Air-Frying A Stuffed Turkey: Is It Possible?

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a juicy roast turkey with golden, crispy skin. It is possible to cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, but it is important to check the capacity of your air fryer, as some indoor tabletop models can only fit a turkey breast. If you're cooking a whole turkey, make sure it's fully thawed, then follow a simple recipe of oil, seasoning, and butter for a mouth-watering roast. You can also make stuffing in an air fryer, which can turn out pretty tasty, although it may not be as good as more traditional methods.

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures

Cooking times and temperatures for air-fried turkey vary depending on the size of the bird and the type of air fryer being used. For example, a 15-pound turkey cooked on a 65-70 degree day in an outdoor air fryer took just over 2 hours, whereas a small turkey breast was ready in just 40 minutes.

A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 7-10 minutes per pound, or 15 minutes per pound for a whole, thawed turkey. This means that a 12-pound turkey would take between 1 hour and 20 minutes and 2 hours to cook.

When cooking a turkey breast, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the turkey, skin side down, into the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes at 350°F (180°C). Flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and continue to cook for another 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 150°F (66°C) in the thickest part of the breast. The turkey should have golden, crisp skin and the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.

For larger turkeys, some sources recommend cooking at 350°F/175°C for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the turkey, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. This temperature is recommended for the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast, and the juices should run clear when cutting between the leg and thigh.

It is important to note that air fryers vary, and the size of the turkey will determine the cooking time. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer for the best results, checking the temperature 10 minutes ahead of the recommended cooking time.

How to prepare the turkey before cooking

Preparing a turkey before cooking it in an air fryer is a simple process. First, choose a relatively small turkey breast (3-5 pounds / 1.3-2+ kg) that fits easily into your air fryer basket. If you're using a frozen turkey, make sure to completely thaw it before cooking. Take the turkey out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.

Once your turkey is thawed and at room temperature, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of seasonings like olive or vegetable oil, salt, pepper, mixed herbs, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. You can also try injecting your turkey with a marinade to add extra flavor. After seasoning, spray the turkey generously with cooking spray.

Another key step to preparing your turkey is brining, which helps ensure a juicy, flavor-filled bird. If you're cooking a whole turkey, use kitchen shears to remove the rib cage, then pat it dry with paper towels before proceeding with seasoning.

Finally, if you're using an air fryer basket, place the turkey breast skin-side down into the basket. If you're using an air fryer oven, simply place the turkey inside according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to prepare the stuffing

Preparing the stuffing for a turkey is a straightforward process. The ingredients are simple, and you can even make the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the stuffing:

• Ingredients: You will need dry bread, celery, onions, butter, poultry seasoning, broth, and any additional ingredients of your choice. For the bread, you can use almost any kind of dry bread or purchase dry bread cubes. If you don't have dry bread, you can cut fresh bread into cubes and let them dry for a few days before making the stuffing. For the poultry seasoning, you can either buy a pre-mixed blend of spices like sage, thyme, and rosemary, or create your own mix. Broth, which can be chicken or turkey, is added for moisture, and the amount used will depend on the type and dryness of the bread.
• Cooking the Vegetables: In a pan, cook the celery and onions in butter until they are tender. This will add flavour to the stuffing.
• Mixing the Stuffing: In a separate pot, bring water and butter to a boil. Add the stuffing mix, cover, and remove from the heat. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, add the cooked vegetables and bread cubes to the pot and mix well. You can also add in any additional ingredients at this stage, such as shredded carrots, raisins, dried cranberries, or cooked sausage. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and any other spices of your choice.
• Cooling the Stuffing: It is important to let the stuffing cool completely before stuffing the turkey. Place the prepared stuffing in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to an hour to cool it down. This step is crucial for food safety, as it ensures that the turkey is not kept at an unsafe temperature for too long.
• Stuffing the Turkey: After the turkey has been prepared according to the previous steps, it is now time to stuff the bird. Take the cooled stuffing and fill the body and neck cavities of the turkey with the bread mixture. It is recommended to stuff the turkey just before cooking, as this helps maintain safe cooking temperatures.
• Roasting the Stuffed Turkey: Once the turkey is stuffed, rub the skin with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Place the turkey in the air fryer basket, following the specific instructions for your air fryer model. Set the temperature and time according to the size of your turkey and the recommendations of your air fryer. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey and stuffing are cooked to the safe minimum temperatures.

By following these steps, you will be able to prepare delicious and safe stuffing for your air-fried turkey. Enjoy the wonderful flavours and aromas of your homemade feast!

Carving and serving the turkey

Let the turkey rest for 15 to 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to settle and be reabsorbed into the meat, making it extra juicy. It also lets the bird cool down slightly, making it easier to handle. Place the turkey on a large cutting board with the cavity facing towards you and remove any butcher's twine.

You will need a sharp knife, a big cutting board, a platter, and paper towels. Using a sharp knife is important, but it doesn't need to be a specialty carving knife or a boning knife. You can use kitchen shears as an alternative to a sharp knife, as this provides more control and precision.

Slice the skin near the thigh to separate the leg from the body. Cut through the joint and along the body, angling the knife towards the bone as you cut. Slice through the skin between the leg and the breast, then pull back on the leg, laying it flat outward, and push up on the joint from underneath. You may hear a slight pop. Then, cut around the joint and remove the leg and thigh. Repeat this process on the other side and set these pieces aside.

Slice against the grain for tender pieces of meat, and try to keep the skin attached to each piece. Arrange all of the pieces on a platter, adding any garnishes. Keep the platter covered with aluminum foil to keep the turkey warm until serving.

Make sure all your side dishes, salads, sauces, and other dishes are cooked, on the table, and ready to be enjoyed before serving the carved turkey.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing leftovers:

It is recommended that leftover turkey is stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. If you have cooked a whole turkey, it is best to slice it into smaller pieces before storing it in the fridge. Legs and wings can be left intact, but breast and thigh meat should be carved into slices. This will make it easier to reheat later. Cover the leftover turkey and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating leftovers:

There are several ways to reheat leftover turkey to ensure it stays moist and tender. One way is to use an air fryer, which can quickly and easily reheat the meat. First, take the desired amount of turkey out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F for 3-5 minutes. If you are reheating a small portion of turkey, wrap it in foil with a splash of broth or water to create a steam effect. Seal the foil and place it in the air fryer for about 10 minutes per pound of meat. For larger portions, place the turkey in an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket. You can also reheat leftover turkey on the stovetop or in the oven. To do this, place the desired amount of turkey in a shallow pan or skillet with a splash of broth or water. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and heat until the turkey is warmed through. The internal temperature of the thickest portion of the meat should reach 165°F, which is the safe cooking temperature for poultry.

Frequently asked questions