Air Frying A 14-Pound Turkey: How Long Does It Take?

Air frying a turkey is a safer and healthier alternative to frying, and it's quicker than roasting in an oven. But how long does it take to cook a 14lb turkey in an air fryer?

Well, it depends on the model of air fryer you're using. A 14lb turkey will take about 2.3 to 3 hours to cook in a 19-quart air fryer, and about 8-10 minutes per pound in a Masterbuilt 20 Quart 7-in-1 Outdoor Air Fryer.

It's important to note that the outdoor air fryer cooking time may vary depending on the weather. For example, if you're cooking in winter, it may take a little longer.

Air fryer turkey cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for a turkey in an air fryer will depend on the size of the bird and the temperature you set your air fryer to. A good rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound. For example, a 14-pound turkey will take around 2.3 hours to cook at 350°F, while a 3-pound turkey will take around 30 minutes at 350°F.

It's important to make sure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking. This can take a few days. You should also remove the neck and giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

When you're ready to cook the turkey, rub it with oil and your chosen seasonings. You can also add butter under the skin to keep the meat moist and juicy. Then, place the turkey in the air fryer basket, either skin-side up or skin-side down, and cook at your desired temperature for the recommended time, based on the weight of your turkey.

It's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest parts of the turkey has reached 165°F. This will ensure that your turkey is cooked safely and thoroughly.

Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to be re-absorbed into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender turkey.

How to prepare a turkey for the air fryer

Preparing a 14-pound turkey in an air fryer is a great way to save oven space and time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a turkey for the air fryer:

Thaw the Turkey

The first step is to ensure your turkey is fully thawed. This can take a few days, so plan ahead. A frozen turkey will not cook properly and will result in dry meat.

Prepare the Turkey

Once thawed, remove the neck, giblets, and rib cage. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. At this stage, you can also remove the skin if you prefer, but this is optional.

Season the Turkey

This is where you can get creative! You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour your turkey. Some common options include butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. You can also try an herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped herbs. Carefully loosen the skin from the breast and legs, being careful not to rip it, and spread the butter underneath. You can also add some on top of the skin.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). The temperature and time will depend on the size of your turkey and the model of your air fryer, but this will give you a good starting point.

Place the Turkey in the Air Fryer

Place the turkey breast-side down in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a stand, insert it into the turkey cavity first, ensuring the drumsticks are upright. This will help balance the weight of the turkey.

Cook the Turkey

For a 14-pound turkey, you can expect a cooking time of around 2-3 hours. However, the best way to ensure your turkey is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast.

Baste the Turkey (Optional)

If you want to add extra flavour and moisture, baste the turkey every 30 minutes with chicken broth or the juices from the air fryer.

Flip the Turkey

After about 2 hours of cooking, remove the turkey from the air fryer, flip it so that it is breast-side up, and place it back in for the remaining time.

Rest the Turkey

Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier turkey.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, juicy air-fried turkey ready to be served. Enjoy!

Air fryer turkey breast

Air-frying a turkey breast is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook a turkey. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying and can be safer and more convenient than oven-roasting. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried turkey breast.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast:

Select a turkey breast that fits your air fryer. A 3-5 pound turkey breast is ideal for most air fryers, but ensure it's not too big for your air fryer basket. You can use a bone-in or boneless turkey breast, but note that bone-in breasts may take longer to cook.

Thawing and Preparation:

Completely thaw your turkey breast before cooking. This step is crucial, as a frozen turkey may not cook evenly. Remove the giblets and neck (if present) and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. If desired, you can remove the rib cage using kitchen shears for easier carving later.

Seasoning:

You can season your turkey breast with a variety of herbs and spices. For a simple option, use salt, pepper, mixed herbs, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. You can also try other combinations like Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or sage. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favorite flavors.

