Air Fryer Turkey Dressing: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, known for their ability to create crispy fried foods with little to no oil. But can you use an air fryer to cook a full turkey? The short answer is yes! Air-fried turkey is juicy, tender, and has crispy golden skin. It is also much quicker and easier than roasting in the oven. You can even make the gravy in the same glass vessel as the turkey. However, it is important to ensure that your air fryer is large enough to accommodate a turkey. As a rule of thumb, your air fryer basket should be at least 2 inches wider and deeper than your turkey.

Turkey size and air fryer basket capacity

A good rule of thumb is to select an air fryer basket that is at least 2 inches wider and deeper than the turkey. This ensures proper air circulation and allows for more efficient cooking. For a 12- to 14-pound turkey, a 9-quart or larger air fryer basket is recommended. Popular models like the Ninja Foodi or Instant Vortex can accommodate turkeys within this weight range.

For larger turkeys, up to 20 pounds, investing in a very large air fryer or an oven-style model is necessary. The Cosori CO130-AO 12.7 Quart Air Fryer Oven is specifically mentioned as a suitable option for bigger birds. It is important to consult the instruction manual of any air fryer model to verify the maximum turkey size recommended by the manufacturer.

When cooking a turkey breast or a smaller bird, choosing a relatively small turkey breast of 3 to 5 pounds (1.3 to 2+ kg) is advisable. This size fits easily into most air fryer baskets and can feed up to six people. It is worth noting that some sources suggest sticking to turkeys that are 12 pounds or under to ensure they fit nicely in the air fryer basket and cook evenly.

The size and capacity of an air fryer are critical factors in determining its suitability for a household. While small compact air fryers are suitable for single individuals or couples, larger families may require higher-capacity air fryers. It is worth noting that the standard size for air fryers is typically considered to be around 4 to 6 quarts, while options with 9 quarts or more are considered high-capacity and better suited for family-sized meals or high-volume cooking.

Turkey preparation and seasoning

Firstly, it is important to choose the right size of turkey that will fit comfortably in your air fryer. Opt for a relatively small turkey breast, weighing around 3-5 pounds (1.3-2+ kg). This will ensure even cooking and a reasonable cooking time. If you're cooking for a larger group, consider using a bigger air fryer or an oven-style model to accommodate a larger turkey.

Once you've selected the right-sized turkey, it's essential to completely thaw it before air frying. Leave the frozen turkey in the refrigerator for 2-4 days to ensure it's fully thawed. Taking the turkey out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking is also advisable, as it allows the meat to come to room temperature.

Now, let's move on to the preparation and seasoning. Begin by removing any giblets or neck bones from the turkey cavities and discarding them. Then, pat the turkey dry with paper towels, ensuring you remove any excess moisture from the skin.

For seasoning, you can opt for a simple dry rub or a more complex blend of spices. A basic dry rub typically includes salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. You can also get creative and make a spice blend by combining Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Don't forget to drizzle or rub olive oil on the turkey before applying the seasonings, as it helps the spices adhere better and adds moisture to the meat.

For an extra juicy and flavourful turkey, you can slide slices of butter and garlic under the skin. This step ensures that the meat stays moist and develops a rich flavour. Additionally, if you want to enhance the flavour even further, you can try injecting your turkey with your favourite marinade.

Finally, before placing the turkey in the air fryer, remember to preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Then, place the turkey breast-side down into the air fryer basket, and you'll be ready to start cooking!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for turkey in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the bird, the power of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness.

As a general rule of thumb, you should allow for a cooking time of approximately 30 minutes per pound of turkey. So, for a 12-pound turkey, the total cooking time will be about 6 hours at 350°F. However, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked. This may mean that you need to cook the turkey for slightly longer than the initial calculation.

For a 4-5 pound turkey breast, you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the breast skin-side down for 20 minutes. Then, turn the breast over and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you want the skin to be crispier, you can cook the breast skin-side up for the final 20 minutes of cooking time.

If you are cooking a whole turkey, it is recommended to use an air fryer with a capacity of at least 9 quarts for a 12-14 pound bird. For larger turkeys, you will need an air fryer with a capacity of 16-18 quarts. It is important to ensure that the turkey is fully thawed before cooking and to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature during cooking.

To achieve a crispy skin, some recipes recommend bumping up the temperature to 400°F for the last 30 minutes of cooking. However, this may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your turkey, so it is important to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust accordingly.

Using a meat thermometer

Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of thermometer. An instant-read thermometer is a good option, as it will give you a fast and accurate reading. Probe thermometers are another great choice, as they can be left in the meat while it cooks, allowing you to monitor the temperature over time. This is especially useful if you want to set an alarm so that your meat doesn't dry out.

When cooking turkey, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to make sure it is safe to eat. You can check this by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, making sure to avoid any bones. If you are cooking a whole turkey, you may also want to check the temperature in the thigh, wing, and thickest part of the stuffing to ensure even cooking.

Depending on the size of your turkey, the cooking time will vary. A good rule of thumb is to plan for a cooking time of approximately 30 minutes per pound. For example, a 12-pound turkey will take about 6 hours at 350°F. However, it is always best to refer to the recommended cooking time for your specific recipe and use the thermometer to check if the turkey is done.

When checking the temperature, it is important to take into account that the turkey's temperature will continue to rise as it rests. So, it is recommended to check the temperature about 10 minutes before the suggested cooking time is up. This way, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked perfectly and avoid overcooking it.

Resting and serving the turkey

Once your turkey is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a platter. You should then loosely cover it with aluminium foil and leave it to rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat, resulting in a more flavoursome and juicy bird.

While the turkey is resting, you can make a gravy using the drippings from the air fryer and prepare any side dishes. Examples of side dishes that go well with turkey include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and Greek potatoes with feta and rosemary.

After the resting period, it's time to carve the turkey. Using a sharp knife or carving set, begin by removing the legs and thighs. Only slice as much of the meat as you need and cover the rest of the turkey before storing it in the fridge for up to three days. You can use any leftover turkey in recipes such as casseroles, soups, sandwiches, and pies.

Air-fried turkey is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook a whole turkey, resulting in a bird that is tender, moist, and has crispy golden skin. It is also a great option if you want to save oven space or reduce your energy bills.

Frequently asked questions