Air Frying A Turkey Roll: Is It Possible?

Cooking a turkey roll in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this dish. Air fryers can cook a sizeable turkey breast in less than an hour with minimal prep and fuss, and the results are a juicy and tender roast with a golden, crispy skin. The air fryer method is also a great way to free up oven space, and it's estimated that it can be up to 50% cheaper to run than a conventional oven.

Cooking times and temperatures

Cooking a turkey roll in an air fryer is a great way to save time and oven space, especially during the holidays. The cooking time and temperature for a turkey roll in an air fryer will depend on the size of the roll and the model of the air fryer.

For a small turkey breast (3-5 pounds or 1.3-2+ kg), preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes. Then, flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and 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 is ready when it has a lovely crisp, golden skin and clear juices when pierced with a knife.

If your air fryer basket is large enough (5 quarts or larger), you can cook a larger turkey breast (4-5 pounds). Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Then, turn the turkey over, remove any netting, and season again. Continue cooking for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F using an instant-read thermometer.

For a whole turkey, a standard 3-6 quart air fryer is suitable for smaller dishes. However, for a larger turkey of up to 14-16 pounds, you will need a unique air fryer with an expansion ring that puts its capacity at 16-18 quarts. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the whole turkey for 45-60 minutes, or about 7-10 minutes per pound, until a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey registers 165°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the turkey roll and the model of the air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and use a meat thermometer to ensure that your turkey is cooked to the recommended internal temperature.

Choosing the right turkey

Size: Select a relatively small turkey that fits easily into your air fryer basket. A good rule of thumb is to choose a turkey breast ranging from 3 to 5 pounds (1.3 to 2+ kg). This size should fit most standard air fryer baskets and feed up to six people. Make sure the height of the meat is below the top of the basket before starting.

Type: Opt for a frozen turkey crown, which is typically more affordable and suitable for air frying. A whole turkey might be too large for a standard air fryer, so consider using a unique model designed for larger turkeys if you prefer a whole bird.

Thawing: If you choose a frozen turkey, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. Thawing can be done in the refrigerator, and it may take about 24 hours for a turkey breast. For a whole turkey, allow sufficient time for thawing, as it may take several days.

Preparation: Before cooking, take the turkey out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand to bring it to room temperature. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, then apply oil or butter and seasonings. You can also try brining the turkey before cooking for added flavour and moisture.

Cooking Time: The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey and the model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the turkey breast skin-side down for 20 minutes at 350°F (180°C), then flip it over and 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. Use a meat thermometer for the best results.

Preparing the turkey

Once you have the right-sized turkey, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. If your turkey is frozen, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This can be done by leaving it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. You can also speed up the thawing process by placing the frozen turkey in a container of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

After the turkey has reached room temperature, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, mixed herbs, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. Remove the netting from the turkey if possible, and rub the seasonings all over the turkey breast, making sure to get under the skin. You can also try dry brining or injecting your turkey with a marinade for extra flavor.

Before placing the turkey in the air fryer, pat it dry with paper towels and rub it with butter or oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the turkey and ensure even cooking. You can also spray the turkey with a cooking spray during cooking to keep it moist and juicy.

Now, you are ready to start cooking your turkey in the air fryer! Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. For a whole turkey, place it skin side up in the basket. Set the air fryer temperature and cooking time according to the size of your turkey and the manufacturer's instructions.

Carving the turkey

To begin carving, place the turkey on a cutting board with the cavity facing towards you and remove any butcher's twine that may be trussing the legs together. Using a sharp chef's knife, 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. You can also use kitchen shears as an alternative to a sharp knife, as this provides more control and precision.

Next, remove the carcass from the board. If you plan to make turkey broth, you can place the carcass directly into a large pot. Otherwise, let it cool and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Now, place the breasts skin-side up on the cutting board and cut across the breast meat into 1/2-inch-thick slices. For the neatest slices, use long cutting strokes instead of short sawing motions. Cut the wing in half and transfer the white meat to your serving platter.

Finally, separate the thigh from the drumstick by wiggling your knife in the joint. Place the drumsticks on the platter and remove the bone from the thigh. Place the boneless thigh skin-side up on the platter and slice. Your turkey is now ready to be served!

Remember, carving cools the meat significantly, so it's best to serve the turkey as soon as it's carved. You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Storing and reheating leftovers

When storing leftovers, it is important to let the turkey cool completely before placing it in the fridge. Cover the leftover turkey with foil and store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag, pushing out as much air as possible. The leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat leftover turkey in the oven, preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the leftover turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes. This helps the meat reheat more evenly. Carve the turkey into smaller, uniform pieces and place them in a single layer on a baking tray or roasting pan. Splash the turkey pieces with leftover broth, stock, or water, and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Reheat in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the meat is hot and has an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).

If you are reheating a smaller portion and prefer not to use the oven, you can use a microwave. Place the carved turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate and splash them with a small amount of broth or stock. Cover the plate with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid and heat on low power for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the meat is warmed through.

To retain moisture and flavour, it is best to reheat leftover turkey slowly and evenly. The oven method is generally recommended over the microwave to prevent the meat from drying out. However, if you choose to use the microwave, ensure that the turkey is at room temperature before reheating, as this will result in a more even cooking experience.

Frequently asked questions