Air Fryer Turkey: Reheating Breast The Right Way

If you're looking to reheat turkey breast in an air fryer, you're in luck! It's a great way to bring your leftover turkey back to life and ensure it's juicy and tender. The process is quick and easy. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:

First, take your leftover turkey out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the meat relax and ensures even warming. Then, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (some sources suggest 370°F) for 3-5 minutes to get the airflow going.

If you have a small portion of turkey, place it on a layer of foil, drizzle some broth or water mixed with gravy over it, and seal the foil to create a packet that will trap the steam. For larger portions, use an oven-safe baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Add the turkey, pour the broth over it, and tightly seal the dish with foil.

Now, it's time to cook! Place your foil packet or baking dish in the air fryer and set the timer for 6-10 minutes per pound of meat. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the power of your air fryer and the amount of turkey you're reheating.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the foil packet or baking dish from the air fryer, being mindful of the built-up steam. Your turkey breast should now be warm, tender, and ready to enjoy!

How to reheat turkey breast in an air fryer without drying it out

Preparation

Take your leftover turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will take the chill off the meat and allow it to be warmed through without drying out.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (162.8°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will help start the airflow so your turkey gets reheated quickly.

Add Moisture

To prevent the meat from drying out, you'll need to add some moisture. You can use turkey broth, or even water mixed with a bit of gravy. Vegetable or chicken broth also works well.

Cooking the Turkey

If you're reheating a small portion of turkey, place it on a layer of foil, then pour 1/4 cup of broth over the top. Seal the foil completely to make a packet that will keep the steam inside.

If you have a larger portion of turkey to reheat, place it in an oven-safe baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Add the turkey to the bottom, then pour the broth over the top. Tightly seal the dish with foil.

Place the foil packet or the foil-sealed baking dish in the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 8-10 minutes per pound of meat. A good estimate is that a palmful or 3 big slices of turkey breast is usually half a pound.

Once the timer goes off, remove the turkey from the air fryer basket. Carefully open the foil, being mindful of the steam that will have built up inside. Your turkey breast will now be warm and tender and ready to eat!

Tips to Prevent Drying Out

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent hot air from circulating properly and result in uneven cooking.
• Don't leave the turkey breast in the air fryer for too long, as this can cause it to dry out and lose moisture. Check the meat frequently and remove it once it's heated through and golden brown.
• Don't use too much oil or butter, as this can make the meat greasy. Use just enough to add flavour and moisture.
• Always use a food thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

How to prepare the turkey breast for reheating

Preparing your turkey breast for reheating is an important step to ensure your meat is moist and juicy, and doesn't dry out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your turkey breast for reheating in an air fryer:

• Storage: After cooking your turkey breast, wrap it in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This will prevent it from drying out before you store it in the fridge. Make sure to refrigerate the turkey within two hours of cooking.
• Slicing: If you have a large, unsliced turkey breast, keep it intact while storing it in the fridge to retain the juices. However, before reheating, slice the turkey breast into portions. This will ensure even heating and prevent the meat from drying out.
• Moistening: To keep your turkey breast moist, you can re-baste it with broth, stock, butter, gravy, or other suitable liquids. You can also brush gravy on top of the turkey, especially if it's dried out. Adding butter to the gravy can help restore moisture to the meat.
• Temperature: Allow your turkey breast to come to room temperature before reheating. This will ensure even heating and prevent overcooking.
• Container: Place the sliced turkey breast in a suitable container for reheating. You can use a roasting pan, baking dish, skillet, or an aluminium foil container that fits in your air fryer.
• Cover: Cover your container with aluminium foil or a lid to prevent moisture loss during reheating.
• Sides: If desired, you can add sides such as vegetables or potatoes to the container. Just ensure they have a similar reheat time as the turkey breast.

By following these steps, you will help ensure that your turkey breast is prepared correctly for reheating in an air fryer, resulting in moist and juicy meat.

How to set up the air fryer for reheating

To set up your air fryer for reheating, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for about 3 minutes. This ensures the air is hot enough to cook your turkey breast efficiently.
• Place the turkey breast pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.
• Slide the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of your turkey breast.
• Check the turkey breast halfway through the cooking time and flip the pieces over with tongs to ensure even browning.
• Once the cooking time is up, remove the basket from the air fryer and let the turkey breast sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

It's important to note that the optimal temperature and time settings may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of your turkey breast. Always use a food thermometer to ensure that your turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Best temperature and time settings for reheating

The optimal temperature and time settings for reheating turkey breast in an air fryer may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of your turkey breast. However, as a general guideline, you can follow these temperature and time settings:

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for about 3 minutes to ensure the air is hot and ready to cook the turkey breast. If you're using a 5 Qt air fryer, you can set the temperature to 350°F.

Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between the pieces if you're cooking multiple breasts. If you're reheating a large portion of turkey, consider placing it in an oven-safe baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.

Set the timer for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of your turkey breast. For a 4-pound turkey breast, cook skin-side down for 20 minutes, then turn it over and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes. If you're reheating a smaller portion, such as slices or strips, 6-8 minutes at 160°C/320°F should be sufficient.

Check the turkey breast halfway through the cooking time and flip the pieces over with tongs to ensure even browning. If you're reheating a larger portion in a baking dish, cover it with aluminium foil to keep the steam inside and prevent drying out.

Once the timer goes off, remove the basket from the air fryer and let the turkey breast rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

It's important to note that the turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to consume. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature and adjust the settings accordingly.

How to avoid overcooking or drying out the turkey breast

Reheating turkey in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy delicious, moist and juicy turkey without drying it out. However, if not done properly, there is a risk of overcooking and drying out the meat. Here are some tips to avoid overcooking or drying out your turkey breast when reheating in an air fryer:

Choose the Right Turkey Breast: Opt for a precooked turkey breast, as raw turkey requires a longer cooking time and has a higher risk of drying out. Select a bone-in or boneless turkey breast, whichever you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of turkey breast you choose.

Defrost and Season: Ensure your turkey breast is fully defrosted before reheating. This allows for even cooking and helps the seasonings stick to the meat. You can season your turkey breast with a variety of options like olive oil, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, or a blend of herbs and spices.

Wrap in Foil: After cooking your turkey breast, wrap it in foil before storing it in the fridge. This helps retain moisture and prevents the turkey from drying out before reheating.

Use Balsamic Vinegar: When reheating in the air fryer, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to the turkey slices. This helps add moisture and enhances the flavour.

Maintain Low to Medium Temperature: Avoid high temperatures in the air fryer, as this can quickly dry out your turkey. Reheat at a low to medium temperature to ensure the meat stays moist and juicy. Aim for a temperature of around 320°F to 360°F.

Short Reheating Time: Turkey breast doesn't require a long reheating time. Depending on the power of your air fryer, 5 to 6 minutes at a low to medium temperature should be sufficient. Avoid the temptation to increase the temperature or cooking time, as this can lead to overcooking and drying out the meat.

Let it Rest: After removing the turkey from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps prevent the meat from drying out.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and moist reheated turkey breast from your air fryer without worrying about overcooking or drying it out.

Frequently asked questions