Air-Fried Turkey: A Healthy Festive Treat?

Air frying a turkey is a quick, easy, and safe way to cook your bird. It's also a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and it frees up your oven for other dishes. You can cook a whole turkey or just the breast in an air fryer, and it'll come out with a crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat. It's best to use a bone-in turkey breast, as it has more flavour, but you can also cook a boneless breast. Before cooking, make sure to pat the turkey dry and rub it with oil and seasonings. You can also add butter under the skin to keep the meat moist. The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to cook it for 8-10 minutes per pound. So, if you're cooking a 15-pound turkey, it'll take about 2 hours. Just make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Air fryer turkey cooking times and temperatures

Air-frying a turkey is a much safer and healthier alternative to frying a turkey, and it can be done in a fraction of the time. It is important to note that you should always check the capacity of your air fryer before attempting to cook a whole turkey, as some indoor tabletop air fryers can only cook a turkey breast.

Thawing

Before cooking a turkey in an air fryer, it is important to completely thaw your turkey. This can take a few days. A thawed turkey may be kept in the refrigerator (40 degrees F or below) for up to 4 days before cooking.

Temperature

When cooking a turkey in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to preheat the air fryer for about 10 minutes before cooking. If you are cooking in a colder climate, you may need to wait about 15 minutes for the air fryer to preheat.

Cooking Time

The general rule of thumb for cooking a turkey in an air fryer is to cook it for 8-10 minutes per pound. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey and the outdoor temperature. For example, if you are air frying in the winter, it may take a little longer. For a 15-pound turkey cooked at 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, it took just over 2 hours.

It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey towards the end of cooking. The internal temperature of a cooked turkey should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Not to Do

It is important to note that you should not use a frozen turkey in an air fryer, as this will result in dry meat that takes much longer to cook. Additionally, brining your turkey before air frying is not recommended, as it will result in an overly salty turkey.

How to prepare a turkey for the air fryer

Air-frying a turkey is a great way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender roast without the need for lots of oil or a big oven. It is a convenient and safe way to cook a whole turkey, but it does require some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your turkey for the air fryer.

Choosing the Right Turkey:

Select a turkey that fits your air fryer. For a whole turkey, you will likely need a large outdoor air fryer. However, if you are cooking just a turkey breast, a 5-quart or larger air fryer should be sufficient.

Thawing:

Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before cooking. This can take several days, so plan ahead. You can thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator, which is the preferred method, or you can use the cold-water method, which is faster but requires more attention.

Preparing the Turkey:

Once thawed, remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Then, using your hands, gently loosen the skin away from the breast and legs, being careful not to rip the skin. This will help keep the moisture in while cooking and allow you to add flavour.

Seasoning:

There are several ways to season your turkey. You can simply rub it with olive oil and then add a mix of Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can create a herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage, and then rubbing it onto the turkey. You can place the butter under the skin and on the outside of the bird.

Using a Turkey Stand:

If your air fryer comes with a turkey stand, connect it into the clips on the basket. Insert the stand into the turkey cavity, ensuring the drumsticks are upright to help stabilise the bird.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-400°F (180-200°C). The preheating time can vary, but it usually takes around 10 minutes.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey, typically 8-10 minutes per pound. For a 15-pound turkey, it can take around 2 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74-79°C) in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bone.

Resting the Turkey:

Once your turkey has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.

Carving and Serving:

After the resting period, your turkey is ready to be carved and served! Enjoy your delicious air-fried turkey!

Remember always to refer to your air fryer's instructions and guidelines for specific safety and usage information.

How to carve an air fryer turkey

So, you've cooked your turkey in an air fryer—now it's time to carve it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Let the turkey rest:

Before you start carving, let your cooked turkey rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring they stay in the meat and making it extra juicy. Resting the turkey will also give you time to prepare your carving station and will make the bird easier to handle.

Gather your tools:

You'll need a sharp chef's knife (a boning knife or carving knife isn't necessary), a large cutting board, a platter, and paper towels. Some sources also recommend using kitchen scissors, which can be useful for removing the trussing strings and carefully cutting the skin.

Remove the trussing strings:

If there is any butcher's twine trussing the legs together, remove it before you start carving.

Remove the legs and thighs:

Slice the skin near the thigh to separate one leg from the body. Cut through the joint, angling your knife towards the bone. When you hit the bone, you can use your hands to grasp the thigh and bend it backward until you hear a pop, making the joint more visible. Slice through the joint and the rest of the thigh meat to separate the leg and thigh from the backbone. Repeat this process for the second leg and thigh.

Remove the wings:

Pull the wings back until you hear a pop, then slice through the joints to remove them.

Remove the breasts:

Make a long, deep cut along one side of the breastbone, following the curve of the bone. Use long strokes with the tip of your knife and gently pull the meat away as you go. Repeat on the other side of the breast. You may want to pause to wipe down your cutting board to get rid of any excess juice.

Slice the white meat:

Place the breasts skin-side up on the cutting board and cut across the breast meat into your desired thickness for serving. For neater slices, use long cutting strokes instead of short sawing ones. Cut the wing in half and transfer the white meat to your serving platter.

Slice the dark meat:

Separate the thigh from the drumstick by wiggling your knife in the joint until you find the right spot. Place the drumsticks on the platter. Remove the bone from the thigh, place the boneless thigh skin-side up, and slice it. Transfer to the platter.

Keep the turkey warm:

Use aluminium foil to cover the carved meat and keep it warm as you finish carving.

Save the carcass:

Don't throw away the carcass! You can use it to make homemade broth or stock. Or, if you're not ready to make broth, wrap the carcass tightly and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later.

And there you have it! You've successfully carved your air-fried turkey. Now you can enjoy the juicy, tender meat with your favourite sides.

How to make gravy from an air fryer turkey

Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer! And yes, you can still make gravy from an air-fried turkey. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make gravy from an air fryer turkey:

Step 1: Prepare the drippings

The first step to making gravy is to collect the drippings from your cooked turkey. Drippings are the juices and fats that are left behind in the roasting pan after cooking a turkey or other meat. These drippings are full of flavour and make a great base for homemade turkey gravy. You will need about 3-4 cups of drippings and stock. If you don't have enough drippings, you can add chicken broth to make up the difference.

Step 2: Make a roux

To make a roux, start by adding butter to a large skillet or saucepan and placing it over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in a little bit of flour, then slowly add in the drippings and stock, a little at a time, alternating with the flour and whisking vigorously to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Simmer and thicken

Reduce the heat and bring the mixture to a simmer (not a boil). Allow it to thicken for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add more stock to thin it out.

Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you like, you can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme for extra flavour.

Step 5: Store and reheat

If you have any leftover gravy, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for later use. To reheat, it's best to use the stove over low heat rather than the microwave to avoid overcooking or curdling the gravy.

What to serve with an air fryer turkey

An air-fried turkey is a great centrepiece for a meal, but you'll want to serve it with some delicious side dishes to make a complete feast. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried turkey:

Classic Thanksgiving Sides

If you're serving an air-fried turkey for Thanksgiving, you'll want some classic sides to go with it. Try apple sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. You could also make a tasty gravy using the turkey drippings.

Vegetable Sides

To add some colour and nutrition to your plate, serve your air-fried turkey with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. Green bean casserole is another tasty option.

Breads

No feast is complete without some bread on the side. Try serving your air-fried turkey with 1-hour rolls or cornbread.

Salads

A crisp salad can provide a refreshing contrast to your air-fried turkey. Try a classic green salad or a seasonal option like a butternut squash and cranberry salad.

Drinks

Don't forget to offer your guests some drinks to go with their meal. Apple cider sangria or mulled wine would be perfect for a winter holiday meal.

Frequently asked questions