Air Fryer Turkey: Perfect Timing For Juicy Meat

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. The cooking time for a turkey breast in an air fryer rotisserie will vary depending on the size of the breast, the type of air fryer, and the temperature. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey breast for 10 minutes per pound at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a 3-pound boneless turkey breast would take about 30 minutes to cook. However, it is always best to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing the right turkey breast

Type of Turkey Breast

You can choose between a bone-in or boneless turkey breast. Both options work well in the air fryer, but there are a few differences to note. Bone-in turkey breasts tend to be larger and may require a bigger air fryer basket. Boneless turkey breasts often come wrapped in mesh netting, which can be left on during cooking to help hold the meat together. However, leaving the netting on may increase cooking time.

Size of Turkey Breast

Select a turkey breast that comfortably fits inside your air fryer basket. A 3 to 5-pound turkey breast is typically the maximum weight most air fryers can accommodate. Look for a breast with a flatter shape rather than a domed one. For bone-in breasts, aim for a weight between 4 and 6 pounds, while for boneless breasts, choose a 2 to 3-pound option.

Preparation and Seasoning

When it comes to preparation, you can choose to brine the turkey breast or simply season it. Brining is optional but can help keep the meat moist. If you decide to brine, look for a bone-in breast with the ribs removed or a boneless Butterball-style breast. For seasoning, you can keep it simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with herbs and spices. Be sure to season generously, as turkey breast is a large cut of meat.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type and size of the turkey breast you choose. For a bone-in breast, preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F and cook for 40-50 minutes. For a boneless breast, cook at the same temperature for 60-70 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 155-165°F when the turkey is done.

Remember to pat the turkey breast dry before seasoning, as this will help the spices and oil stick to the meat. Also, allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.

Preparing the turkey breast

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast:

Select a bone-in turkey breast weighing between 3 to 6 pounds. Bone-in breasts tend to be juicier, but ensure the ribs are removed for easier air fryer rotisserie cooking. Alternatively, opt for a 2-3 pound boneless Butterball-style breast with the netting intact for even cooking.

Defrosting and Brining:

If your turkey breast is frozen, it's essential to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Brining is optional but recommended to enhance juiciness. Brine bone-in breasts for 6-12 hours, while boneless breasts don't require brining.

Seasoning and Marinades:

Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for the spices and oil to adhere well. For seasoning, be generous with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. You can use a premade poultry seasoning blend or make your own. Additionally, consider an herb rub with garlic, thyme, sage, and rosemary. You can also try an herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped herbs.

Oil or Butter:

Coat the turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter. This step helps crisp the skin and enhances flavour. Don't skimp on this, as it adds moisture and prevents the meat from drying out.

Mounting on the Rotisserie Spit:

Carefully pierce the turkey breast through its thickest part with the rotisserie spit. Ensure the spit is securely mounted on the air fryer's brackets.

Cooking Temperature and Time:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your turkey breast. As a rule of thumb, cook boneless breasts for 60-70 minutes and bone-in breasts for 40-50 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The ideal internal temperature is 155°F-165°F.

Resting and Carving:

Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.

Cooking the turkey breast

Turkey breast is a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey, as it is faster, easier to manage, and yields more white meat. It is also a good option if you are cooking for fewer people.

Choosing the right turkey breast:

You can cook either a bone-in or boneless turkey breast in an air fryer. Bone-in turkey breasts should be between 4-6 lbs, with the ribs removed for easier cooking. Boneless turkey breasts should be between 2-3 lbs, and it is important to keep the netting on to help it cook evenly.

Preparing the turkey breast:

Before cooking, pat the turkey breast dry and rub it with olive oil or butter to help the skin crisp. You can also season the turkey breast generously with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. If you want to brine the turkey breast, this is optional but can help keep the meat moist. Leave the brine for 6-12 hours before cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, insert the rotisserie spit and forks/holders. Pierce the turkey breast through the thickest part with the spit and mount it on the rotisserie forks/holders.

Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your turkey breast and the model of your air fryer. As a general guide, a bone-in turkey breast (4-6 lbs) should be cooked at 350°F for 40-50 minutes. A boneless turkey breast (2-3 lbs) should be cooked at 350°F for 60-70 minutes. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check that the turkey has reached the correct internal temperature of 155°F.

Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to finish cooking.

Tips for the best results:

• Dry the turkey thoroughly before seasoning to ensure the spices and oil stick.
• Be generous with seasoning to ensure flavour.
• Rotate the turkey periodically for even cooking.
• Do not overcook the turkey – this is the main cause of dry meat.
• Always let the turkey rest before carving to prevent the meat from drying out.

Checking for doneness

Use a Meat Thermometer:

The best way to check if your turkey is done is by using an instant-read or meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, making sure not to touch the bone. The turkey is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F to 165°F. However, it is important to note that the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests, so it is best to remove the turkey from the air fryer at a lower temperature to prevent overcooking.

Rest the Meat:

After removing the turkey from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing or carving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is succulent and juicy. If you cut into the turkey too soon, the juices will spill out, resulting in dry meat.

Check the Colour:

Another indication of doneness is the colour of the meat. Cooked turkey should be a beautiful golden brown colour. However, be careful not to rely solely on colour, as it can be deceptive. Always use a thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Avoid Overcooking:

Overcooking is the main cause of dry and tough turkey meat. As a general rule, it is better to undercook than overcook. If the turkey is slightly undercooked, you can always put it back in the air fryer for a few more minutes. However, if it is overcooked, there is no way to undo it.

Consider Carryover Cooking:

Carryover cooking refers to the phenomenon where food continues to cook even after it is removed from the heat source. When checking for doneness, take this into account, especially if your turkey is on the larger side. Remove the turkey from the air fryer a few degrees before it reaches the desired temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting.

Adjust Time for Frozen Turkey:

If you are cooking a frozen turkey breast, keep in mind that it will take longer to cook. Add approximately 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time and always check the internal temperature to ensure doneness.

By following these instructions and tips, you can ensure that your air-fried turkey is cooked to perfection and is juicy and tender. Remember, it is always better to undercook than overcook, as you can always put the turkey back in the air fryer for a few more minutes if needed.

Serving suggestions

Now that you've cooked your turkey in an air fryer, it's time to serve it! Here are some ideas to make your meal delicious and complete.

Classic Sides

The air fryer's compact size means you can free up your oven to prepare classic sides such as:

• Stuffing or dressing
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes)
• Green bean casserole
• Rice pilaf
• Gravy

Weeknight Meals

For a quick weeknight meal, serve your air fryer turkey with simple sides like:

• Rice pilaf
• A green salad
• Cranberry sauce
• Baked sweet potatoes

Leftovers

Don't throw away your leftovers! Here are some ideas for using up that delicious leftover turkey:

• Turkey sandwiches (e.g. turkey club, cranberry turkey wraps)
• Turkey salad (similar to chicken salad with mayo, celery, and cranberries)
• Turkey casseroles (e.g. King Ranch, enchiladas, pot pie, tetrazzini)
• Turkey soup (shred or dice turkey into soups, stews, and chilis)
• Turkey fried rice (substitute turkey for chicken)

Storage

Leftover turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions