Air-Fryer Turkey Breast: A Quick, Easy Holiday Treat

Turkey is a dish typically reserved for Thanksgiving, but it doesn't have to be. Air fryers have made it possible to cook turkey breast in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven, and with much less fuss. This means you can enjoy a juicy, tender, and tasty turkey breast any night of the week.

How to cook a bone-in turkey breast in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 4-6 pound bone-in turkey breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 tablespoon dry turkey or poultry seasoning
• 1/2 tablespoon of butter (optional)

Method

• First, ensure your turkey breast is fully defrosted and will fit in your air fryer basket.
• Rub 1/2 tablespoon of oil all over the turkey breast. Season both sides with salt and turkey seasoning, then rub in the remaining oil over the skin side.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350F.
• Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes.
• Turn the breast over and cook for a further 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160F.
• Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

• You can use a meat thermometer to check that your turkey is cooked through.
• For extra flavour, you can make an herb butter by mixing butter with rosemary, chives, garlic, salt and pepper, and rubbing this onto the turkey breast before cooking.
• If you want to make gravy with the juices, add a thick layer of tin foil to the base of the air fryer to collect the drippings.

How to cook a boneless turkey breast in the air fryer

How to cook a boneless turkey breast in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 3-pound boneless turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried crushed rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°Fahrenheit.
• Season your boneless turkey breast with mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Air fry on 360°Fahrenheit for 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°Fahrenheit.
• Allow your turkey breast to cool on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast.
• If you are using a frozen turkey breast, it should be completely thawed before cooking.
• You can use any cut of turkey that fits in your air fryer.
• You don't need to brine the turkey before cooking it in the air fryer.

How long to cook turkey breast in the air fryer

The cooking time for a turkey breast in an air fryer depends on the weight of the meat and whether it is boneless or bone-in.

For boneless turkey breast, it is recommended to cook for 10-12 minutes per pound. A 1-pound boneless breast will take around 17-20 minutes, while a 2-pound breast will take around 30 minutes. A 3-pound boneless turkey breast will take 45-50 minutes.

For bone-in turkey breast, it is recommended to cook for 11-13 minutes per pound. A 4-5 pound bone-in breast will take around 55-75 minutes, with some sources recommending 1 hour of cooking time.

It is important to ensure the turkey breast is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The FDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F, but some sources suggest removing the turkey from the air fryer when it reaches 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise by a few degrees while resting.

How to store leftover turkey breast

It is important to store leftover turkey correctly to preserve its texture and flavour. Here are some tips on how to store leftover turkey breast:

Storing Leftover Turkey Breast in the Fridge

According to the USDA, leftover turkey will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days. If your turkey breast is already sliced, split the meat into separate airtight containers or bags for white and dark meat. This will make it easier to reheat. If you have a larger, unsliced breast, store it intact to keep the juices in until reheating. Make sure the bags or containers are tightly sealed.

Storing Leftover Turkey Breast in the Freezer

If you won't be consuming your leftover turkey within a few days, it's best to freeze it. The USDA states that cooked turkey stored in the freezer will stay good for three to four months. It's best to freeze leftover turkey within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. However, you can freeze it after three days and it will still be fine.

When freezing leftover turkey, slice the meat from the bone and use the bones to make stock. This will allow you to pack your leftover turkey more compactly and reduce the amount of air inside the container. Place the sliced turkey on a parchment or foil-covered baking sheet in a single layer and transfer it to the freezer for about an hour until the meat is quite chilled and firm. Then, transfer the meat to a labelled freezer-proof bag or container and freeze for up to six months.

Reheating Leftover Turkey Breast

The concern with reheating turkey is that it can dry out. One way to reheat leftover turkey is to put it in a baking pan, add a small amount of turkey or chicken broth, cover the pan with foil, and heat it gently in an oven at 300°F until warmed through. You can also reheat turkey in the microwave, using the carousel tray. Put the turkey in a microwave-safe container, add a bit of broth, and cover the meat with a damp paper towel.

What to serve with air fryer turkey breast

There are many side dishes that go well with an air-fried turkey breast. Here are some suggestions:

Potatoes

• Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for holidays.
• Try mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
• For a weeknight dinner, serve with garlic parmesan fries.
• Air fryer French fries, baked potatoes, or sweet potatoes can also be served.

Vegetables

• Green beans almondine is a quick and special side dish.
• Oven-roasted green beans are another tasty option.
• For an everyday dinner, pair the turkey with roasted asparagus or sauteed broccoli.
• If you're looking for a Thanksgiving veggie side, a creamy spinach recipe is a good choice.
• Sauteed asparagus, broccolini, or eggplant are also simple yet tasty options.

Casseroles

• Cheesy zucchini casserole.
• Gluten-free green bean casserole.

Salads

• A sweet kale salad.
• Rice salad.
• Green goddess salad.

Other

• Cranberry sauce.
• Stuffing.
• Sweet potato casserole.
• Gravy.

Frequently asked questions