Tiffany Haney
Cooking a medium-sized turkey in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a juicy and tender bird with a golden, crispy skin. It's a convenient alternative to oven cooking, saving time and energy, and freeing up space for other dishes. Air-frying is also a healthier option, as it requires very little oil. With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering meal that will impress your guests and have them asking for more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes skin-side down, then 10-15 minutes skin-side up, or until the internal temperature reaches 150-165°F |
| Resting Time | 10-30 minutes |
| Turkey Weight | 4-20 lbs |
| Turkey Size | Medium or small |
| Turkey Type | Whole turkey or breast |
| Air Fryer Type | Indoor or outdoor |
| Air Fryer Capacity | 5-20 quarts |
| Air Fryer Brand | Masterbuilt, Char-Broil, Cosori |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey preparation and air fryer setup
To prepare a medium-sized whole turkey for air frying, you will first need to ensure it is fully thawed. This can take a few days, so it is recommended to place your turkey in the fridge a couple of days before you plan to cook it. Once thawed, remove the neck and giblets, and if desired, add butter under the skin to ensure your cooked turkey is moist and juicy.
When preparing a turkey breast, you should remove the rib cage using kitchen shears and pat the meat dry with paper towels. You can then season both sides with salt and turkey seasoning and rub oil over the skin.
To set up your air fryer, you will need to preheat it to 350°F (or 400°F according to one source) and wait around 10 minutes. If you are cooking in a cold climate, you may need to wait 15 minutes.
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Cooking the turkey
First, ensure your turkey is fully thawed. This can take a few days, so make sure to plan ahead. You can speed up the process by thawing it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, remove the neck and giblets, and, if cooking a whole turkey, the rib cage. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Next, prepare your turkey for cooking. If desired, you can inject your turkey with a marinade for extra flavour. Then, rub oil over the turkey breast and season both sides with salt and turkey seasoning. Rub the remaining oil over the skin side.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Place the turkey skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes. Flip the turkey and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey. A good rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast has reached a minimum of 150°F (66°C).
Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat. Use this time to make a gravy using the drippings from the air fryer, if desired.
Your air-fried turkey is now ready to be served! Enjoy the juicy, flavourful meat with its crispy golden skin.
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Temperature and cooking time
The temperature and cooking time for your turkey in an air fryer will depend on the size of your turkey and the type of air fryer you are using.
If you are cooking a whole turkey, you can use an air fryer with a capacity of 15-20 quarts. The Masterbuilt 20 Quart 7-in-1 Outdoor Air Fryer, for example, can cook a turkey of up to 20 pounds. Halogen heat air fryers, such as the Char-Broil model, can cook turkeys of up to 14-16 pounds.
If you are cooking a turkey breast, a 4-5 pound breast should fit in a 5-quart or larger air fryer.
When cooking a whole turkey, the rule of thumb is to cook it for 8-15 minutes per pound. For example, a 15-pound turkey cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit took just over 2 hours. However, it is important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the size of the turkey, the type of air fryer, and the outdoor temperature. If you are cooking in a colder climate, you may need to wait longer for your air fryer to preheat, and your turkey may take longer to cook.
For a whole turkey, set the air fryer temperature to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the turkey skin side down for 20 minutes, then flip it and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a turkey breast, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook skin side down for 20 minutes. Then, turn it over and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Resting and serving the turkey
While the turkey is resting, you can make the gravy using the drippings from the air fryer. First, remove the lower rack from the air fryer and skim the tidbits from the drippings at the bottom. Put the flour in a medium bowl and whisk in about 1 cup of the drippings until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the air fryer with the remaining drippings and whisk until smooth. Place the lid back on the air fryer and air fry at 400°F (205°C) for about 10 minutes or until thickened, whisking occasionally.
After resting, place the turkey on a platter and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. It is recommended to let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat before carving and serving. This will result in a juicy and tender turkey.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store, place the leftover turkey in an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, place the turkey on a plate and cook it in the microwave on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until heated through.
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Storing leftovers
Firstly, allow the cooked turkey to cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures the meat doesn't continue cooking from residual heat. Place the leftover turkey on a clean plate or container and let it sit until it reaches room temperature. This usually takes about an hour, depending on the amount of turkey.
Once the turkey has cooled, it's time to store it properly. Use airtight containers or sealable bags to store the leftover turkey. Make sure the containers are clean and dry. Place the turkey in the containers or bags, ensuring there is enough space for the meat to fit comfortably without being overcrowded. You can also wrap the turkey securely in aluminium foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the container for added protection.
Label the containers or bags with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored. It is recommended to consume or freeze the leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking to ensure optimal food safety.
Refrigerate the leftover turkey. Place the containers or bags in the refrigerator, making sure they are stored below 40°F (4°C). The leftover turkey will stay fresh and safe to consume for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
If you don't plan on eating the leftover turkey within the next 3-4 days, it's best to freeze it. Transfer the leftover turkey from the refrigerator to the freezer. Frozen leftovers can be stored for 3-6 months and will remain safe to consume indefinitely, but the quality may decrease over time.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover turkey, simply take it out of the freezer and thaw it safely before reheating. You can reheat the leftover turkey in your air fryer, following similar instructions as before, or use other methods such as a microwave or oven, depending on your preference. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
First, ensure your turkey is fully thawed. Then, rub oil all over the turkey breast and season with salt and turkey seasoning. Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the turkey skin side down for 20 minutes. After that, flip the turkey and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on its size. Finally, let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
A medium-sized turkey will take around 30-40 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 350°F.
Thaw your turkey overnight in the refrigerator.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey has reached 165°F.
