Air-Fried Turkey: A Quick, Crispy Whole Bird Treat

Cooking a whole turkey in an air fryer is possible, but it can be a difficult and labour-intensive process. The main challenge is finding an air fryer that is large enough to fit a whole turkey. Some sources suggest that a 10-litre air fryer can cook a 20-pound turkey, while others recommend a halogen-style air fryer for turkeys up to 16 pounds. It is important to check the capacity of your air fryer before attempting to cook a whole turkey.

Air fryer capacity

Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, but it depends on the capacity of your air fryer. The biggest problem with most air fryers is that they are small compared to the size of a whole turkey. For example, with halogen-style air fryers, you can air fry up to a 16-pound turkey. Anything larger than 16 pounds is too big for the glass bowl. If you want to cook a turkey larger than 16 pounds, it’s best to use the conventional oven method. However, there are some large-capacity outdoor air fryers that can cook up to a 20-pound turkey.

If you can find a whole turkey small enough to fit into an air fryer (or an air fryer large enough to fit a whole turkey), cooking the bird is similar to the oven method. You'll want to add some flavour to the meat before putting it into the air fryer. For example, you can rub the area in between the skin and the meat with butter and herbs.

Oven space

Air fryers can be used to cook a whole turkey, freeing up oven space for other uses. However, the size of the turkey is an important consideration. Most air fryers are small compared to the size of a whole turkey, so it is necessary to check the capacity of the air fryer. For example, a standard 3-6 quart air fryer is suitable for simple smaller dishes and meals, while a larger capacity outdoor air fryer can cook a turkey of up to 20 pounds.

If you are using a halogen-style air fryer, you can air fry a turkey of up to 16 pounds. Anything larger than 16 pounds is too big for the glass bowl, and it is recommended to use the conventional oven method instead.

To cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the turkey is thawed and fits properly in the air fryer. This may involve finding a whole turkey small enough to fit or using an air fryer large enough to accommodate the turkey.

By using an air fryer to cook the turkey, you can free up valuable oven space for other dishes and avoid the need for basting or constantly checking on the turkey. This can be especially useful during holiday meals or Thanksgiving, when multiple dishes need to be prepared simultaneously.

Cooking time

Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, but it can be a difficult and labour-intensive process. The size of the turkey will depend on the capacity of your air fryer. For example, a 10-litre XL Electric Fryer can cook a 20-pound turkey, while a halogen-style air fryer can cook a turkey up to 16 pounds.

To cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, you must first ensure that the turkey is thawed. You can then add flavour to the meat by rubbing the area between the skin and the meat with butter and herbs.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey and the model of your air fryer. As a general rule, a whole turkey will take longer to cook in an air fryer than in a conventional oven. For example, a 12-pound turkey cooked in a halogen-style air fryer will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes at 350°F. A larger turkey, such as a 16-pound bird, may take up to 4 hours to cook in a larger air fryer.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary significantly in terms of cooking time and temperature settings. Therefore, it is always best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the desired temperature. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F in the thickest part of the thigh for safe consumption.

Turkey size

The size of the turkey you can cook in an air fryer depends on the capacity of your air fryer. Most air fryers are small compared to the size of a whole turkey, so you may need to opt for a turkey breast instead. However, some large-capacity outdoor air fryers can cook a turkey of up to 20 pounds. If you have a halogen-style air fryer, you can cook a turkey of up to 16 pounds. Anything larger than 16 pounds is too big for the glass bowl. If you want to cook a turkey larger than 16 pounds, it's best to use a conventional oven.

Flavouring

Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer. However, it is a difficult and labour-intensive process, and you will need to ensure that your turkey is small enough to fit in the air fryer.

To add flavour to your turkey, rub the area between the skin and the meat with butter and herbs. You can also add flavour by making a brine solution and soaking the turkey in it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This will help to keep the meat moist and juicy. You can also inject the turkey with a marinade to add flavour.

Another way to add flavour to your turkey is to use a dry rub. Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any other spices you like. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Let the turkey sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

You can also add flavour to your turkey by cooking it with other ingredients. Try placing slices of onion, garlic, or lemon inside the cavity of the turkey. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. These ingredients will impart their flavour to the turkey as it cooks.

Frequently asked questions