Air Frying A Turkey: How Long For Best Results?

Air frying a turkey is a safer and healthier alternative to deep-frying, and it's also quicker than oven-roasting. But how long do you need to air fry a 14-pound turkey? Well, it depends on the model of your air fryer and the desired internal temperature. As a rule of thumb, air fry your turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. However, if you're using an outdoor air fryer, take the weather into account—air frying in colder temperatures may take longer. So, for a 14-pound turkey, you're looking at around 2 hours of cooking time, but be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for air frying a turkey depend on the weight of the turkey and the type of air fryer being used.

For a 14-pound turkey, it is recommended to air fry at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. One source recommends cooking a 14-pound turkey at 350°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Another source recommends cooking at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping the turkey, and then cooking for an additional 20 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the turkey and the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check if the turkey is cooked through, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest parts of the turkey.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that air fryers with convection technology, which use circulating hot air, can cook turkeys more evenly and with less oil. This results in a juicy and healthy turkey with a crispy skin.

Turkey preparation

Step 1: Choosing the Right Air Fryer

Before you start preparing your turkey, it's important to ensure that you have the right equipment. If you're cooking a 14-pound turkey, you'll need a large-capacity air fryer. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Propane Deep Fryer and the 19 qt. Infrared/Halogen Air Fryer are two examples of air fryers that can accommodate larger turkeys. These air fryers typically have a basket or rack that can fit a whole turkey, and they use convection technology to cook the turkey evenly with little to no oil.

Step 2: Thawing the Turkey

It is crucial to completely thaw your turkey before cooking it in the air fryer. This process can take a few days, so make sure to plan ahead. Keep the turkey in its original packaging and place it in the refrigerator to thaw. A thawed turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days before cooking.

Step 3: Preparing the Turkey

Once your turkey is thawed, remove any giblets or neck bones from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. At this point, you can also remove the rib cage using kitchen shears if desired.

To enhance the flavor of your turkey, create a rub or seasoning blend. You can use a variety of herbs and spices such as rosemary, sage, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also use a store-bought Italian seasoning blend.

The next step is to loosen the skin of the turkey gently, being careful not to tear it. This will create pockets where you can spread butter, which will help keep the turkey moist and juicy. You can use plain butter or make an herb butter by mixing in chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. Spread the butter under the skin and on the outside of the turkey.

Step 4: Cooking the Turkey

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the turkey in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Some recipes suggest cooking the turkey breast side down for the first half of the cooking time and then flipping it over to ensure even cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey and the temperature of your air fryer. As a rule of thumb, air fry your turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound. For a 14-pound turkey, this would translate to approximately 2 hours of cooking time. However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the juices run clear.

Step 5: Resting and Carving the Turkey

Once your turkey has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier turkey. After resting, you can carve and serve the turkey.

Air fryer basket placement

When placing a turkey in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure that the turkey is secure and will not tip over during cooking. Here are some detailed instructions for air fryer basket placement:

Firstly, it is crucial to use a turkey stand or rack that fits inside the air fryer basket. This will help to ensure the turkey is stable and allow for even cooking. Place the turkey stand or rack inside the air fryer basket before inserting the turkey.

Secondly, carefully lift the turkey and insert the stand or rack into the turkey cavity. Ensure that the drumsticks are upright and holding the weight of the turkey. This will help to balance the turkey and prevent it from tipping over.

Once the stand or rack is securely in place, slowly lower the turkey into the air fryer basket. Make sure that the basket is large enough to accommodate the turkey with some space around the edges for airflow. If your air fryer came with a specific basket for frying turkeys, ensure you are using that particular basket.

When placing the turkey in the basket, it is recommended to position the turkey skin side down initially. This will allow the skin to cook evenly and become crispy. However, during cooking, you will need to flip the turkey so that it is skin side up to ensure even browning.

Finally, ensure that the air fryer basket is securely closed or locked before starting the cooking process. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines regarding basket placement and cooking times.

Turkey size

Air fryers that can accommodate a 14-pound turkey typically have a capacity of 16 quarts or more, and they often feature additional accessories like a poultry stand or stacking baskets to help fit larger items. These larger air fryers tend to be bulkier and may not be suitable for those with limited counter space.

When cooking a 14-pound turkey in an air fryer, you can expect the cooking time to be around 2.5 to 3 hours. However, it's important to remember that air frying times can vary depending on the model of air fryer, the temperature setting, and even the outdoor temperature if using an outdoor air fryer.

To ensure your turkey is cooked through, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast reaches 165°F. The juices should also run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh.

It's worth noting that a 14-pound turkey will likely require some preparation before air frying, such as thawing and removing the giblets and neck bones. Additionally, basting the turkey with butter or broth during cooking can help keep it moist and flavourful.

Air fryer type

The air fryer type you use will depend on the size of your turkey. For a 14-pound turkey, you will need a large capacity air fryer, such as a 16-18 qt. halogen air fryer with an expansion ring. This type of air fryer can fit a turkey of up to 16 pounds.

The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Propane Deep Fryer is another option for cooking a 14-pound turkey. This air fryer is for outdoor use only and is fuelled by a propane tank. It can also be used to cook ribs, whole chicken, and more.

If you are looking for an indoor option, the 19 qt. Infrared/Halogen Air Fryer is a good choice. This air fryer has a capacity of 12-19 qt. and can cook a 16 lb. turkey. It uses convection technology with circulating hot air from a halogen infrared light to cook the turkey evenly with minimal oil.

When choosing an air fryer, consider the size of your kitchen and countertop space. The Char-Broil Big Easy Propane Air Fryer, for example, is bulky and may not be suitable for a small kitchen. Additionally, the circulating hot air can be loud during cooking.

• Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The recommended temperature for cooked turkey is 165°F.
• Baste the turkey with chicken broth or oil every 30 minutes during cooking.
• Allow the turkey to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking before carving.

Frequently asked questions