
Cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender meat with a golden, crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the turkey breast, the power of your air fryer, and whether the meat is boneless or bone-in. However, as a general rule, you can expect to cook a turkey breast in an air fryer for somewhere between 38 and 70 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 38-70 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 350-400°F |
| Cooking method | Preheat the air fryer, rub oil all over the turkey breast, season, cook skin side down for 20 minutes, flip and cook for another 18-30 minutes |
| Turkey breast weight | 3.79-5 pounds |
| Turkey breast type | Boneless or bone-in |
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What You'll Learn

Cooking time
The cooking time for a turkey breast in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the size of the breast, the power of the air fryer, and the desired level of doneness. It's important to note that different air fryers may produce varying results, so it's always a good idea to monitor the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed.
Firstly, it is recommended to let the turkey breast come to room temperature before cooking. This can be done by taking it out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time. During this time, you can also season the turkey breast with oil and your desired herbs and spices.
Once the turkey breast is at room temperature, it can be placed in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the breast. For a smaller breast, it should take around 40 minutes to cook. For larger breasts, it can take up to 70 minutes. It is important to flip the turkey breast during cooking to ensure even cooking. This can be done by turning it a quarter turn every 10 minutes or cooking it skin side down for 20 minutes and then flipping it over to cook the other side.
To ensure that the turkey breast is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. The target internal temperature for a cooked turkey breast is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's important to note that the temperature will continue to rise even after removing the breast from the air fryer, so it can be taken out once it reaches 158-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
In summary, the cooking time for a turkey breast in an air fryer can range from 40 to 70 minutes, depending on the size of the breast and the desired level of doneness. By using a meat thermometer and monitoring the internal temperature, you can ensure that your turkey breast is cooked perfectly every time.
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Turkey breast size
The size of the turkey breast you can cook in an air fryer depends on the size of your air fryer basket. A 4-5 pound turkey breast should fit fine in a 5-quart air fryer, while a 3-5 pound turkey breast will fit in a smaller basket.
If your turkey breast is wrapped in a net and too tall, you can remove the net to flatten it out. It's important to ensure that the breast fits in the air fryer without touching the top element.
The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey breast. A thinner, flatter breast will cook through quicker, while a thicker, rounder breast will need longer. As a general rule, a turkey breast in an air fryer will be done in under an hour, with some recipes suggesting cooking times of 38-40 minutes. However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to perfection without overcooking. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or 74 degrees Celsius.
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Air fryer size
The size of your air fryer will determine the size of the turkey breast you can cook. A 3-5 pound turkey breast will fit in a 5-quart air fryer, but you must ensure that the height of the meat is below the top of the basket.
If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you can remove the net from the turkey breast, if it has one, to make it shorter. You can also flatten the breast a little to make it fit.
The size of the breast will also determine the cooking time. A smaller breast will be ready in around 40 minutes, while a larger one will need 60-70 minutes.
It's important to ensure that the turkey breast does not touch the top element of the air fryer.
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Temperature
The temperature settings for cooking turkey breast in an air fryer vary depending on the source. Some sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and cooking the turkey breast for 20 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Other sources suggest preheating the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and shape of the turkey breast, as well as the brand and size of the air fryer. A thinner, flatter shape will cook quicker than a thicker, rounder breast. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
When checking the temperature, insert the thermometer near the bone in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bone. The turkey is considered fully cooked when it reaches the desired internal temperature. It is worth noting that the temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests, so it is advisable to remove the turkey from the air fryer when it reaches about 158-160 degrees Fahrenheit, as it will continue to cook even after being removed from the heat.
Additionally, it is important to let the turkey breast rest before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier and more flavorful meat. The recommended resting time varies from 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, the temperature of the turkey will continue to rise, so it is crucial to consider this when planning the cooking time.
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Seasoning
Firstly, it is recommended to take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This step helps ensure even cooking. Once the turkey is at room temperature, pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick to the surface of the turkey breast.
For a simple seasoning option, you can use a combination of olive oil or melted butter with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Brush or rub the turkey breast with oil or butter, ensuring it is coated evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasonings generously over the turkey breast, making sure to cover all sides. You can also rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure they are well incorporated.
If you want to elevate your seasoning game, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, chives, and garlic. These herbs can be chopped and mixed with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to create a flavourful herb rub. You can also make herb butter by blending the herbs with butter and then rubbing it onto the turkey breast. This technique adds moisture and flavour to the meat.
Another option is to brine the turkey breast before seasoning. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a salt-water solution, which helps to keep the meat juicy and tender. If you choose to brine, be sure to reduce the amount of salt used in your seasoning mix.
Additionally, you can experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or mixed herbs. These seasonings can be added to the oil or butter before rubbing it onto the turkey breast. Remember to always season generously, as this will enhance the flavour of your air-fried turkey breast.
Once you have seasoned the turkey breast to your liking, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer, and remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 70 minutes to cook a 3.79-pound turkey breast in an air fryer. It is recommended to turn the turkey breast every 10 minutes and baste it with oil to prevent burning.
It takes about 40 to 70 minutes to cook a 4 to 5-pound turkey breast in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the size of the breast and the power of the air fryer.
A small turkey breast can take about 40 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the breast, and the size and brand of the air fryer.
A boneless turkey breast can take about 38 to 70 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the size of the breast, the power of the air fryer, and the desired level of browning.











































