Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer turkey breast is a quick and easy alternative to cooking a whole turkey, perfect for smaller gatherings or weeknight dinners. This recipe usually involves cooking a boneless turkey breast in the air fryer for around an hour, resulting in a juicy and tender main course.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air frying a boneless turkey breast depend on the weight of the meat and the wattage of the air fryer. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that the meat is cooked safely.

For a 3-pound boneless turkey breast, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Cook the turkey breast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning the meat every 15 minutes to avoid burning. If the outside of the turkey looks dry, spray it with cooking spray to keep it moist.

For a 3-pound boneless turkey breast in a Butterball air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Cook the turkey breast for 15 minutes, then flip it over and reduce the temperature to 370°F. Continue cooking for another 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For a 4- to 6-pound bone-in turkey breast, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Cook the turkey breast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before serving.

For a 4-pound bone-in turkey breast, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Cook the turkey breast for 20 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Ingredients

Bone-in Turkey Breast

• Bone-in turkey breast (about 4-6 pounds) with ribs removed.
• Olive oil or softened butter.
• Salt and pepper.
• Garlic powder.
• Fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley.
• Dijon mustard.

Boneless Turkey Breast

• Boneless turkey breast (about 2-5 pounds).
• Olive oil or butter.
• Salt and pepper.
• Garlic powder.
• Fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley.
• Smoked paprika.
• Nutmeg.

How to cook a boneless turkey breast in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless turkey breast (3 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Method:

• Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to remove the chill.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a small bowl, mix the dry seasonings together.
• Place the thawed turkey on a plate and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Rub or brush the turkey breast with oil.
• Season the turkey breast on all sides with the dry seasoning blend.
• Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry 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 be sure to measure the doneness with an instant-read thermometer. When the thickest part of the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is done.
• Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. You can tent the turkey with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
• Slice the turkey and serve warm.

Tips:

• You will need a larger air fryer (6 or 8 quarts) to fit the turkey breast and leave room for the air to circulate.
• The size of the turkey breast will impact the cooking time. A smaller 3-4 pound breast will take 45-50 minutes, while a larger 5-pound breast will take about an hour.
• Leave the netting on the turkey breast during cooking. After the turkey has rested, use kitchen shears to remove the net before slicing.

How to store and reheat

Storing and reheating your boneless turkey breast is a simple process.

Storing

Leftover turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you're not planning on eating it within that time, it can be frozen in freezer bags for up to six months.

Reheating

When you're ready to eat your turkey breast, there are a few ways to reheat it. The best method is to place the turkey pieces in a baking dish, drizzle with a few tablespoons of stock and/or butter, cover with foil, and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can wrap the turkey in an aluminium foil pouch and rewarm it gently in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F, drizzling some broth over the top before sealing the pouch.

If you're looking to reheat a single serving, you can use the microwave. Cut the turkey into bite-sized pieces, drizzle with stock or broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in a microwave-safe dish at 50% power in 1-minute intervals until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips and tricks

• Before cooking, remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to remove the chill.
• Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This will help the spices stick and the skin to crisp.
• If you want to brine the turkey breast, you can do so, but it is not necessary. If you do brine, use less salt when seasoning the turkey.
• You can use olive oil or avocado oil to rub or brush the turkey breast before seasoning. This will help with browning and getting a crispy skin.
• Season the turkey breast liberally with a mix of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and poultry seasoning. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 20-25 minutes.
• Flip the turkey breast over and continue cooking for 25-40 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.

Frequently asked questions