Air-Fried Turkey: A Quick, Easy Holiday Treat

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare this bird. It's a convenient method that frees up oven space and reduces cooking time, making it perfect for holiday meals. The air fryer's circulating hot air cooks the turkey evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavourful bird with a crispy skin. You can cook a whole turkey or just the breast, and the process is simple: preheat the air fryer, rub the turkey with oil and seasonings, cook it skin-side down, flip it, and then let it rest before serving. The result is a golden-brown, tender, and juicy turkey that will impress your guests.

Choosing the right air fryer

Capacity and Size:

Air fryers come in various sizes, from compact single-basket models to larger oven-style designs. Consider the amount of food you typically cook and choose a size that can accommodate your needs. If you plan to cook larger items like whole turkeys or pizzas, look for air fryers with higher capacity specifications. Check the dimensions to ensure it fits comfortably in your kitchen or storage space.

Functionality and Features:

Air fryers offer different cooking functions, such as air-frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating. Some models have smart cooking features or preset programs for specific foods, making cooking more convenient. Consider what types of dishes you plan to prepare and choose an air fryer with the functions that align with your culinary interests.

Performance and Efficiency:

Look for an air fryer that delivers consistent results and cooks food evenly. The key to this is the technology used to circulate hot air. Ensure your chosen model has a powerful fan and heating element to maintain the desired temperature. Also, consider energy efficiency; air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than traditional ovens, but some models may offer even greater energy savings.

Ease of Use and Cleaning:

Choose an air fryer with intuitive controls that are easy to understand and operate. Removable, non-stick baskets or racks can make cleaning easier. Additionally, consider the noise level of the air fryer when in use, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen or prefer a quieter cooking experience.

Price and Value:

Air fryers vary in price, from budget-friendly options to premium models. Determine your budget and look for the best value within that range. Remember that the most expensive model may not necessarily be the best fit for your needs, so prioritize the features that are most important to you.

By considering these factors and reading reviews from reputable sources, you can select the right air fryer that suits your specific requirements and helps you create delicious air-fried dishes.

Preparing the turkey

It is important to note that the size of your turkey should be appropriate for your air fryer. A small to medium-sized turkey breast (3-5 pounds/1.3-2+ kg) is ideal for most air fryer baskets. If you are cooking a whole turkey, you will need a larger air fryer, such as a 20-quart outdoor air fryer, which can accommodate a turkey of up to 20 pounds.

Once your turkey is prepared and seasoned, you will need to preheat your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C) for 5-10 minutes. The preheating time may vary depending on the climate; for example, if you are cooking in a colder climate, you may need to preheat for a little longer.

After preheating, you are ready to place the turkey into the air fryer. Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Make sure that the height of the meat is below the top of the basket. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any excess fat or juices from dripping onto the heating element.

Cooking the turkey

First, take the turkey out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. If your turkey is frozen, it's important to fully defrost it before cooking. This can take a few days.

Next, rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, mixed herbs, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. You can also add butter under the skin to ensure the meat is moist and juicy.

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).

Flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and continue to cook for another 20 minutes. The internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast should reach a minimum of 150°F (66°C). The turkey is ready when it has a lovely crisp, golden skin and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.

Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat, ensuring it is moist and juicy. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

Finally, carve the turkey and serve. Enjoy!

Resting the turkey

To rest the turkey, place it on a platter or carving board and loosely cover it with aluminium foil. This will help to keep the heat in while the turkey rests. If you are using a meat thermometer, you can check the temperature of the turkey while it is resting to ensure that it has reached the recommended internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.

While the turkey is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or gravy to serve with it. The turkey can also be served with leftovers, such as sandwiches, soups, or casseroles. If you have any leftover turkey, cover and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Carving the turkey

Once your turkey is cooked, it's time to carve it. First, let the turkey rest for 15 to 30 minutes before you begin carving. This allows the juices to settle, so they won't spill when you start carving the bird. Instead, the juices will be reabsorbed, making the meat extra juicy. Resting the turkey will also cool it down slightly, making it easier to handle.

Place the turkey on a cutting board with the cavity facing towards you and remove any trussing or butcher's twine. If you want to make a broth with the carcass, you can put it directly into a large pot. Otherwise, let it cool, then wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Now, place the breasts skin-side up on the cutting board and cut across the breast meat into 1/2-inch-thick slices, using long cutting strokes for the neatest slices. Transfer the white meat to your serving platter. Separate the thigh from the drumstick by wiggling your knife in the joint. Place the drumsticks on the platter, then remove the bone from the thigh and place the boneless thigh skin-side-up on the platter.

Slice only as much meat as you need and cover the rest of the turkey. The covered, leftover turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. You can use the leftovers in recipes like turkey pie, casserole, pasta, soup, or sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions