Ella Walter
Cooking a bone-in turkey breast in an air fryer is a great option for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering or an easy weeknight dinner. The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air ensures the meat cooks faster than traditional roasting without drying it out, resulting in a juicy and tender dish with a golden brown skin. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the turkey breast and the model of the air fryer, but on average, a 4- to 6-pound bone-in turkey breast will take 40 to 55 minutes to cook at 350°F to 360°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 20-25 minutes for a 1-2 pound turkey breast; 40-50 minutes for a 4-6 pound bone-in turkey breast; 55-75 minutes for a 4-5 pound bone-in turkey breast; 30 minutes on one side, then 25-45 minutes on the other side for a 3-4 pound bone-in turkey breast; 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes for a 3-pound boneless turkey breast |
| Temperature | 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Rest time | 10-50 minutes |
| Results | Juicy and tender meat with a golden brown skin |
| Seasoning | Mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, mustard |
| Netting | Leave netting on during cooking to help hold the meat together and give it a nice shape |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and preparation
To start, you'll need to remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. If you want to brine the turkey, you can do so now and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, but this is not necessary.
For seasoning, you can use a combination of oil, garlic, salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, black pepper, and mustard. Alternatively, you can use mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also add butter for extra flavor. Whisk the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
If you are using a bone-in turkey breast with the ribs still attached, it is recommended to brine the turkey first to help keep the meat moist. It is also easier to fit the breast in the air fryer if the ribs are removed, as the flatter shape will cook more evenly.
Make sure the top of the meat is below the top of the basket before you start cooking. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey breast and whether it has bones in it. A 1-2 pound turkey breast will take about 20-25 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while larger breasts may take up to 40 minutes or longer. A bone-in turkey breast that is between 4 and 5 pounds will take somewhere in the range of 55 to 75 minutes.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for bone-in turkey breasts in an air fryer vary depending on the weight of the meat and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a 1-2 pound turkey breast, the cooking time is around 20-25 minutes. Larger breasts, weighing 3-4 pounds, can take 45-50 minutes, while a 5-pound breast can take an hour or more. A 4-5 pound bone-in turkey breast can take anywhere from 55 to 75 minutes, and some sources suggest cooking it for 20 minutes per side.
It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the size of the air fryer and the number of turkey breasts being cooked. The internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit when it is done. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
After cooking, it is important to let the turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise slightly.
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Carving and serving
When you're ready to carve, use a large, sharp knife. If you're using a serrated knife, use a sawing motion. Run your knife along the side of the breast bone, following it towards the bottom of the board. Bring your knife around to the front and connect where you started carving at the top of the breast bone. Cut down the ribs, following the bone and connecting to the bottom of the first breast bone cut. Pull the meat away from the bone and slice. Repeat on the other side.
If your turkey breast is boneless, you may find it helpful to keep the net on during cooking. This helps the meat retain its shape and cook evenly. If you do keep the net on, be sure to remove it with kitchen shears before serving.
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Choosing the right air fryer
Air fryers have become increasingly popular since their introduction in 2010. They are versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, from reheating leftovers to roasting meats and vegetables.
When choosing an air fryer, the first thing to consider is capacity. If you plan on cooking for a large group or family, opt for a larger model that can accommodate bigger portions. Some air fryers can even fit a 12-inch pizza or a 12-pound turkey. On the other hand, if you're cooking for one or two people, a smaller, more compact air fryer might be a better option.
The next consideration is the type of air fryer. There are single and double basket air fryers, mini air fryers, and oven-style air fryers with smart cooking features. Single basket air fryers are great for basic cooking needs, while double basket air fryers allow for more variety and efficiency. Mini air fryers are perfect for small portions or for those with limited counter space. Oven-style air fryers are ideal for those who want more advanced features and the ability to cook larger items.
Additionally, it's important to look for an air fryer with adjustable temperature controls and a timer. This will allow you to cook a variety of dishes that require specific temperatures and cooking times. Also, consider the noise level of the air fryer, especially if you have an open-plan living space or sensitive hearing. Some air fryers are quieter than others, so look for reviews or specifications that mention noise levels.
Finally, ease of cleaning is an important factor. Look for air fryers with removable, non-stick parts and baskets that are dishwasher-safe. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
Some popular brands to consider are Bella, Cosori, Crux, Cuisinart, Gourmia, Instant, Ninja, and Philips. With a variety of options available, you can find an air fryer that suits your needs and budget.
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Brining and basting
Brining is an optional step when preparing a bone-in turkey breast for air frying. If you choose to brine, you can use a dry brine or a wet brine. For a dry brine, rub the turkey breast with a mixture of oil, garlic, salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, black pepper, and mustard. For a wet brine, coat the breast with mayonnaise, which will give it a golden colour and a delicious crust. You can also use a reduced amount of oil instead. After applying the brine, let the turkey sit in the refrigerator for a few hours.
If you are using a bone-in turkey breast with the ribs still attached, it is recommended to brine the turkey first to help the meat stay moist. Brining is especially helpful if you are cooking a larger turkey breast, as it can help ensure even cooking.
When it comes to basting, there are a few options to choose from. You can use butter or oil, along with good seasonings, to create a delicious crispy skin. Some common seasonings include salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and poultry seasoning. You can also use a spice rub to add extra flavour.
It is important to note that the size of the turkey breast and the presence of bones will impact the cooking time. A larger bone-in turkey breast will take longer to cook than a smaller boneless one. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast to ensure it is cooked through.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the size of the turkey breast. A 1-2 pound turkey breast will take 20-25 minutes to cook. A 4-5 pound turkey breast will take 55-75 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can season the turkey breast with mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also rub the turkey breast with oil or butter to help with browning and to help the seasonings stick.
