Reheating Turkey Safely: Air Fryer Method

Yes, you can reheat turkey in an air fryer. It's a fast, easy, and convenient way to reheat your leftover turkey without drying it out. The key to reheating turkey is to prevent it from drying out, and an air fryer can help you achieve that with minimal washing up.

Turkey breast slices can be reheated in an air fryer

First, wrap your cooked turkey breast in foil and store it in the fridge. This will stop it from drying out before you reheat it. When you're ready to reheat, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to your slices—this will help keep the meat moist. You can also add a little pot of gravy to the air fryer if you want to reheat that at the same time.

Place your slices on a layer of foil and load them into the air fryer. Reheat at 160°C/320°F for around 6 minutes, depending on how powerful your air fryer is. You can then serve the slices with a salad or use them in another recipe.

Note that you should only reheat precooked turkey breast slices, rather than a whole breast. This is because you should only reheat the amount of turkey you plan to eat, and also because a whole breast might not fit in your air fryer!

Preheat the air fryer to 300°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of reheating turkey. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 300°F for around 3-5 minutes. This will help to start the airflow so your turkey gets reheated quickly and efficiently.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your leftover turkey by letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will take the chill off the meat and allow it to be warmed properly.

If you are reheating a small portion of turkey, you can place it on a layer of foil and pour a quarter of a cup of broth over it. Seal the foil completely to create a packet that will keep the steam inside.

For larger portions of turkey, consider placing the meat in an oven-safe baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Add the turkey to the bottom of the dish and pour the broth over it. Tightly seal the dish with aluminium foil.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 300°F, you can add the foil packet or the foil-sealed baking dish and set the timer for 8-10 minutes per pound of meat.

Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the turkey

Yes, you can reheat turkey in an air fryer. To retain moisture, wrap the turkey in foil before placing it in the fridge. When you're ready to reheat it, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, which will help keep the meat moist.

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Take the turkey out of the fridge and unwrap the foil. Place the foil at the bottom of the air fryer and lay the turkey slices on top.

Step 2: Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar

Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to the turkey slices. This will help keep the meat moist and flavourful.

Step 3: Add Extras (Optional)

You can also add a gravy boat to the air fryer if you wish.

Step 4: Reheat in the Air Fryer

Place the air fryer at a low to medium temperature. Reheat for around 6 minutes, depending on the power of your air fryer.

Step 5: Serve

Your turkey is now ready to be served!

Tips:

• Reheating in the air fryer is best for precooked turkey breast slices rather than a whole turkey breast.
• Reheat the turkey only once. This rule applies to all meats, not just turkey.
• Avoid drying out the turkey by cooking it at too high a temperature.
• If you want to add a crispy texture to the skin, you can use a stovetop after reheating in the air fryer.

Reheat for 6 minutes at 160°C/320°F

Reheating turkey in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers without drying them out. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheat your turkey at 160°C/320°F for 6 minutes:

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Take the leftover turkey out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will help bring the meat to room temperature, ensuring even warming without drying it out.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 160°C/320°F and preheat it for 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the desired temperature and ensuring quick and efficient cooking.

Step 3: Add Moisture

To prevent the turkey from drying out, you'll need to add some moisture. You can use turkey broth, water mixed with gravy, or even vegetable or chicken broth. This step ensures that your turkey stays moist and tender during the reheating process.

Step 4: Portion the Turkey

If you're reheating a small portion of turkey, place it on a layer of foil and pour a small amount of broth over it. Then, seal the foil completely to create a packet that will trap the steam and moisture inside.

For larger portions, consider using an oven-safe baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Add the turkey to the dish and pour the broth over it. Again, seal the dish tightly with aluminium foil to retain moisture.

Step 5: Reheat in the Air Fryer

Place the foil packet or foil-sealed baking dish into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for 6 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer, as well as the amount of turkey you're reheating.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After 6 minutes, carefully remove the turkey from the air fryer basket. Open the foil packet or dish, being cautious of the built-up steam. Your turkey should now be warm, moist, and ready to enjoy!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Use a cooking spray or brush the turkey with oil to enhance crispiness and prevent sticking.
• Adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the size and thickness of your turkey portions.
• Flip the turkey halfway through the cooking process for even heating.
• Baste the turkey with butter or oil before placing it in the air fryer for added flavour and moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. Ensure it reaches a minimum of 165°F/74°C to meet food safety guidelines.

Turkey can only be reheated once

To reheat turkey in an air fryer, first, take the desired amount of turkey out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will take the chill off the meat and allow it to be warmed properly.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 325°F. This will help start the airflow so your turkey gets reheated quickly. Preheat for 3-5 minutes.

If you're reheating a small portion of turkey, place it on a layer of foil, then pour 1/4 cup of broth over the top. Seal the foil completely to make a foil packet that will keep the steam inside.

If you have a larger portion of turkey to reheat, consider placing it in an oven-safe baking dish that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. Simply add the turkey to the bottom, then pour the broth over the top. Tightly seal the dish over the top with aluminium foil.

Add the foil packet or the foil-sealed baking dish to the preheated air fryer and set the timer to cook for 8-10 minutes per pound of meat. A good estimate is that three big turkey breast slices are usually half a pound.

Once the timer is up, remove the turkey from the air fryer basket. Carefully pull back the foil, as steam will have built up inside. It will be warm and tender and ready to eat!

Frequently asked questions