Air Fryer Turkey: The Perfect Cooking Time

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer oven is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Depending on the size of your turkey, it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over 2 hours to cook. In this article, we will explore the different methods for air frying a turkey, including the ideal temperature and cooking time, so that you can create a mouth-watering dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Cooking times vary depending on the size of the turkey

If you are cooking a turkey breast, you should cook it for 45-60 minutes, or 7-10 minutes per pound, until a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F.

Air fryers vary a lot, and the size of the turkey will determine the length of the cooking time, so it is highly recommended that you use a meat thermometer to get the best results.

You should also take the weather into account when cooking a turkey in an air fryer. If you are air frying in the winter, it may take a little longer.

Cooking times vary depending on the type of air fryer

If you are cooking a turkey breast, you should cook it for 45-60 minutes, or 7-10 minutes per pound, until a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F.

If you are cooking ground turkey, you should air fry at 390°F for 5 minutes, then take out the basket and stir the meat with a spatula, breaking it into smaller pieces. Place it back in the unit and air fry for another 5 minutes. Check if it is no longer pink inside.

It is important to note that you should never place a frozen turkey into your air fryer. Always completely thaw your whole turkey before cooking.

Cooking times vary depending on the weather

If you're cooking a turkey breast, the cooking time will be shorter. Completely thaw your whole turkey breast, remove the rib cage with kitchen shears, and pat dry with paper towels. Prepare the breast with seasonings and spray generously with cooking spray. Place the breast in the air fryer basket, skin side up, and set the temperature to 400°F. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or about 7-10 minutes per pound, until a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F. Let the turkey stand for 10 minutes before carving.

How to prepare the turkey before cooking

To prepare a turkey before cooking it in an air fryer oven, start by taking the turkey out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, then drizzle or rub it with oil. Season the turkey on both sides.

Next, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the turkey, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Set a timer for 20 minutes and cook the turkey at 350°F (180°C). After 20 minutes, flip the turkey so that it is skin side up and continue cooking for another 20 minutes.

The total cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey and the power of your air fryer. As a rule of thumb, cook the turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 150°F (66°C) in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bone. The juices should run clear when the turkey is pierced with a knife, and the skin should be golden and crisp.

Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

How to know when the turkey is cooked

To know when your turkey is cooked, you should use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. You should insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bone. The turkey is cooked when the juices run clear when pierced with a knife. You should also take into account the weight of the turkey and the temperature outside, as this will impact the cooking time. As a rule of thumb, you should cook the turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound.

Frequently asked questions