Air Fryer Turkey Breast: Can You Fit It?

Air fryer turkey breast is a quick and easy way to cook a small turkey that's moist, juicy, and tender with a golden, crispy skin. It's perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering or a regular weeknight dinner. You can use a boneless or bone-in turkey breast, but make sure it fits in your air fryer basket. A 4- to 6-pound bone-in breast or a 3-pound boneless breast should fit in a 5-quart or larger air fryer.

Turkey breast in an air fryer: cooking time and temperature

A turkey breast can be cooked in an air fryer in less than an hour, which is much faster than cooking a full turkey. The cooking time depends on the weight of the turkey breast, the power of the air fryer, and whether the breast is boneless or bone-in.

Cooking Time and Temperature for Boneless Turkey Breast

A boneless turkey breast weighing 3 pounds will take around 1 hour to cook in an air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to turn the breast every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a quick-read thermometer.

Cooking Time and Temperature for Bone-in Turkey Breast

A bone-in turkey breast weighing 4 pounds or less is recommended for an air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the breast, but it typically takes around 40-50 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to turn the breast halfway through the cooking process. The internal temperature of the breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a quick-read thermometer.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer

• It is important to ensure that the turkey breast fits in the air fryer basket before starting.
• The height of the meat should be below the top of the basket.
• It is recommended to use a defrosted turkey breast to allow for proper seasoning.
• Brining is not necessary, but it can be done to add moisture and flavour to the meat.
• An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast to ensure it is cooked to the recommended temperature.
• It is important to let the turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure juicy and tender meat.

How to prepare a turkey breast for the air fryer

Preparing a turkey breast for the air fryer is a relatively simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a turkey breast for the air fryer:

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast:

Select a turkey breast that fits your air fryer. A 4- to 5-pound bone-in turkey breast or a 3-pound boneless turkey breast is ideal for most 5-quart or larger air fryers. Ensure that the height of the meat is below the top of the air fryer basket. If your turkey breast is frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before preparing.

Preparing the Turkey Breast:

Remove any outer packaging and netting from the turkey breast, but if it is boneless, leave the inner string netting on to help hold the meat together during cooking. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for helping the spices stick to the meat and ensuring crispy skin.

Seasoning the Turkey Breast:

You can choose to brine your turkey breast or simply season it. If brining, prepare a dry brine or wet brine and let the turkey breast sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. If seasoning, rub the turkey breast with oil, butter, or mayonnaise to add moisture and flavour. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, rosemary, sage, thyme, or a premade spice rub. Ensure you season both sides of the turkey breast generously, and don't forget to season under the skin.

Cooking the Turkey Breast:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 20-25 minutes. Then, carefully flip the turkey breast over and continue cooking for an additional 30-50 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey breast.

Checking for Doneness:

To ensure your turkey breast is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The turkey breast is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting and Carving the Turkey Breast:

Once the turkey breast has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or carving board. Allow the meat to rest for at least 10-15 minutes, loosely tented with foil, to let the juices redistribute. Then, use a sharp knife to carve the turkey breast by running the knife along the side of the breast bone and following the bone down towards the bottom of the board. Slice the meat away from the bone and repeat on the other side.

By following these steps, you will be able to prepare and cook a delicious and juicy turkey breast in your air fryer!

How to check if your turkey breast is cooked

Checking if your turkey breast is cooked through is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide on how to ensure your turkey breast is cooked to perfection:

Use a Meat Thermometer

The most accurate way to determine if your turkey breast is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This is the temperature recommended by the USDA for safely consuming poultry.

Rest the Meat

After removing the cooked turkey breast from the air fryer, it is essential to let it rest. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board or carving board and loosely tent it with aluminium foil. Allow the meat to rest for at least 10-15 minutes. During this time, the juices will redistribute, ensuring that your turkey breast is moist and flavourful.

Visual Inspection

While using a meat thermometer is the most precise method, you can also visually inspect the meat for signs of doneness. A cooked turkey breast will have a beautiful golden-brown exterior. However, be aware that colour alone is not a definitive indicator of doneness, so always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.

What to serve with air-fried turkey breast

There are a variety of dishes that can be served with an air-fried turkey breast. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes

• Microwave Sweet Potato Chips
• Balsamic Glazed Carrots
• Gravy or Giblet Gravy
• Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Southern Style Collard Greens
• Green Bean Casserole
• Cranberry Sauce
• Stuffing
• Baked Sweet Potatoes

Other Dishes

You could also use the air-fried turkey breast for meal prep for sandwiches and wraps for the week.

How to store leftover turkey breast

If you have leftover turkey breast, it's important to store it properly to prevent it from spoiling and to maximise its shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, it's important to work quickly. Bacteria can grow on cooked turkey if it's left at room temperature for more than two hours. So, as soon as you've finished your meal, get your leftovers into the fridge.

When storing your leftover turkey breast, use a plastic bag or airtight container. Silicone bags can also work well. If you're storing sliced turkey breast, separate the white meat from the dark meat. This will make reheating easier. If you have larger, unsliced pieces, keep them intact to preserve the juices. Make sure your bags or containers are tightly sealed.

Your fridge should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The optimal place to store your leftover turkey breast is at the back of the fridge, where it's coldest and the temperature is most consistent.

Leftover turkey breast will last in the fridge for three to four days. If you don't think you'll eat it within this time, it's best to freeze it. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will stay good in the freezer for three to four months.

When you're ready to eat your frozen leftover turkey breast, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can also defrost it in the microwave on the defrost setting.

Some signs that your leftover turkey breast has gone bad include a sour smell, a slimy or sticky texture, and discolouration. If you notice any of these, throw it away.

Frequently asked questions