Air-Fryer Turkey Steaks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Turkey steaks are a great option for a quick, easy, and healthy meal. They are a lean and healthy alternative to beef steaks and can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. Air-frying is a convenient and fast way to cook turkey steaks, keeping them tender and juicy. This method is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, yielding a manageable amount of meat with less labour than a full roast turkey.

Turkey steak marinade

Turkey steaks are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a healthy way to get a tasty, protein-packed dinner on the table in no time. The air fryer helps to seal in the juices, ensuring your turkey steaks are tender and moist.

The key to a delicious turkey steak is in the marinade. You can use a variety of herbs and spices to flavour your meat. Here is a simple marinade recipe that will add a ton of flavour to your steaks:

Ingredients:

• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Garlic granules or garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil or another flavourless cooking oil
• Parmesan cheese (optional, but recommended)

Method:

• Combine the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic granules in a small bowl and mix well.
• Preheat your air fryer to 190°C/385°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Pat the turkey steaks dry with a kitchen paper towel.
• Season both sides of the steaks with salt and black pepper.
• Brush oil onto the steaks.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the steaks, ensuring they are well coated.
• Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese onto the steaks and pat it down so that it sticks to the meat.
• Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Air fry for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

You can also try marinating your turkey steaks in a honey garlic soy sauce for a couple of hours before cooking to add extra flavour and moisture.

Tips:

• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks. Thinner steaks will cook faster, while thicker steaks may need a few extra minutes.
• Always ensure your turkey steaks are fully cooked before consuming. The internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your steaks to avoid overcooking.
• Fresh turkey steaks will produce better results than frozen ones. If using frozen steaks, thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking.
• If you're short on time, you can marinate your steaks for a couple of hours, but for maximum flavour, let them soak up the marinade overnight.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the steaks in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• Pair your juicy air-fried turkey steaks with a variety of sides, such as vegetables, salads, potatoes, or grains.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried turkey steak dinner!

Air fryer temperature

Yes, you can cook turkey steaks in an air fryer. The air fryer temperature and cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks.

For 1/2-inch thick steaks, cook at 390° F for 8-11 minutes, flipping over halfway through. Check the internal temperature to make sure it has reached 165° F before serving.

For 3/4-inch thick steaks, cook at 390° F for 8-10 minutes, flipping at halftime.

If you are cooking a full turkey breast, the air fryer temperature and cooking time will differ slightly. Preheat the air fryer to 400° F (200° C) for 5 minutes. Then, place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket and cook at 350° F (180° C) for 20 minutes. 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).

It is important to use a meat thermometer to check that the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Cooking time

The cooking time for turkey steaks in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak, the size of the fryer, and whether the steak is boneless or bone-in. Boneless turkey steaks are also referred to as turkey cutlets and are cut from the breast.

Some recipes recommend cooking the steaks for 6-8 minutes, while others suggest 10 minutes. One source recommends cooking the steaks for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

If you are cooking a turkey breast, the cooking time will depend on the weight of the breast, whether it is boneless or bone-in, and the model of the air fryer. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to cook the breast for 17-20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70-72°C). For every extra pound of turkey, add 8-10 minutes of cooking time.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the steaks or breasts. It is always best to check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through.

Resting the meat

When you remove the steak from the air fryer, place it on a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This waiting period allows the juices inside the meat to settle, enhancing the flavour and texture of the steak.

For larger cuts of meat, such as a whole turkey breast, a longer resting time is recommended. In this case, it is best to let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring that it stays moist and tender.

It is important to note that the resting time should be factored into the overall cooking time. While the steak rests, the internal temperature will continue to rise, ensuring that the meat reaches the desired level of doneness. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the steak from the air fryer just before it reaches the desired internal temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting.

Storing and reheating

Storing:

It is essential to store cooked turkey steaks properly to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain their quality. Here are the steps to follow:

• Let the cooked turkey steaks cool down: After air-frying, allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes. This helps the meat retain its juices, making it more tender and juicy.
• Cover and chill: Use foil, plastic wrap, or an airtight container to cover the steaks. This helps prevent the steaks from drying out and keeps them moist.
• Refrigerate: Place the covered steaks in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains food safety.
• Consume within 3-4 days: Cooked turkey steaks can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is recommended to consume them within this timeframe to ensure optimal taste and food safety.

Freezing:

If you want to store the cooked turkey steaks for an extended period, you can freeze them:

• Slice the steaks: Cut the steaks into slices or portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat individual servings.
• Use freezer-safe bags: Place the steak slices in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Label and date the bags: Clearly label the bags and include the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the steaks have been frozen.
• Freeze for up to 6 months: Cooked turkey steaks can be safely frozen for up to 6 months. After this period, it is recommended to consume them or discard them.

Reheating:

There are several ways to reheat your cooked turkey steaks while maintaining their taste and texture:

• Air fryer: You can reheat the steaks in an air fryer, but it may not be the best method for larger pieces like turkey legs. Preheat the air fryer to around 400°F and place the steaks inside. Reheat for about 6-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Depending on your air fryer model, you can also reheat the steaks using stovetop methods. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for reheating, as different air fryers may have specific guidelines.
• Oven: For larger quantities or whole turkey breasts, the oven is a suitable option. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Place the steaks in a roasting tin, add some broth or stock, and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reaches 165°F.
• Note: It is generally recommended to reheat turkey only once to maintain food safety and prevent overcooking.

Frequently asked questions