Emilie Meyer
Cooking a Butterball turkey breast in an air fryer is a great option for a small Thanksgiving dinner or a weeknight meal. It's a low-prep, fast, and easy recipe that yields juicy meat with a crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the turkey breast and the power of the air fryer, but it typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook a 3-pound boneless turkey breast at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Before cooking, the turkey breast should be thawed, seasoned, and patted dry with paper towels. It can then be placed in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thawing | It is recommended to thaw the turkey breast completely before cooking. |
| Rib Cage | Remove the rib cage using kitchen shears. |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, onion, garlic, paprika, rosemary, sage, thyme, black pepper, mustard, dried herbs, olive oil, and poultry seasoning are all recommended. |
| Marinade | Injecting a favourite marinade can add extra flavour. |
| Temperature | Set the air fryer temperature between 350-400° F. |
| Cooking Time | Cooking time varies depending on the weight of the turkey breast, but on average, it takes 45-60 minutes, or about 7-10 minutes per pound. |
| Internal Temperature | The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-165° F. |
| Resting | Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. |
| Netting | It is recommended to keep the netting on during cooking to hold the meat together. |
| Size | Most grocery stores stock 3-pound Butterball turkey breasts, but larger sizes are also available. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right turkey breast
Size and Weight:
Select a turkey breast that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. A 4 to 5-pound breast is standard and should fit in most 5-quart or larger air fryers. Ensure that the height of the meat is below the top of the basket before starting.
Boneless vs Bone-in:
You can choose between a boneless or bone-in turkey breast, depending on your preference. Boneless turkey breasts are more common and widely available in stores. They are also easier to cook and require less time in the air fryer. However, bone-in turkey breasts can add flavour to the meat and create a more traditional presentation.
Fresh or Frozen:
While fresh turkey breast is recommended for optimal taste and texture, frozen turkey breast is a convenient alternative. If using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking. Frozen turkey breasts are often injected with a water and salt solution, so additional brining is unnecessary. Check the packaging for this information.
Skin:
Opt for a turkey breast with its skin intact. The skin helps retain moisture during cooking and can be discarded after the turkey is cooked.
Seasoning:
When choosing a turkey breast, consider the seasoning you plan to use. Basic seasonings like salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary are versatile and can be found in most pantries. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika or poultry seasoning, to add extra flavour.
Remember to check the weight and size of the turkey breast and adjust your cooking time accordingly. A meat thermometer is a valuable tool to ensure your turkey breast is cooked perfectly.
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Preparing the turkey breast
Once you have chosen your cut of meat, you will need to fully thaw the turkey breast. This can be done by leaving it in the refrigerator for 36 hours. After thawing, use kitchen shears to remove the rib cage if you wish, and then pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
The next step is to season the turkey breast. You can use a variety of dried herbs and spices, such as onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, dried crushed rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix your chosen seasonings together in a small bowl, and then rub the blend all over the turkey breast. You can also add oil to the seasoning to create a paste, which will help to form a nice crust.
Finally, place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side up. If you are using a bone-in breast with the ribs still attached, you may need to lay the breast on its side to fit in the basket.
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Cooking the turkey breast
Next, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. In a small bowl, mix your chosen seasonings with oil and rub the mixture all over the turkey breast. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin-side down if your turkey has ribs, or skin-side up if it does not. Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the turkey breast over using tongs. If your turkey has ribs, you may need to lay it on its side instead of flipping it.
Continue cooking for 30-50 minutes for a bone-in turkey breast or 45 minutes to 1 hour for a boneless turkey breast, flipping the turkey breast every 10-15 minutes to avoid burning. The total cooking time will depend on the weight of your turkey breast and the power of your air fryer, so it is important to monitor the temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer. The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
When the turkey is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
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Carving the turkey breast
Firstly, remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let it rest. It is recommended to leave the turkey to rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
When you are ready to carve, you can use a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Kitchen shears can provide more control and precision when carving. Begin by removing the netting, if you have not already done so. Then, use your carving tool of choice to slice the turkey breast.
If you are using a bone-in breast, you will need to be mindful of the bone as you carve. Work around it, slicing the meat away from the bone. You can also use the bone as a guide, following its natural shape as you cut.
For a boneless breast, simply slice the meat into your desired thickness. You can cut it into even slices or thicker slabs, depending on your preference.
Remember to use a clean cutting board and carving tools to ensure food safety. Enjoy your air-fried turkey breast!
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Storing leftovers
Firstly, it is crucial to refrigerate your leftovers promptly. Aim to place the leftover turkey in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps your food safe for consumption.
When storing, use airtight containers or zippered plastic storage bags. These will help keep the turkey breast moist and prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator. Place the containers or bags in the refrigerator, where they can be safely stored for up to 3 to 4 days.
If you have larger quantities of leftovers or want to store them for a more extended period, freezing is a great option. Slice the cooked turkey breast and tightly wrap the individual slices before placing them in the freezer. Frozen slices can be stored for up to 2 to 3 months.
It is important to note that leftovers should be consumed or frozen within 3 to 4 days to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality.
Additionally, when reheating your leftover turkey breast, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria. You can use a meat thermometer to check this temperature.
By following these instructions, you can safely store and enjoy your leftover air-fried turkey breast for several meals!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking a Butterball turkey breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. First, remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Then, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Next, rub or brush the turkey breast with oil and season it with your desired seasonings. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side up, and set the temperature to 350-400°F. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The cooking time for a Butterball turkey breast in an air fryer will depend on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the size and type of turkey breast (bone-in or boneless). On average, a 3-pound boneless turkey breast will take around 1 hour to cook at 350°F, while a 4- to 6-pound bone-in turkey breast will take 40 to 50 minutes at the same temperature.
The recommended cooking temperature for a Butterball turkey breast in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. However, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 360°F or 390°F.
The best way to determine if your Butterball turkey breast is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and make sure the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
