Air-Fried Turkey Breast: A Quick, Easy Feast

Turkey is a classic dish, especially for Thanksgiving. However, cooking a whole turkey can be a hassle. Luckily, you can cook a sizeable turkey breast in an air fryer in less than an hour with minimal prep and fuss! Air fryer turkey breast is tender, juicy, flavourful, and has a beautiful deep golden brown skin. It is also a great option for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering.

Turkey breast size and air fryer capacity

The size of the turkey breast will directly impact the cooking time. Smaller turkey breasts, ranging from 3 to 4 pounds, generally require 45 to 50 minutes of cooking time. Larger breasts, weighing 5 pounds or more, may need an hour or longer. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and ensure thorough cooking.

To accommodate larger turkey breasts, consider using a bigger air fryer, such as a 5-quart or larger model. This ensures sufficient space for the meat and proper air circulation. Additionally, it is worth noting that bone-in turkey breasts tend to take longer to cook than boneless options due to the presence of the bone.

When cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific air fryer model. Each air fryer may have unique specifications, affecting the cooking time and temperature settings. By choosing an appropriately sized turkey breast and using a suitable air fryer, you can ensure optimal cooking results and a delicious, juicy outcome.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer turkey breast depend on the weight of the meat, the power of the air fryer, and the shape of the breast. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. However, some sources suggest removing the turkey breast from the air fryer when the temperature reaches 158 °F-160 °F as the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests.

A 3-5 pound turkey breast will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook in the air fryer. A smaller 3-4 pound breast will take 45-50 minutes, while a 5-pound breast will take about an hour. A bone-in turkey breast will need about 10 minutes longer to cook. It is important to ensure that the turkey breast fits in the air fryer without touching the element on top.

To cook a turkey breast in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 °F. Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes. Flip the turkey breast over and cook for an additional 25-40 minutes, or until the desired internal temperature is reached. It is recommended to let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to check if the turkey is cooked

There are several ways to check if your turkey is cooked through. The most popular method is to use a meat thermometer. The recommended temperature for turkey cooked in an air fryer is 165°F/74°C. Check the temperature at the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast. Make sure the thermometer is in the meat and close to but not touching the bone. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can do a visual check by piercing the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast with a fork or thin knife. If the juices run clear and are no longer pink or reddish, the turkey is cooked.

It's important not to check the temperature of the turkey too early, as this will cause you to lose cooking heat and affect the cooking time. Check the temperature 10 minutes ahead of the recommended cooking time. The temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests, so it's recommended to pull the turkey out of the air fryer at 162°F, as it will continue to cook while it rests.

Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. You can tent the turkey with aluminum foil to help it stay warm.

Resting and storing the turkey

Resting the turkey is an important step to ensure that it is juicy and tender. It is recommended that you let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. Some sources suggest resting the turkey for 15 minutes, while others suggest 30 minutes to an hour. One source recommends resting the turkey for as long as you cooked it, so if you cooked it for 3 hours, let it rest for 3 hours. This may seem like a long time, but it is said to result in a moist and delicious turkey.

To rest the turkey, transfer it to a carving or cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm. The temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests. If you are not serving the entire turkey, only slice as much meat as you need and store the rest in the fridge. Covered leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can use leftovers for sandwiches or in recipes such as turkey pie, casserole, pasta, or soup.

When resting the turkey, it is important to keep it properly covered with foil to retain heat. Additionally, make sure to follow food safety guidelines for handling and storing raw and cooked turkey to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Seasoning and oiling the turkey

Firstly, remove the turkey breast from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Then, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasoning stick to the meat. Next, rub or brush the turkey breast with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter.

Now it's time to season the turkey. You can use a variety of seasonings, depending on your preference. Some common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian herbs, and thyme. You can also use a pre-made poultry seasoning blend. If you want to get fancy, you can make an herb butter by blending butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, chives, and garlic. Rub this herb butter all over the turkey breast, making sure to get under the skin.

Once your turkey breast is seasoned and oiled, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer. But don't forget to preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C) for 5 minutes before cooking.

Frequently asked questions