the marinade before injecting it.

Frequently asked questions