Air Fryer Turkey: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Option

Yes, you can cook a turkey in an air fryer oven. It is possible to cook a whole turkey or a turkey breast in an air fryer, and it can be quicker and easier than cooking it in an oven. Air-fried turkey is moist, juicy, and tender, with a crispy, flavour-packed skin. It is also a good way to save oven space and energy when cooking for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Air fryer turkey cooking times

Air fryer turkeys are cooked in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. A sizeable turkey breast can be cooked in less than an hour. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey and the air fryer. For example, a 4-5 pound turkey breast should fit in a 5-quart air fryer or larger.

Preparation

Remove the turkey from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, then rub or drizzle oil and seasonings on both sides.

Cooking

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes at 350°F (180°C). Flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and continue to cook for another 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast with a meat thermometer. The minimum safe temperature is 150°F (66°C). The turkey is done when its skin is a lovely golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.

Resting

Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat.

Reheating

Refrigerate leftover turkey in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the turkey on a plate and microwave it on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until heated through.

How to prepare a turkey for the air fryer

Preparing a turkey for the air fryer is a relatively straightforward process, and it can save you time and oven space. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a turkey for the air fryer:

Choosing the Right Turkey:

Select a turkey that fits your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, opt for a turkey breast that weighs around 3-5 pounds. For larger air fryers, you can cook a whole turkey, but ensure it doesn't exceed the capacity of your appliance.

Thawing:

Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking. This step can take a few days, so plan ahead. Keep your thawed turkey in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before cooking.

Preparing the Turkey:

Take the turkey out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. You can then choose to season the turkey with your desired herbs, spices, and oil. If you want to add extra flavour, you can try injecting your turkey with a marinade or loosening the skin to spread butter underneath.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the turkey, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes at 350°F (180°C). Then, flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches the desired level. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bones. The recommended temperature is 165°F (74°C).

Resting and Serving:

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender turkey.

Air fryer temperature settings

Air fryers are a great way to cook a turkey, especially if you are short on oven space. They can cook a sizeable turkey breast in less than an hour with minimal prep and fuss. The circulating hot air cooks the turkey evenly, with very little oil, and faster for a crispy skin.

The temperature settings for an air fryer will depend on the size of your turkey and the type of air fryer you are using. It is recommended to check your turkey's internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The recommended temperature for a turkey is 165°F/74°C. You can also check the temperature without a thermometer 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, then the turkey is cooked.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
• Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 20 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
• Flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and continue to 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.

It is important to note that air fryer models vary, and the size of the turkey will determine the cooking time. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Carving and serving an air fryer turkey

So, you've cooked your turkey in an air fryer—now it's time to carve and serve it! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you do it like a pro.

First things first, let the turkey rest for 15 to 30 minutes before carving. This is an essential step as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it extra juicy. It also gives you time to get your sides ready so that everything is served together. Place the turkey on a cutting board with the cavity facing you and remove any butcher's twine.

Now, it's time to start carving. You'll need a sharp knife and a large cutting board. Start by slicing the skin near the thigh to separate the leg from the body. Then, cut through the joint and along the body, angling your knife towards the bone. Slice off the legs and thighs by cutting through the skin between the leg and breast. Pull back on the leg, laying it flat outward, and push up on the joint from underneath—you should hear a slight pop. Then, cut around the joint and remove the leg and thigh. Repeat this process on the other side.

Next, remove the breasts. Simply slice against the grain for tender pieces of meat, trying to keep the skin attached. Arrange all the pieces on a platter, adding any garnishes. For a bigger turkey, use a larger platter.

To keep the turkey warm until serving, cover the platter with aluminum foil. And there you have it—a beautifully carved and juicy air fryer turkey ready to be enjoyed!

Benefits of cooking a turkey in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and effective way to cook a turkey, offering several benefits over traditional oven cooking. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer to cook your bird:

Juicy and Flavorful Meat:

Air fryers cook turkeys evenly, ensuring the meat remains moist, tender, and juicy. The circulating hot air technology prevents the meat from drying out, resulting in a delicious and flavorful roast.

Crispy Golden Skin:

The air fryer's convection technology cooks the turkey skin to a perfect crisp, creating a golden and appetizing exterior. The high temperature of the air fryer helps achieve this desirable texture without the need for excessive oil or basting.

Time and Energy Efficiency:

Air fryers can significantly reduce cooking time compared to traditional ovens. A turkey can be cooked in an air fryer in less than an hour, making it a quick and convenient option for busy cooks. Additionally, air fryers are estimated to be up to 50% less expensive to run than ovens, resulting in energy bill savings.

Space-Saving Solution:

Air fryers are ideal for small kitchens or when you need extra oven space for preparing multiple dishes. They can be set up on another table or even outdoors, freeing up your oven for other uses while still allowing you to cook a whole turkey.

Healthier Option:

Air fryers require little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The hot air circulation cooks the turkey evenly and efficiently, resulting in a tasty and nutritious meal.

Ease of Use:

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a straightforward process with minimal prep and fuss. It doesn't require constant checking or basting, making it a low-maintenance cooking option.

Frequently asked questions