Air-Frying A 3-Pound Turkey Breast: Timing And Techniques

Air fryers are a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey, especially if you're short on time or oven space. A 3-pound boneless turkey breast can be cooked in an air fryer in about an hour, with the internal temperature of the cooked breast reaching 165°F. This method results in a crisp, roasted outside and a moist and tender middle.

How to prepare a 3lb turkey breast for the air fryer

Ingredients

• 3lb boneless turkey breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Method

• Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for cooking your turkey breast.
• Prepare the turkey breast. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme leaves. You can also place garlic cloves under the skin and on top of the turkey for added flavour.
• Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. This is important as it ensures the skin becomes golden and crispy.
• Air fry for 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning the turkey breast every 15-20 minutes. The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check.
• Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This ensures the meat stays juicy and allows the internal temperature to reach the USDA recommended 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips

• If your turkey breast is frozen, be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• If your turkey breast has netting, you can choose to leave it on or remove it. If removing, use a gentle hand as the netting helps hold the breast together.
• If you are using a skinless turkey breast, brush or spray the meat with a little oil every 15 minutes while cooking to prevent it from drying out.
• For extra flavour, you can rub the turkey breast with a blend of softened butter and mayonnaise mixed with fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage.

How long to cook a 3lb turkey breast in the air fryer

A 3lb turkey breast can be cooked in an air fryer in under an hour. The exact cooking time will depend on whether the turkey breast is boneless or bone-in, and the wattage of the air fryer.

Boneless turkey breast

A 3lb boneless turkey breast will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook in an air fryer. It is important to flip the breast every 15-20 minutes to avoid burning. The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.

Bone-in turkey breast

A 3lb bone-in turkey breast will take around 50 minutes to cook in an air fryer. It is recommended to cook the breast for 25 minutes on each side, for a total of 50 minutes. The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked using a quick-read thermometer.

Tips for cooking turkey breast in an air fryer

• It is important to fully defrost the turkey breast before cooking.
• The air fryer should be preheated to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking.
• The turkey breast can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, and pepper.
• It is recommended to let the cooked turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing, to allow the juices to redistribute.

What temperature to cook a 3lb turkey breast in the air fryer

A 3lb boneless turkey breast can be cooked in an air fryer in about an hour, at a temperature of 360 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature should be measured using a meat thermometer, which should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when the meat is done.

It is important to ensure the turkey breast is fully defrosted before cooking. You can season the breast with a variety of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

To cook the turkey breast, first rub it with oil and your chosen seasonings. Then, place the breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 45 minutes to an hour, turning the meat every 15-20 minutes to avoid burning.

After cooking, allow the turkey breast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

What to serve with a 3lb turkey breast cooked in the air fryer

A 3lb turkey breast cooked in the air fryer is a great option for a small family gathering, and it's ready in under an hour! This quick and easy option frees up oven space and is perfect for a Thanksgiving-style meal without the fuss of roasting a whole turkey.

Now, what to serve with it? Here are some ideas for side dishes and accompaniments to make your meal complete:

Classic Thanksgiving Sides

You can't go wrong with the classics! Here are some traditional Thanksgiving sides that will pair perfectly with your air-fried turkey breast:

• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Green bean casserole
• Gravy

Vegetable Sides

Roast turkey goes well with a variety of vegetable sides. Try some of these options:

• Roasted vegetables like onions, mushrooms, carrots, baby red potatoes, or butternut squash
• Maple-glazed green beans
• Collard greens
• Casseroles (green bean, sweet potato, etc.)

Other Ideas

And here are some other dishes that would make delicious accompaniments to your air-fried turkey breast:

• Baked sweet potatoes
• Poultry dressing
• Mac and cheese
• Pumpkin pie

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and memorable meal. Enjoy your air-fried turkey breast feast!

How to store leftover 3lb turkey breast

To store leftover 3lb turkey breast, you'll want to make sure you follow some best practices to ensure food safety and maintain the flavour and texture of the meat.

Firstly, it's important to refrigerate any leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Turkey will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you're not going to eat the leftover turkey within this timeframe, your best option is to freeze it. Frozen leftover turkey will stay good for 3-4 months for the best quality, although it's safe to eat indefinitely. The longer it's stored in the freezer, the more it will lose moisture and flavour.

When storing in the fridge, it's best to use an airtight container or a plastic bag. Plastic bags are great for saving space in the fridge, and they also keep the meat fresher for longer, as they contain less air than a large food storage container. If you're storing larger pieces of leftover turkey, like an unsliced breast, it's best to store it intact to keep in the juices. Make sure the container or bag is tightly sealed.

If you're planning to freeze leftover turkey, it's best to do so within a day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. However, you can freeze leftover turkey after 3 days and it will still be fine to eat. Before freezing, slice or shred the meat, as this will help it cool down faster. You can also freeze the bones separately to use for soup or stock later on. It's best to freeze the meat in portions so you only have to thaw what you need, and it's helpful to label the containers with the date.

When it comes to defrosting and reheating leftover turkey, it's best to do so thoroughly. Ideally, defrost frozen turkey overnight in the refrigerator. When reheating, use the oven or stove instead of the microwave, as this can dry out the meat. Add a little broth or gravy while reheating to keep the meat moist and delicious.

Frequently asked questions