Air Fryer Turkey: Cooking A Whole Bird

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a great alternative to using an oven, especially if you're short on space or want to save time and money on your energy bills. Air-fried turkey is juicy, flavourful, and tender, with a crispy skin. It's also a lot less fuss, with minimal prep and easy cleanup. You can cook a whole turkey or just a turkey breast in an air fryer, and it's possible to make gravy with the drippings.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your turkey in an air fryer will depend on the size of your bird and your air fryer. It is recommended to check the temperature of your turkey with a meat thermometer. The recommended temperature for a fully cooked turkey is 165°F/74°C.

If you are cooking a whole turkey, it is important to first ensure that your air fryer is large enough. Some indoor tabletop air fryers can only cook a turkey breast, but larger outdoor air fryers can cook turkeys up to 20 lbs.

If you are cooking a turkey breast, you should choose a relatively small one (3-5 lbs / 1.3-2+ kg) that fits easily into your air fryer basket. You should preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Then, place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the basket and cook for 20 minutes at 350°F (180°C). After 20 minutes, flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and cook for another 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches a minimum of 150°F (66°C). The turkey should have a crispy, golden skin and the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.

If you are cooking a whole turkey, you can follow a similar process but the cooking time will be longer. First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Then, place the turkey, skin side down, into the basket and cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and cook for another 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey. You should cook the turkey until a thermometer inserted into the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast registers a minimum of 165°F (74°C). The turkey should have a golden skin and the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary, and the size of the turkey will determine the length of the cooking time. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your turkey to ensure it is fully cooked. Additionally, it is important to let the turkey rest for at least 15-30 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to be re-absorbed into the meat.

How to check if it's cooked

Checking if your turkey is cooked is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

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 or too often will cause a loss of heat and affect the cooking time. If you are cooking ground turkey, it is recommended to cook it for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

To check if your turkey is cooked, you can use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest parts of the turkey, such as the thigh, wings, and breast, making sure it is close to but not touching any bones. The recommended internal temperature for a fully cooked turkey is 165°F/74°C.

If you do not have a thermometer, you can use a fork or a thin knife to pierce the thickest parts of the turkey. If the juices run clear and are no longer pink or reddish, this is a good indication that the turkey is cooked. Additionally, the turkey should have a golden crisp skin when fully cooked.

For ground turkey, you can also check by gently pressing on the meat. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it is likely cooked.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey and the type of air fryer used. Always refer to your specific air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Preparing the turkey

Firstly, decide on the size of the turkey you wish to cook. If you are using an indoor tabletop air fryer, opt for a smaller turkey breast, around 3-5 pounds, to ensure it fits easily into the basket. However, if you have a larger capacity outdoor air fryer, you can cook a whole turkey, typically ranging from 14-16 pounds to even 20 pounds.

Once you have selected the right size, ensure the turkey is completely thawed. This step is crucial and can take a few days, so plan ahead. Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator for at least 4 days before cooking to allow it to thaw fully. If you're short on time, you can also thaw it overnight, but this is less ideal. After thawing, remove the neck and giblets, and rib cage using kitchen shears.

To enhance the flavour and moisture of the turkey, create pockets between the skin and the breast and legs. Be gentle to avoid tearing the skin. Then, insert slices of butter into these pockets, ensuring the butter is spread evenly. You can also add herbs to the butter for extra flavour. Additionally, rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil and seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Before placing the turkey in the air fryer, ensure it is at room temperature. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, then place it in the air fryer basket, skin side down. If desired, you can also add some cooking spray to the turkey before placing it in the basket.

Lastly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the air fryer is ready to cook the turkey evenly and effectively.

Advantages of using an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a turkey in an air fryer oven. In fact, many people claim that air-fried turkey is juicy and flavourful. Now, here are the advantages of using an air fryer:

Air fryers are versatile and can cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meats, and even desserts. They can be used for baking, grilling, roasting, and reheating leftovers. This versatility allows for a range of healthy meal options and makes it easier to incorporate healthy cooking into your lifestyle. For instance, you can air fry vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots, helping to retain their nutrients, unlike boiling or steaming methods that can leach out essential vitamins and minerals.

Air fryers are also time-efficient and easy to use, making them a convenient option for busy individuals. They heat up and cook faster than traditional ovens, and their compact design makes them ideal for small kitchens or apartments. Air fryers are also simple to operate, requiring minimal cleanup.

Another advantage of air fryers is that they use less oil than traditional deep fryers, which can lead to reduced fat and calorie intake. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to make healthier dietary choices and can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. While some foods may require a small amount of oil to enhance flavour and texture, air fryers can also produce tasty results without any oil at all.

Finally, air fryers are a great option for those with limited oven space, especially during holiday cooking when multiple dishes need to be prepared simultaneously. The air fryer can be set up on another table or even outside, freeing up the oven for other uses.

What to do with leftovers

There are a plethora of options for using leftover turkey, ranging from pies, casseroles, and sandwiches to stir-fries, burritos, and pastas. If you have an air fryer, you can make air fryer leftover turkey burgers, or even air fryer frozen turkey burgers if you freeze your leftovers. You can also make air fryer turkey pizza, air fryer turkey pot pie, and air fryer bubble and squeak.

If you have a pressure cooker, you can make Air Fryer Turkey Croquettes by chopping up leftover turkey into small pieces and enveloping them in leftover stuffing. You then roll them into balls or cylinders and lightly bread them before "frying" them in the air fryer.

If you're looking for something simpler, you can always eat the sliced turkey cold, or make warm sandwiches or a turkey salad.

Frequently asked questions