Air Fryer Bone-In Turkey Breast: How Long To Cook?

Cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer is a great option for a smaller piece of turkey. It's faster than a roasted turkey breast and saves precious oven space. A 3-5 pound turkey breast is an ideal size for an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the weight and shape of the meat, but as a rule of thumb, air fry turkey breast for about 10-12 minutes per pound for boneless or 11-13 minutes per pound for bone-in. For a 5-pound turkey breast, that is approximately an hour. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.

Choosing the right turkey breast

Type of Turkey Breast

Decide whether you want a bone-in or boneless turkey breast. Both options work well in the air fryer, but the cooking time may vary slightly. Bone-in turkey breasts tend to be juicier and more flavourful due to the bone, while boneless breasts are more convenient for slicing and serving.

Size of Turkey Breast

Ensure that the turkey breast you choose will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. A good rule of thumb is to select a breast that is 4 to 5 pounds for a standard-sized air fryer. If you have a larger air fryer, you may be able to accommodate a bigger breast. Keep in mind that the height of the meat should be below the top of the basket before cooking.

Fresh or Frozen

It is recommended to use a fully defrosted turkey breast for air frying. Allow enough time for the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator, approximately one day for every 4 pounds of meat. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and allows you to properly season it before cooking.

Skin-on or Skinless

You can choose either a skin-on or skinless turkey breast. The skin helps protect the meat from drying out during cooking, resulting in a juicier turkey. If you opt for a skinless breast, brush or spray the meat with oil every 15 minutes during cooking to retain moisture.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with herbs and spices. You can rub the turkey breast with a blend of softened butter, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage. This adds moisture and infuses the meat with flavour.

Remember to measure your air fryer basket before purchasing your turkey breast, and always follow food safety guidelines when handling and cooking turkey. With the right choice of turkey breast and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to a delicious air-fried turkey feast!

Air fryer settings

The air fryer is a great alternative to roasting a whole turkey, especially if you're short on time or oven space. Most recipes recommend a temperature setting between 350-360°F.

The cooking time will depend on the weight of your turkey breast and whether it's boneless or bone-in. As a rule of thumb, allow around 10-12 minutes per pound for boneless and 11-13 minutes per pound for bone-in. For example, a 4-pound turkey breast will take around 40-52 minutes to cook.

However, the best way to ensure your turkey breast is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Some recipes recommend removing the turkey from the air fryer at 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F as the meat rests.

It's also a good idea to check that your turkey fits in the air fryer basket before you start. You may need to use a smaller turkey breast or a larger air fryer.

Cooking times

The cooking time for your air-fried bone-in turkey breast will depend on the weight of the meat and the settings of your air fryer.

As a rule of thumb, you should air fry a turkey breast for about 10-12 minutes per pound for boneless or 11-13 minutes per pound for bone-in. For a 5-pound turkey breast, this will take approximately an hour. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

4-pound bone-in turkey breast

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay the turkey breast on its side and cook for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, flip the breast and cook for another 25 minutes. Your turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

4-5 pound bone-in turkey breast

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the turkey breast skin-side down for 20 minutes, then turn it over and cook for 30-40 minutes. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

4-6 pound bone-in turkey breast

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the turkey breast skin-side down for 30 minutes, then flip it and cook for another 25-45 minutes. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and shape of your turkey breast, as well as the model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check that your turkey has reached the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

Carving the turkey breast

Firstly, allow the cooked turkey breast to rest on a carving board for at least 15 minutes. This is an important step as it lets the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat is juicy and tender. Loosely tent the meat with foil to retain heat during this time.

Now, it's time to start carving. Using a sharp chef's knife, run the blade alongside the breast bone, using long and even strokes. If you are using a serrated knife, a sawing motion is more appropriate. The goal here is to separate the meat from the bone, so follow the bone down towards the serving plate or platter.

Next, bring your knife back to the front of the breast and connect the cut with where you started at the top of the breast bone. Cut down the ribs, following the bone, and connect to the bottom of the first breast bone cut.

At this point, you can pull the meat away from the bone and slice it as desired. Repeat the same process on the other side of the breast. If you prefer thinner slices of turkey, simply adjust your knife strokes accordingly.

Finally, collect any juices that have run out of the meat and use them to make a delicious, homemade gravy to serve alongside your roast turkey.

Storing leftovers

Firstly, it's important to store any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3-4 months.

When it comes to reheating, you can use your air fryer or pop it in the oven at 350°F. Just remember to add some broth to the basket or baking dish to keep that juicy taste and texture.

So, there you have it! A few simple steps to make the most of your delicious air-fried turkey breast and reduce food waste.

Frequently asked questions