Air-Fryer Turkey Breast: How Long To Cook It?

Cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a smaller-sized Thanksgiving meal or to simply switch up your weekly dinners. It's also a lot faster than roasting a full turkey, which can take 3 hours or more.

The cooking time will vary depending on the weight of the turkey breast and whether it's boneless or bone-in. A 2-pound boneless turkey breast will take around 45 minutes to cook, while a 4-pound bone-in breast will need about 55-65 minutes.

To ensure your turkey breast is cooked to perfection, it's best to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, but it's recommended to remove the turkey from the air fryer at around 155°F as the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests.

Now, let's get into the specifics of how long to air fry that turkey breast!

How to cook a bone-in turkey breast in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bone-in turkey breast (4-6 lbs)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt (preferably kosher) and black pepper
• Fresh or dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage)
• Garlic (whole cloves)
• Butter (optional)

Method

• First, ensure your turkey breast is fully defrosted and will fit in your air fryer basket.
• Pat the skin dry with paper towels.
• Rub the turkey breast with oil, butter, or mayonnaise.
• Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and herbs. You can also place garlic cloves under the skin and on top of the turkey.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket skin-side down.
• Cook for 25 minutes, then flip and cook for another 25-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
• Remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

• You can use a variety of seasonings and herbs to flavour the turkey breast.
• It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast.
• Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to ensure it stays juicy.
• You can also cook a boneless turkey breast in the air fryer, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

How to cook a boneless turkey breast in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless turkey breast (2-3 pounds)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Poultry seasoning (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Method:

First, ensure your turkey breast is fully defrosted. If frozen, leave it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Remove the netting from the turkey breast if there is one. You may need to do this to ensure the turkey fits in your air fryer.

Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Brush the turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously with salt and pepper, and other seasonings/herbs of your choice.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F.

Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the turkey over.

For a 2-pound boneless turkey breast, cook for an additional 25-30 minutes. For a 3-pound boneless turkey breast, cook for an additional 30-40 minutes. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.

Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cover the turkey with tinfoil to prevent burning.
• Brining the turkey is optional. If you wish to brine, do so overnight and pat the turkey dry before brushing with oil/butter and seasoning.
• You can use mayonnaise instead of olive oil or butter for a golden colour.
• Be careful when removing the netting from a boneless turkey breast, as some meat may stick to it.
• Always rest the turkey for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

How to carve a turkey breast

What You'll Need:

• A large meat cutting board. Ideally, this would have a "moat" or a lip to collect any juices that might drip out.
• A chef's knife or slicing knife. If using a chef's knife, use long, even strokes. If you're using a serrated knife, use a sawing motion.
• A carving fork or large, sturdy dinner fork to keep the turkey breast steady as you slice.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Let the Turkey Breast Rest:

Allow the cooked turkey breast to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Tent it with foil to keep it warm. This lets the juices redistribute, making the meat juicier.

Remove the Meat from the Bone:

Place the turkey breast bone-side up on the cutting board. Using your knife, run the blade from one edge of the breast to the other, tracing as closely along the breast bone as possible. Repeat on the other side to end up with two boneless turkey breasts. Save the bone for making stock.

Slice the Turkey Breast:

Place the boneless breasts skin-side up on the cutting board. Using your knife, slice across the grain or at an angle to get your desired thickness. Try to use long, clean motions as you slice from top to bottom. Repeat until the entire breast is sliced.

Serve:

Transfer the sliced turkey breast to a platter and enjoy!

How to store leftover turkey breast

Leftover turkey breast is a common occurrence after the holidays. Here are some tips to ensure your leftover turkey breast stays fresh and safe to eat:

Refrigeration

Leftover turkey will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to carve any remaining meat off the bone and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. When storing, use a plastic bag or airtight container to keep the meat fresh. Reusable silicone bags are also a good option. If you have larger pieces of turkey, like an unsliced breast, store it intact to keep the juices in until you're ready to reheat it. Make sure the bags or containers are tightly sealed.

Freezing

If you have more turkey than you can eat in a few days, it's best to freeze it. The USDA recommends that cooked turkey be frozen for no more than 3-4 months. For optimal texture and taste, it's best to freeze the turkey within one day of cooking. However, leftover turkey can be frozen after 3 days and it will still be safe to eat. To freeze, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers and try to use the frozen turkey within 2-6 months for the best quality.

Reheating

When reheating leftover turkey, it's best to use the oven or stove instead of the microwave, as this can dry out the meat. Add a little broth or gravy while reheating to keep the meat moist and delicious. Always ensure that reheated turkey reaches a temperature of 165°F on a food thermometer to guarantee safety.

What to serve with air fryer turkey breast

Air fryer turkey breast is a quick and easy way to cook a smaller piece of turkey, but it can still be served with all the trimmings of a larger roast. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:

Traditional Casseroles

Healthy sweet potato casserole, crockpot green bean casserole, pineapple casserole, or some other options.

Gravy

This is a must for many people when serving turkey. A mushroom gravy is a good option that doesn't require any drippings.

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic, but you could also try cauliflower mash, scalloped potatoes, or garlic parmesan fries.

Stuffing

Chestnut stuffing and cornbread stuffing are delicious with turkey.

Other Holiday Sides

Other classic Thanksgiving side dishes include cranberries, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole.

Salads

A sweet kale salad is a great option to serve with turkey, but any salad would work.

Casseroles

For a filling meal, serve with a cheesy zucchini casserole or a gluten-free green bean casserole.

Vegetables

If serving the turkey as an everyday dinner, pair it with roasted asparagus or sautéed broccoli.

Thanksgiving Desserts

A crustless pumpkin pie would be a great finish to a Thanksgiving-style meal.

Frequently asked questions