Air-Fryer Turkey: The Perfect Timing

Air fryers are a great alternative to frying a turkey, as they are safer and healthier. They also save time and oven space. The cooking time depends on the weight of the turkey and the model of the air fryer. For example, a 15-pound turkey cooked in a Masterbuilt 20 Quart 7-in-1 Outdoor Air Fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit took just over 2 hours. A 4-pound turkey breast cooked in a 3.5-quart air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit took 35 minutes.

How to prepare a turkey for an air fryer

Choosing the Right Turkey

Select a turkey that is suitable for your air fryer size. A 3-5 pound turkey breast is a good option, as it fits easily into most air fryer baskets. You can also choose a whole turkey, but ensure it is no larger than 20 pounds for an outdoor air fryer.

Thawing the Turkey

Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before cooking. This can take a few days, so plan ahead. You can thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator or by using the cold water method. Do not cook a frozen turkey in the air fryer.

Preparing the Turkey

Remove any packaging and giblets from the turkey. Use kitchen shears to remove the rib cage if necessary. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Seasoning the Turkey

Drizzle or rub olive oil on the turkey. In a small bowl, mix your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the outside of the turkey, making sure to get under the skin wherever possible. You can also place butter under the skin to add moisture and flavour to the meat.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C) for 5-10 minutes. The preheating time may vary depending on the climate; it may take longer in colder weather.

Cooking the Turkey

Place the turkey, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. For a turkey breast, cook for 20 minutes at 350°F (180°C), then flip it over and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F (66-74°C) in the thickest part of the meat. For a whole turkey, cook for 8-10 minutes per pound, adjusting the time depending on the outdoor temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the turkey.

Resting and Serving the Turkey

Remove the cooked turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier, more flavourful turkey. After resting, slice and serve the turkey with your favourite side dishes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for an air-fried turkey depend on the size of the bird and the desired level of doneness. A rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound. For example, a 15-pound turkey cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit took just over 2 hours to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that air fryers can vary, and the size of the turkey will determine the cooking time. It is highly recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the desired level of doneness.

When cooking a turkey in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the turkey is thawed before cooking. This can take a few days, and a frozen turkey may result in dry meat that takes longer to cook. Once the turkey is thawed, remove the neck and giblets, and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

To prepare the turkey for cooking, create a pocket between the skin and the breast and legs by gently loosening the skin. Be careful not to rip the skin, as this helps keep the moisture in. Spread butter or olive oil under the skin and on the outside of the turkey. You can also add your choice of seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. For a 3-5-pound turkey, cook for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 150-165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-30 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to be re-absorbed into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender turkey.

Resting the turkey

During the resting period, the turkey should be loosely covered with aluminium foil or tented with foil to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help ensure that the meat is tender and flavourful. It is important not to skip this step, as cutting into the turkey too soon will cause the juices to dribble out, resulting in dry meat.

Once the turkey has rested, it can be carved and served. It is recommended to use a large, sharp knife to carve the turkey, using long, even strokes along the breast bone. If using a serrated knife, a sawing motion is recommended. The meat should be pulled away from the bone and sliced.

Allowing the turkey to rest is essential in achieving the desired texture and taste, ensuring a juicy and flavourful final product. This step may seem challenging, as it requires patience while the delicious aroma fills the room, but it is well worth the wait!

Carving the turkey

So, you've cooked your turkey in an air fryer—great! Now, it's time to carve. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Rest the Turkey

First, let your turkey rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle, ensuring they're reabsorbed by the meat, making it extra juicy. Resting the turkey will also give it time to cool down, making it easier to handle.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

You'll need a sharp chef's knife (no need for a specialty carving knife), a large cutting board, a platter, and some paper towels. Place the turkey on the cutting board with the cavity facing you and remove any butcher's twine trussing the legs.

Step 3: Remove the Legs and Thighs

Slice the skin near the thigh to separate the leg from the body. Cut through the joint, angling your knife towards the bone. Once you hit the bone, grasp the thigh and bend it backward until the joint pops and becomes visible. Clean your hands, then slice through the joint and the rest of the thigh meat to separate the leg and thigh from the backbone. Repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Cut Off the Wings

Pull the wings backward until you hear a pop, then slice through the joints to remove them.

Step 5: Remove the Breasts

Make a long, deep cut along one side of the breastbone, following the curve of the bone. Use long strokes with the tip of your knife and gently pull the meat away as you go. Repeat on the other side. At this point, you may want to wipe down your cutting board to get rid of excess juice.

Step 6: Slice the White Meat

Place the breasts skin-side up on the cutting board and cut across the breast meat into 1/2-inch-thick slices. For neater slices, use long cutting strokes instead of short sawing ones. Cut the wing in half and transfer the white meat to your serving platter.

Step 7: Slice the Dark Meat

Separate the thigh from the drumstick by wiggling your knife in the joint until you find the right spot. Place the drumsticks on the platter. Remove the bone from the thigh and place the boneless thigh skin-side up on the cutting board to slice. Transfer to the platter.

And there you have it! Your beautifully carved turkey is now ready to be enjoyed. Don't forget to serve it right away, as carved turkey tends to cool down quickly.

Storing leftovers

• Allow the cooked turkey to cool down to room temperature.
• Cover the leftover turkey with aluminium foil or place it in an airtight container.
• Store the covered/containerised turkey in the refrigerator.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

Reheating Leftovers:

• When you're ready to enjoy your leftover turkey again, preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, typically between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C).
• Remove the leftover turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for a more even reheat.
• Place the leftover turkey in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring there is enough space for hot air to circulate. You may need to cut the turkey into smaller portions.
• Reheat the turkey for around 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness and a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature.
• Enjoy your reheated, crispy turkey!

Additional Tips:

• It is generally recommended to only reheat leftovers once to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Always practice good hygiene and food safety when handling and reheating leftovers.
• You can also reheat your leftover turkey in the microwave or oven, but the air fryer will give you that crispy texture!

Frequently asked questions