Cody Casey
Turkey breast is a lean cut of meat, making it a healthy option for a roast. Air fryers are a great way to cook turkey breast, yielding moist and juicy meat on the inside with a deep golden brown skin. It is also possible to cook turkey breast in a NuWave oven, which can bake, roast, grill, steam, broil, air-fry and dehydrate foods. This paragraph will explore how to cook turkey breast in an air fryer and a NuWave oven.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Turkey Breast in a NuWave Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 350°F-360°F |
| Temperature | 160°F-165°F |
| Cook time | 25 minutes on each side, then 30-40 minutes |
| Rest time | 10-20 minutes |
| Turkey breast weight | 4-7.5 lbs |
| Turkey breast type | Bone-in or boneless |
| Oil/Butter | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano |
| Brine | Optional |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for turkey breast in a Nuwave air fryer depend on the size of the turkey breast and whether it is boneless or bone-in. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the turkey breast for 20-25 minutes on each side. The internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.
For a boneless turkey breast, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the turkey breast for 1 hour, turning it every 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher temperature and longer cooking time ensure that the boneless breast, which is typically wrapped in netting, cooks evenly.
For a bone-in turkey breast, a slightly lower temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. The cooking time remains the same, at 20-25 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should again reach 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to note that the size of the turkey breast will impact the cooking time. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey breast for about 12 minutes per pound. For a larger turkey breast, an extender ring may be required to ensure even cooking.
Additionally, it is recommended to let the cooked turkey breast rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure tender meat.
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Seasoning and preparation
To cook a turkey breast in a Nuwave air fryer, you'll want to start with a fully thawed turkey breast. Some recipes recommend brining the turkey before cooking for additional flavor and juiciness. To brine the turkey, dissolve salt in a pot of boiling water, then let the water cool to room temperature. Place the turkey breast in the pot so that it is fully submerged, then cover the pot and place it in the fridge for 18 to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook the turkey, remove it from the pot and rinse it with clean water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
Once your turkey is thawed and brined, you can start preparing the seasoning. One option is to combine softened butter with herbs and seasonings such as black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano. Carefully lift the skin from the breast and spread the butter mixture underneath. You can also coat the turkey breast with mayonnaise, which will give it a golden color. If you prefer, you can rub the turkey with canola oil or butter mixed with salt and pepper, and add other seasonings and herbs as desired. Be mindful of your seasonings if you are watching your sodium intake.
If you're using a bone-in turkey breast, you may want to keep the net on the meat while it cooks so that it holds together better. For a boneless turkey breast, be careful when removing the netting, as some meat may stick to it.
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Carving and serving
Once your turkey breast is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. The resting time varies depending on the source, with suggestions ranging from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to 20 minutes. Tent the turkey with foil during this time, which allows the juices to redistribute and be reabsorbed into the meat.
When you're ready to carve, place the turkey on a carving board. Use a large, sharp knife to run alongside the breast bone, using long, even strokes. If you're using a serrated knife, use a sawing motion. Follow the bone all the way down to the bottom of the board, then 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 around and down to the bottom to connect to the bottom of the first breast bone cut. Pull the meat away from the bone and slice, then repeat on the other side.
Before serving, always test the temperature of the meat to ensure it's been fully cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Choosing the right turkey breast
Size
The size of the turkey breast is crucial. You need to ensure that the breast fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. A 4-5 pound bone-in breast is a standard size that typically fits in a 5-quart air fryer. However, always measure your air fryer's basket to ensure the turkey breast's height is below the basket's top.
Bone-in or Boneless
You can cook both bone-in and boneless turkey breasts in an air fryer. Bone-in turkey breasts may be a bit trickier to fit in the air fryer, but they add flavour and moisture to the meat. If you opt for a bone-in breast, consider removing the ribs to make it easier to fit in the air fryer and cook more evenly. Boneless turkey breasts are more compact and often come with an oven-safe netting to hold the meat together.
Fresh or Frozen
While fresh turkey breasts are readily available, you can also use frozen ones. Just ensure you thaw the breast before cooking and allow it to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before air frying. Frozen turkey breasts take longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
Brining
Brining, or soaking the turkey breast in a salt solution, is optional but can add moisture and flavour to the meat. You can brine the turkey for a few hours or even overnight. If you're short on time, you can also inject the breast with a liquid marinade up to 8 hours in advance.
Seasoning
Seasoning the turkey breast is essential to enhance its flavour. A simple herb seasoning with rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper is a classic choice. You can also add garlic and dijon mustard for an extra kick. Don't forget to rub the outside of the breast with olive oil or butter to help crisp the skin and add flavour.
Remember to consider the size and type of your air fryer, as well as your personal preferences, when choosing the right turkey breast. With the right selection and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to a delicious air-fried turkey breast meal.
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Brining and flavouring
Brining your turkey breast before cooking it in the air fryer is a great way to add flavour and ensure the meat is juicy. While some recipes suggest that brining is not necessary, it is a good option if you want to add extra flavour to your turkey.
To brine your turkey, start by bringing 6 cups of water to a boil. Add salt to the water and stir until it is fully dissolved. Allow the salted water to cool to room temperature. Place the turkey breast in a large stock pot with the cavity of the bird facing up. Pour the brine over the turkey, ensuring that the bird is completely submerged. Cover the pot and place it in the fridge for 18 to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook the turkey, remove it from the brine, rinse it with clean water, and pat it dry with paper towels.
You can also dry brine your turkey breast by coating it with a mixture of mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Leave the dry brine on the turkey breast for a few hours before cooking. This will give your turkey a golden colour and a delicious taste.
In addition to brining, you can also add flavour to your turkey breast by rubbing it with butter or oil before cooking. You can use softened butter combined with herbs and seasonings, or simply rub the turkey with olive oil or canola oil. Make sure to get the butter or oil under the skin of the breast for maximum flavour. You can also season the turkey breast generously with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
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Frequently asked questions
First, rub the outside of the turkey with butter or olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Then, place the turkey breast-side down on the cooking rack of the Nuwave oven and cover with the lid. Set the power level to high and the temperature to 350°F. Set the timer based on the size of your turkey—cooking a frozen turkey breast requires 15 minutes per pound, while a defrosted turkey breast cooks in about 12 minutes per pound. Flip the turkey halfway through the cooking time to allow for even cooking. When the timer beeps, check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast has reached a minimum of 165°F. Let the turkey rest for about 10-20 minutes before carving or slicing.
To get a juicy and crispy turkey breast, you can brine the turkey before cooking it. To brine, dissolve salt in boiled water and let it cool to room temperature. Place the turkey breast in a large stock pot with the cavity of the bird facing up. Cover the bird with the salted water and leave it in the fridge for 18 to 24 hours. Remove the bird from the pot, rinse it with clean water, and pat it dry with paper towels. You can also coat the breast with mayonnaise or butter before cooking for extra crispiness and golden color.
The cooking time depends on the size of the turkey breast and whether it is frozen or defrosted. A frozen turkey breast takes about 15 minutes per pound to cook in a Nuwave oven. A defrosted turkey breast cooks in about 12 minutes per pound. A 4-5 pound turkey breast will take about an hour to cook in a 5-quart or larger air fryer.
