Air-Fryer Turkey: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook a turkey in an air fryer. In fact, it's an enthusiastic YES according to one source. It's a great option if you need more oven space, and it's quicker than cooking a turkey in the oven. You can cook a whole turkey or just a turkey breast in an air fryer, and it will come out juicy and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Turkey preparation and seasoning

Choosing the Right Turkey:

Start by selecting a turkey size that suits your needs. Turkeys can range from 6 pounds to 20 pounds, and a good rule of thumb is to aim for approximately one pound of meat per guest. Ensure that the turkey you choose will fit comfortably in your air fryer.

Brining and Seasoning:

Brining is an essential step in keeping your turkey moist and flavourful. Immerse the turkey in a brine solution made of salt, water, and aromatic flavours such as herbs and spices. You can also add ingredients like brown sugar and pepper to the brine for extra flavour. Leave the turkey in the brine for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. After brining, pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

For seasoning, you can use a variety of herbs and spices. A simple yet effective combination includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix these spices together and sprinkle them generously over the turkey, making sure to cover all sides. You can also try other seasoning blends such as Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, or Italian seasoning.

Preparing the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating between 350°F to 400°F (182°C). Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Turkey:

Place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or about 7-10 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the turkey breast. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips for Success:

• Thaw your turkey completely before cooking.
• Remove the rib cage using kitchen shears.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip the turkey halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Baste the turkey with its juices during cooking to enhance moisture and flavour.
• If your air fryer has a rotisserie feature, use it for even cooking and a crispy skin.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for your turkey in the air fryer will depend on the size of your bird, the temperature setting, and the desired level of doneness.

Firstly, it is important to note that your turkey must be completely thawed before cooking. This can take a few days. It is also recommended to remove the giblets and neck, and to pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

For a 4-5 pound turkey breast, one source recommends preheating your air fryer to 350°F and cooking skin-side down for 20 minutes. Then, turn the turkey over and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This source recommends letting the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving. The total cooking time for this method is 50-60 minutes.

Another source recommends cooking a 3-pound turkey breast at 390°F for 15 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 360°F and cooking for 20 minutes. Finally, increase the temperature to 390°F and cook for a further 15 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink in the centre. The total cooking time for this method is 50 minutes.

If you are cooking a whole turkey, the cooking time will be longer. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound. For example, a 15-pound turkey cooked at 350°F will take around 2 hours. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey has reached at least 165°F.

Carving and serving the turkey

When it comes to carving, using a sharp knife or carving set, start by removing the legs and thighs from the turkey. Then, carve the breast meat by making thin slices against the grain. You can also run your knife alongside the breast bone using long, even strokes. Follow the bone all the way down to the bottom of the carving board and then bring your knife back around to the front to connect with your starting point at the top of the breast bone. Cut down the ribs and follow the bone around and down to connect to the bottom of the first breast bone cut. Pull the meat away from the bone and slice, repeating on the other side.

Arrange the carved meat on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve the turkey with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and, of course, homemade gravy!

Remember, carving a turkey can be intimidating, but with the right tools and a little practice, you'll be able to impress your guests with your carving skills!

Making gravy in the air fryer

Making gravy in an air fryer is a straightforward process. First, you'll want to collect the juices that have dripped into the drawer at the bottom of the air fryer. This can be done by placing a sheet of foil at the bottom of the air fryer to make it easier to collect the juices.

Next, you'll add some extra ingredients to the juices to make the gravy. One recipe suggests adding ketchup or passata and some stock to the juices, stirring the mixture with a silicone spatula, and cooking it for about 5 minutes at 130ºC/266ºF. Another recipe recommends sprinkling flour over the juices, cooking it for a minute at 200˚C to absorb the fat from the juices, and then adding red wine and stock. This mixture should be cooked for another 2-3 minutes, stirred constantly, until it reaches the desired consistency.

You can also add vegetables to the air fryer while cooking the turkey to include in the gravy. For example, you can add a whole head of garlic and squeeze it into the gravy afterward, or add carrots and blend them into the gravy.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Leftovers are a great part of the holiday experience, and turkey is no exception. To store your leftover turkey, carve it into more manageable pieces and place them in airtight containers or zip-top bags, pushing out as much air as possible. You can also make fresh turkey stock overnight by placing the bones in a slow cooker, which will help with the reheating process.

When it comes to reheating, there are several methods you can use, including the oven, stovetop, microwave, or air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions for each:

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325–450 °F.
• Place the leftover turkey pieces in a shallow pan, such as a rimmed cake or casserole pan. Avoid layering the meat if possible.
• Pour leftover turkey or chicken broth over the meat, creating a 1/2-inch bath of broth in the pan. You can also use water if you don't have any broth.
• Cover the pan tightly with aluminium foil.
• Reheat the turkey until a meat thermometer inserted into the centre of each piece reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 °F.

Stovetop:

• Place carved turkey pieces in a shallow skillet, separating bone-in and boneless pieces into different skillets if you have both.
• Pour broth or water over the turkey pieces until they are in a bath of about 1/2 inch of liquid.
• Cover the pan tightly with a lid or aluminium foil.
• Turn the stove burners to medium-high heat and heat the turkey until it's warmed through.
• Check the internal temperature of the thickest portion of the turkey with a meat thermometer; it should be at least 165 °F.

Microwave:

• Separate bone-in and boneless pieces into microwave-safe dishes.
• Pour broth or water over the turkey pieces until they are resting in about 1/2 inch of liquid.
• Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, ensuring the plastic doesn't touch the meat. Do not cut a slit in the plastic wrap.
• Reheat the turkey, turning the dish every 2 minutes if your microwave doesn't have a turntable. Heat until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F.

Air fryer:

• Take the leftover turkey out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to remove the chill.
• Preheat your air fryer to 325 °F for 3–5 minutes.
• If you're reheating a small portion, place it on a layer of foil and pour 1/4 cup of broth over it. Seal the foil completely to make a packet that will keep the steam inside.
• For larger portions, place the turkey in an oven-safe baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Add the broth and tightly seal the dish with aluminium foil.
• Put the foil packet or sealed baking dish in the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 8–10 minutes per pound of meat.
• Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the foil packet or dish from the air fryer, as steam will have built up inside. Your turkey is now ready to eat!

Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F before serving. Enjoy your delicious leftover turkey!

Frequently asked questions