Oil or Mayonnaise:

Coat the turkey breast with olive oil, vegetable oil, or mayonnaise. This step helps the seasonings stick to the meat and promotes even browning. If using oil, spray it generously or rub it all over the turkey. For mayonnaise, rub it all over the turkey, including under the skin.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Time:

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C). Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side down for the initial cooking. For a 3-4 pound turkey breast, cook for about 20 minutes at 350°F, then flip it over and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey breast and the model of your air fryer, so it's essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

Checking for Doneness:

The recommended internal temperature for turkey is 165°F (74°C), but some sources suggest that 150°F (66°C) is better for a juicier result, especially for leaner turkey breast meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bones.

Resting and Serving:

Once your turkey breast reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender turkey. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

Gravy:

If you wish to make gravy, you can use the drippings from the air fryer. Simply skim the chunks from the drippings and broth, then create a roux by mixing flour and butter in a saucepan. Gradually add the drippings and broth while stirring until you achieve the desired consistency.

Storage:

Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked turkey for up to 3 months.

Air-frying a turkey breast is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy this dish any time of the year, not just on special occasions. Enjoy your juicy and flavorful air-fried turkey!

Air fryer vs oven cooking

The Pros and Cons of Air Frying a Turkey

Air fryers are a more recent innovation, using a mechanical fan or infrared light to circulate hot air around food at a high speed. They are essentially a convection oven inside an enclosed bucket.

The pros of using an air fryer to cook a turkey include:

• They use very little oil, making them a healthier option.
• They free up oven space.
• They cook a turkey in a fraction of the time.
• They produce a crispy skin.
• They are safer than deep-frying a turkey.

The cons of using an air fryer include:

• They are bulky and take up a lot of space.
• They can be noisy.
• They have a limited capacity—you will need an air fryer with a capacity of about 12 quarts or more to cook a turkey.
• They require a thawed turkey, which can take a few days.
• You cannot stuff a turkey when cooking it in an air fryer.

The Pros and Cons of Oven-Roasting a Turkey

Oven-roasting a turkey is the most traditional and tried-and-true method. It is also the best option for beginners.

The pros of oven-roasting a turkey include:

• It is a familiar method for most cooks.
• It allows you to make gravy with the drippings.
• You can brine the turkey first for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• You can stuff the turkey.

The cons of oven-roasting a turkey include:

• It takes up oven space.
• It takes longer—around 30 minutes per pound.
• There is a risk of burning yourself when taking the turkey out of the oven.

So, Which Is Better?

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are short on oven space or want to free up your oven for cooking other dishes, then an air fryer is a good option. If you are looking for a more traditional method and want to make gravy with the drippings, then oven-roasting is the way to go. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and what will work best for your particular circumstances.

How to make gravy with an air fryer turkey

Ingredients:

• 6 Tablespoons (85 g) of butter, cut into slices
• 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) of kosher salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Oil, to coat the turkey
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of chicken broth, divided
• 3/4 cup (100 g) of all-purpose flour, for the gravy

Steps:

• Remove the neck bone and giblets from the turkey cavity. Rinse and pat the turkey dry.
• Loosen the skin of the breast meat and slide in the butter and garlic slices.
• Oil the outside of the turkey and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the base rack in the air fryer and spray with oil. Put the turkey in the air fryer, breast side down. Pour 1/2 cup of broth over the turkey.
• Air fry at 350°F for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, basting with chicken broth every 30 minutes.
• After 2 hours, remove the lid and turn the turkey breast side up. Baste again and place the lid back on.
• Continue to air fry for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the turkey and let it rest for 15-20 minutes while you make the gravy.
• To make the gravy, remove the rack from the air fryer and skim the solids from the drippings.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and about 1 cup of the drippings until smooth.
• Pour the flour mixture back into the air fryer with the remaining drippings and whisk until smooth.
• Place the lid back on and air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until thickened, whisking occasionally.

Your delicious air fryer turkey with gravy is now ready to be served!

Frequently asked questions