Ella Walter
Cooking a small turkey in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a juicy and flavourful bird. With a fraction of the cooking time of a conventional oven, air fryers can cook a small turkey in under an hour with minimal prep and fuss. This method is perfect for those with limited oven space, or for those who want to save time and energy on cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Cooking a Small Turkey in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Faster than oven baking, Frees up oven space, juicy and flavorful, golden brown skin |
| Turkey size | 3-5 pounds/1.3-2+ kg |
| Air fryer capacity | 3-6 quarts for small dishes and meals, 16-18 quarts for 14-16 lb turkey, 20 quarts for 20 lb turkey |
| Temperature | 350-400°F (180-200°C) |
| Cook time | 40-60 minutes, 7-10 minutes per pound |
| Internal temperature | Minimum 150-165°F (66-74°C) |
| Rest time | 10-30 minutes |
| Seasonings | Olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, butter |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right air fryer
Capacity and Size: Determine the size of the air fryer based on your typical cooking requirements and the available counter space in your kitchen. If you plan on cooking larger items, such as a whole turkey, consider a larger capacity air fryer, like the Char-Broil or the Masterbuilt 20 Quart 7-in-1 Outdoor Air Fryer. These models can accommodate up to a 20-pound turkey. On the other hand, if you're primarily interested in cooking smaller items or turkey breasts, a smaller air fryer with a capacity of around 5 quarts or more should suffice.
Functionality and Features: Air fryers offer a range of cooking functions beyond just air frying. Some models provide additional features such as baking, roasting, broiling, dehydrating, and even smoking. Decide which cooking functions are most important to you and look for an air fryer that specializes in those areas. For example, if you want the option to smoke foods, consider an air fryer that includes a wood chip tray.
Performance and Efficiency: Air fryers are known for their ability to cook food quickly and efficiently. Pay attention to the power rating and fan speed of the air fryer, as these factors will impact cooking times and overall performance. Additionally, consider the ease of cleaning and noise level during operation, as these aspects can significantly impact your overall experience.
Brand and Price: Air fryers come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Research and compare different brands, such as Bella, Cosori, Crux, Cuisinart, Gourmia, Instant, Ninja, and Philips, to find the best combination of features and price that aligns with your budget. Remember that more expensive models may offer additional features and better performance but may not be necessary for your needs.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right air fryer for cooking your small turkey or any other culinary creation you have in mind!
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Preparing the turkey
Firstly, select a small turkey breast that fits easily into your air fryer basket. A 3-5 pound bone-in breast is a standard size that should fit in a 5-quart or larger air fryer. Ensure the height of the meat is below the top of the basket. It is important to note that the size of the turkey will determine the cooking time, so choose a turkey that suits your air fryer's capacity.
Once you have the right-sized turkey, it is essential to thaw it completely. This process can take a few days, so plan accordingly. After thawing, remove any packaging and trim excess fat, if desired. Then, using kitchen shears, remove the rib cage and neck, and discard the giblets. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
To enhance the flavour, you can inject your turkey with a marinade of your choice. Alternatively, rub the turkey with olive oil and seasonings. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over the outside of the turkey. You can also add butter under the skin for extra moisture and flavour. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast and legs, creating pockets to spread the butter.
Before placing the turkey in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350-400°F (180-200°C). Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Some recipes recommend cooking skin side up, so refer to your specific air fryer's instructions. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your turkey, but on average, it should take around 8-10 minutes per pound to cook.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a small turkey in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the turkey and the size of your air fryer. It's important to ensure that your turkey is thawed and that it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
As a rule of thumb, you should cook your turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound. For example, a 15-pound turkey cooked on a 65-70 degree day took just over 2 hours. However, if you are air frying in winter, it may take a little longer.
When cooking a small turkey breast (3-5 pounds), you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook it skin-side down for 20 minutes. Then, flip the turkey and cook it skin-side up for another 20-40 minutes, depending on the size of your breast. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 150°F (66°C) in the thickest part of the breast, or 160°F if using an instant-read thermometer.
It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your turkey, as overcooking can result in dry meat. Check the temperature 10 minutes ahead of the recommended cooking time, and ensure that the juices run clear when the turkey is pierced with a knife.
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Carving the turkey
When you are ready to carve, place the turkey on a carving board. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm. Use a large, sharp knife to carve the turkey. If you are using a serrated knife, use a sawing motion. Run the knife alongside the breastbone, using long, even strokes. Follow the bone all the way down to the bottom of the board. Bring your knife around to the front and connect where you started carving at the top of the breastbone. Cut down the ribs and follow it down to the bottom to connect to the bottom of the first breast bone cut. Pull the meat away from the bone and slice. Repeat the same process on the other side.
It is important to note that you should only slice as much meat as you need. Cover the rest of the turkey and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can use the leftovers in various dishes, such as sandwiches, casseroles, soups, or pies.
Additionally, it is recommended to use kitchen shears as an alternative to a sharp knife. Kitchen shears provide more control and precision when carving the turkey.
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Storing leftovers
If you have leftovers from your air-fried turkey, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to three days. You can also freeze the leftovers to extend their shelf life by a few months.
When reheating your leftover turkey, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria that may have started to grow. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Leftover turkey is versatile and can be used in many dishes. You can make sandwiches, casseroles, soups, or pies with your leftovers. You can also add it to pasta dishes or salads. Be creative and enjoy your air-fried turkey leftovers!
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Frequently asked questions
A small turkey breast weighing 3-5 pounds can be cooked in an air fryer in under an hour. A good rule of thumb is to cook it for 8-10 minutes per pound.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Then, place the turkey breast, skin side down, and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes. Flip the turkey and cook for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (some sources suggest 150°F or 165°F).
First, thaw your turkey completely. Then, remove the rib cage and neck, and pat dry with paper towels. You can then season the turkey with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and butter.
