Air Frying Turkey: Safe?

Yes, you can cook a turkey in an air fryer! It's a great option if you're short on oven space or want to free up your oven for other dishes. Air-fried turkey is juicy and tender with a deliciously crispy skin, and it's much quicker and easier than oven-roasting. You'll need an air fryer that's large enough to accommodate a turkey – a good rule of thumb is that your air fryer basket should be at least 2 inches wider and deeper than your turkey. For a 12- to 14-pound bird, look for an air fryer with a basket size of around 9 quarts or larger. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before air-frying and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. You can season it with a simple dry rub of salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. You might also want to rub olive oil or butter under the skin to keep the meat moist as it cooks. The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey, but as a general rule, plan for around 30 minutes per pound at 350°F. Don't forget to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F when the turkey is done.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook a turkey, but choosing the right one can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect air fryer for your needs:

Types of Air Fryers

There are two primary types of air fryers: those with baskets (or drawers) and those with mesh trays or racks. Basket air fryers are the most common and feature a tub that slides out for easy food placement. They come in digital and manual forms, with the former offering more advanced features and presets. Mesh tray air fryers, on the other hand, cook food on a flat or shallow receptacle, similar to a countertop toaster oven, and often have clear glass doors. Some models even have multiple racks for cooking a full meal at once.

Size and Capacity

Air fryers come in various sizes, from small 2-quart options to larger models that can accommodate a whole chicken or even a 14-pound turkey. When choosing an air fryer, consider how much food you'll typically cook and whether you'll need to cook in batches. Most air fryers aren't designed to cook for a crowd, but some roomier options can handle larger batches or multiple cuts of meat.

Advanced Features

Air fryers can have a wide range of advanced features, such as dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking. Additional presets for specific foods and indicators for when to check on your food can also be helpful. Many models also have a "keep warm" function to maintain food temperature and crispiness. Consider which features you'll actually use to get the most out of your air fryer.

Price

Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400, but most models fall between $100 and $260. You don't have to break the bank to get a high-performing air fryer, but keep in mind that more expensive options may offer larger capacities, advanced features, or longer warranties.

Controls, Noise, and Ease of Cleaning

When choosing an air fryer, consider the controls, noise levels, and ease of cleaning. Look for intuitive buttons, dials, or digital displays with clear lettering. Noise levels can vary, so if a quiet appliance is important to you, check reviews or test the air fryer in person if possible. Additionally, consider how easy it is to clean the interior and exterior of the air fryer to maintain good hygiene.

In summary, when choosing the right air fryer, consider the type, size, advanced features, price, and overall usability, including controls, noise levels, and ease of cleaning. Select an air fryer that aligns with your cooking needs, budget, and personal preferences to ensure a satisfying purchase.

Picking and prepping the turkey

Firstly, it is important to select the right size of turkey that will fit comfortably in your air fryer. A 3-4 pound bone-in turkey breast is a good option for a smaller air fryer, while a larger, outdoor air fryer can accommodate a turkey up to 20 pounds. Ensure that the height of the meat is below the top of the basket for even cooking.

Once you have selected the right-sized turkey, it is important to completely thaw it. This can take a few days, so plan ahead. Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator to thaw slowly and safely.

When the turkey is fully thawed, it's time to start prepping. Using kitchen shears, carefully remove the rib cage. This step ensures that the turkey fits nicely in the air fryer basket and also helps with even cooking. After removing the rib cage, pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

The next step is to loosen the skin gently. Carefully slide your hand under the skin of the turkey breast and legs, being careful not to tear the skin. This step is crucial for creating pockets to hold butter, ensuring a moist and juicy turkey.

Now, it's time to season the turkey. You can use a variety of seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combine these spices and rub them onto the outside of the turkey. You can also create an herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary. Spread this herb butter under the skin and on the outside of the turkey for added flavour and moisture.

After seasoning, your turkey is almost ready for the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side up. If your air fryer came with a turkey stand, insert it into the turkey cavity to help stabilise the bird.

Now, you are ready to start cooking! For a juicy and flavourful turkey, follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures. A good rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound. For a 4-pound turkey breast, cook for 20 minutes on the skin side, then flip and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F.

