Emilie Meyer
Cooking a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer is a convenient option for a smaller piece of turkey. However, opinions vary on whether it is advisable to cook frozen turkey breast in an air fryer. Some sources recommend defrosting the turkey breast before cooking, as the intense and concentrated heat of the air fryer may lead to uneven cooking. On the other hand, some sources provide instructions for cooking frozen turkey breast in an air fryer, which involves wrapping the turkey in foil and cooking it at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
Cooking Frozen Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thawing | Some sources recommend thawing the turkey breast before cooking, which can be done by placing it on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerating for 1-2 days or overnight. |
| Temperature | Preheat the air fryer to 350-390°F (176.6-200°C). |
| Cooking Time | The cooking time varies depending on the weight and shape of the meat. As a rule of thumb, cook for about 10-12 minutes per pound for boneless or 11-13 minutes per pound for bone-in. |
| Internal Temperature | The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73.8°C) in the thickest portion, measured with a meat thermometer. |
| Resting | Let the cooked turkey breast rest for 5-15 minutes before slicing to ensure it stays juicy. |
| Seasoning | Seasonings like olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic can be added before cooking. |
| Brining | Brining is optional, but if desired, the turkey can be soaked in brine for 8 hours or overnight before cooking. |
| Foil | Using foil to wrap the turkey breast is recommended to prevent overbrowning. |
| Netting | If the turkey breast has netting, it can be removed after cooking. |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures
While some sources suggest that cooking a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer is not recommended, there are a few methods that can be used to cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer.
One method is to preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the foil-wrapped frozen turkey breast for 1 hour with the breast side down. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and flip the turkey breast over, cooking for another 30-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before serving, during which the internal temperature will rise to the USDA-recommended 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another method is to preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the frozen turkey breast for 1 hour, turning the turkey breast every 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, as well as the weight and shape of the meat. For a 5-pound turkey breast, cooking will take approximately 1 hour. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey breast is cooked to the desired internal temperature.
If you have the time, it is recommended to thaw the frozen turkey breast before cooking. This can be done by placing the turkey breast on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerating it for 1 to 2 days or until it is completely defrosted. Once thawed, you can season the turkey breast with a variety of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. You can also coat the turkey breast with olive oil or mayonnaise to add flavor and help the seasonings stick.
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Defrosting and brining
Defrosting
Defrosting your turkey breast is essential if you want to season it effectively. There are a few methods you can use to defrost your turkey:
- Cold Water Submersion: Submerge the frozen turkey in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. This method takes approximately 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
- Refrigerator: Place the frozen turkey in your refrigerator. This method is great for keeping the fresh flavor of the turkey locked in, so it's unleashed during the cooking process.
- Cold Garage: If you don't have space in your refrigerator, you can also put the frozen turkey in a cold garage or refrigerator garage.
Brining
Brining your turkey is an optional step but is highly recommended as it adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist. Here are the steps to brine your turkey:
- Make the Brine: The basic brine solution is dissolving salt in water. A good ratio to follow is 1/4 cup of salt to 4 cups of water. You can also add other flavorings like peppercorns, bay leaves, rosemary, vegetable stock, or sugar.
- Submerge the Turkey: Place your frozen or defrosted turkey breast in the brine solution. Make sure the turkey is fully submerged, and if it's not, add more cold water.
- Brine and Thaw: You can brine and thaw your turkey at the same time. Cover the vessel and let the turkey thaw and brine simultaneously for 24-48 hours at room temperature, depending on the size of your turkey.
- Inject the Brine: For an extra flavorful and tender turkey, remove it from the brine and use a meat injector to inject the remaining brine into the meat about every two inches.
- Mop Sauce: Don't discard the brine! Use the remaining herbs and spices in the brine as a mop sauce during the cooking process. This will create a toasty brown skin that is full of flavor.
Remember, if you choose to brine your turkey, it is essential to rinse it thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry before cooking.
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Seasoning and coating
While some sources suggest that cooking a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer is not recommended, there are special recipes for doing so. However, most recipes call for a fully thawed turkey breast, which can be seasoned and coated before air frying.
When it comes to seasoning, you can use a variety of herbs and spices to add flavour to your turkey breast. Some common seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can also be used to enhance the flavour. It is recommended to rub the turkey breast with olive oil or avocado oil before applying the seasonings, as this helps the seasonings stick to the meat and adds flavour. You can also use mayonnaise as a coating, as it gives the turkey breast a golden colour and a tasty flavour.
If you have time, you can also brine the turkey breast before cooking. To do this, you can make a mixture of water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and pepper, and let the turkey breast soak in it for several hours or overnight. This will infuse the meat with flavour and moisture. After brining, remember to pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels before adding any other seasonings or coatings.
Additionally, you can use a cooking spray during the cooking process to help keep the seasoning on the turkey breast. Simply spray the turkey a couple of times while it's cooking.
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Flipping and cooking
While some sources suggest that cooking a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer is not recommended, there are several recipes that describe how to do it. The cooking time will depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer, but most recipes suggest cooking a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer for around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
To cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the turkey breast from its packaging, keeping the netting in place if possible. Wrap the turkey breast in aluminum foil and place it in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and flip the turkey breast over, so it is breast side up. Continue cooking for 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit when tested with a meat thermometer.
Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before removing the netting and slicing. The turkey breast will continue to cook while resting and should reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some recipes suggest adding a few extra steps for more flavour. For example, you can coat the turkey breast in mayonnaise or olive oil before cooking, which will give it a golden colour. You can also season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. If you want to brine the turkey breast, you can do so by stirring together boiling water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and pepper. Let the brine cool, then submerge the turkey breast in the brine and leave it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
It is important to note that cooking a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer may result in the outside browning or cooking too quickly while the inside is still cooking. To avoid this, some sources recommend thawing the turkey breast before cooking and adding extra cooking time if needed.
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Resting and serving
Resting the turkey breast is an important step in the cooking process. This is because it allows the juices to be absorbed back into the meat, ensuring that it stays juicy and tender. The length of the resting period depends on the size of the turkey breast and the cooking method. For a boneless turkey breast cooked in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to let the meat rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. During this time, the turkey breast will continue to cook, reaching the desired USDA turkey breast cooking temperature of 170 °F.
When removing the cooked turkey breast from the air fryer, use tongs or oven mitts to protect your hands from the hot air and surfaces. Place the turkey breast on a cutting board or a serving platter. If you have cooked the turkey breast with the netting still on, as some recipes recommend, be sure to remove it before resting. However, be careful when removing the netting, as some meat might stick to it.
Cover the turkey breast with foil to keep it warm and let it rest for the recommended time. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your turkey breast is juicy and flavourful. If you are using a meat thermometer, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 °F for boneless turkey breasts and 170 °F for bone-in turkey breasts.
Once the turkey breast has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it. You can serve the turkey breast as a main course with your favourite holiday sides, such as mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash, and gravy. For a healthier option, you can also use the sliced turkey breast for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy your delicious and juicy air-fried turkey breast!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer. However, some sources suggest that it is better to fully thaw the turkey breast before cooking. This is because the outside may brown too quickly while the inside is still cooking.
First, preheat your air fryer to 350 F. Remove the turkey from its packaging and wrap it in foil. Place the frozen turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 1 hour, removing the foil after 45 minutes. Then, flip the turkey and cook for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 F. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before serving.
To defrost a frozen turkey breast, place it on a rimmed baking sheet and leave it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Alternatively, you can submerge it in a bowl of cold water.