Remember to let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender final product.

Cooking times and temperatures

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a great option if you're only serving a few guests or if you need to free up some oven space. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the turkey and the type of air fryer you're using.

For a bone-in turkey breast, you'll need a turkey that's 3-5 pounds (1.3-2+ kg) that fits easily into your air fryer basket. If you're cooking a boneless turkey breast, it should be around 3 pounds.

It's important to ensure your turkey is fully defrosted before air frying. If it's still frozen, the outside will cook too quickly while the inside is still raw.

• For a bone-in turkey breast, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the turkey and cook for an additional 10-25 minutes, depending on its size. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 150-165°F (66-74°C).
• For a boneless turkey breast, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Cook for 1 hour, turning the turkey every 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• For a whole turkey, a larger air fryer of 16-18 quarts is required. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/175°C and cook for a total of about 2 1/2 to 3 hours (about 15 minutes per pound).

It's important to use a meat thermometer to check that your turkey is cooked through. The recommended temperature for turkey is 165°F (74°C) in the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast.

Once your turkey is cooked, let it rest for 10-30 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to be re-absorbed into the meat, ensuring it stays moist and juicy.

Step-by-step guide to air frying turkey

Air-fried turkey is a juicy, flavourful, and healthier alternative to the traditionally fried or roasted turkey. It is also a safer option, as it does not require the use of a lot of oil. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried turkey:

Thaw the Turkey:

First, you will need to completely thaw your turkey. This can take a few days, so it is important to plan ahead. Place your frozen turkey in the refrigerator a couple of days before you intend to cook it.

Prepare the Turkey:

Once the turkey is thawed, remove the neck, giblets, and rib cage. You can use kitchen shears to remove the rib cage, as they provide more control and precision. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Then, carefully loosen the skin away from the breast and legs, being careful not to rip the skin. This will help keep the moisture in while cooking.

Season the Turkey:

Create a mixture of softened butter, herbs (such as thyme, sage, and rosemary), salt, and pepper. You can also add in other seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Generously rub this mixture under the skin and on the outside of the turkey.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. If you are using an outdoor air fryer, you may need to wait a little longer, about 10-15 minutes.

Cook the Turkey:

Place the turkey in the air fryer basket, skin side down. For a 4-5 pound turkey breast, cook for 20 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on the size. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.

Let the Turkey Rest:

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavourful turkey.

Carve and Serve:

After the turkey has rested, use a large sharp knife to carve it. Run the knife alongside the breast bone, following it down to the bottom. Bring the knife around to the front and connect with the starting point at the top of the breast bone. Cut down the ribs and pull the meat away from the bone. Slice the meat and serve.

Tips and tricks for air frying turkey

Air-frying a turkey is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender meat with a golden, crispy skin. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect air-fried turkey:

Choosing the Right Turkey

Select a bone-in turkey breast, which adds flavour to the meat. Choose a relatively small turkey breast (3-5 pounds) that fits easily into your air fryer basket. Make sure the height of the meat is below the top of the basket. If you are cooking for a larger group, you may need to cook the turkey in batches or consider using a larger air fryer.

Thawing and Preparing the Turkey

Completely thaw your turkey before cooking. It is recommended to thaw a frozen turkey overnight in the refrigerator. After thawing, remove the rib cage using kitchen shears. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, and then drizzle or rub with olive oil.

Seasoning

Season the turkey generously with your choice of seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, mixed herbs, or turkey/poultry seasoning. Rub the seasonings on both sides of the turkey, making sure they stick well to the meat.

Cooking the Turkey

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). Then, flip the turkey so that the skin side is up, and continue cooking for another 20-40 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast should reach a minimum of 150°F (66°C) for juicy meat. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature, as air fryer models and turkey sizes may vary.

Resting and Carving the Turkey

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 15-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and reabsorb into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender turkey. Use a large sharp knife or kitchen shears to carve the turkey, following the bone and making long, even strokes.

Storing Leftovers

Air-fried turkey makes delicious leftovers! Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the turkey on a plate and microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently asked questions