Air-Fried Turkey Roll: A Quick, Easy Holiday Treat

how to cook turkey roll in air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook turkey rolls, especially for smaller gatherings or holiday dinners. They're much more affordable than a whole bird, cook quickly, and are easy to carve. Turkey rolls can be adapted to your taste, with options for boneless, buttered, herb-crusted, or even spinach and feta-stuffed rolls. The air fryer seals in the juices, leaving the meat tender and juicy, with a golden, crispy skin.

Characteristics Values
Turkey preparation Thaw frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator for about 24 hours.
Place water in a pot and add kosher salt, brown sugar, and pepper.
Remove brine from heat and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Remove turkey breast from wrapper and leave netting in place if possible.
Place turkey into a container and cover with cooled brine; add more water if necessary to completely cover, stirring to ensure brine is mixed with water.
Let turkey brine for 8 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator.
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and loosen the string netting.
Drizzle olive oil over the turkey breast and use your hands to rub it all over, coating the entire roast.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the roast, being sure all sides are coated.
Air fryer preparation Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) or 390 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Spray the air fryer basket with propellant-free nonstick cooking spray (like avocado oil spray).
Cooking Place the seasoned turkey roast in the basket and cook for 15 minutes.
Use tongs to carefully flip the turkey.
Reduce the temperature to 370 degrees F and continue to cook for an additional 35 to 45 minutes.
The turkey is done when the center of the roast reaches 165 degrees F (70-72 degrees C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting off the netting and slicing the turkey.

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How to prepare the turkey roll for the air fryer

To prepare a turkey roll for the air fryer, you'll first need to decide whether to use a fresh or frozen turkey breast. If you're using a frozen turkey breast, it's recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. If you're short on time, you can place the frozen turkey on a rimmed baking sheet and let it thaw in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Once your turkey is thawed, you can prepare it for cooking. If you're using a fresh, unprocessed turkey breast, it's a good idea to pat it dry with paper towels and season it with salt, pepper, and other desired herbs and spices. You can also try coating the turkey with olive oil or butter before adding the seasonings to ensure they stick to the meat.

If you want to get creative, you can try stuffing your turkey roll. One popular option is to create a spinach and feta filling. To do this, you'll need to wilt baby spinach, squeeze out the excess moisture, and then spread the filling onto the butterflied turkey breasts. You can also add other herbs and seasonings to taste. Once the filling is in place, roll up the turkey breasts and tie them securely with baker's twine.

Another option for preparing your turkey roll is to create a brine solution. Bring some water to a boil and stir in kosher salt, brown sugar, and pepper. Allow the brine to cool completely before submerging your turkey breast in it. Leave the turkey to brine for 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Finally, if you're using a bone-in turkey breast, make sure to leave the string netting in place, as it helps the meat cook evenly and is easier to remove after cooking.

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The ideal temperature and duration for cooking

If you are cooking a boneless turkey roll, it is recommended to set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). You should cook the turkey roll for 15 minutes, then turn it over, remove the netting, and season again. Continue cooking for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the centre of the roast reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when measured with a meat thermometer.

For a skin-on, bone-in split turkey breast, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Cook the turkey breast for 20 minutes on one side, then turn it skin-side up and cook for an additional 18 minutes. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

If you are cooking a rolled stuffed turkey breast, an air fryer temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) is recommended. Cook the turkey roll for 15 minutes, then turn it over and cook for another 15 minutes. The final internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the weight and size of your turkey roll, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and use a meat thermometer to ensure that your turkey roll is cooked to the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

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How to make the turkey roll juicy and golden

To make a juicy and golden turkey roll in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to prepare the turkey adequately. If you are using a frozen turkey breast, ensure that it is completely thawed before cooking. Place the frozen turkey breast on a rimmed baking sheet and leave it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours to thaw.

Once thawed, you can brine the turkey breast to enhance its flavour and juiciness. To make the brine, bring water to a boil and stir in kosher salt, brown sugar, and pepper. Allow the brine to cool completely before submerging the turkey breast in it. Leave the turkey to brine for 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

After brining, remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. If your turkey breast has a string netting, do not remove it before cooking. Instead, just loosen it by lifting and stretching it away from the turkey to make it easier to remove after cooking. Drizzle olive oil or brush the turkey breast with oil, and ensure the entire roast is coated. You can also rub the turkey with butter and season it with salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings.

Now, you are ready to cook the turkey roll in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which can range from 160°C to 390°F (200°C), depending on the model and manufacturer's instructions. Place the turkey roll, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket. For a crispier skin, you can create a bed of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, and place the turkey on top. You can also add clementine pieces around the joint for added flavour.

Cook the turkey roll for about 15 minutes, then carefully flip it over using tongs. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cover the turkey with foil at this point to prevent overbrowning. Reduce the temperature and continue cooking for an additional 25 to 45 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the weight of your turkey roll. To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roll. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (70°C to 74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

Once the turkey has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat, making your turkey roll juicy and flavourful. Finally, carve the turkey into slices and serve with your choice of sides and gravy. Enjoy your juicy and golden turkey roll, cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

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How to prepare the turkey roll for serving

Once your turkey roll is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a platter. If you have cooked the turkey with the string netting still on, now is the time to cut it off. Cover the cooked turkey with aluminium foil and leave it to rest for 10 minutes. This is an important step, as it gives the meat time to relax and lets the juices distribute evenly. If you have cooked stuffing balls in your air fryer, now is the time to add them to the platter.

After resting, carve the turkey roll into slices. You can serve the turkey warm or cold. If serving warm, pour any meat juices from the bottom of the air fryer over the sliced turkey. If serving cold, warm gravy to pour over the top is a great idea. Don't forget to add a slice of clementine and some herbs for decoration. You can also serve with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a holiday wreath salad.

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How to store leftovers

Storing leftovers from your delicious air-fried turkey roll is simple and will ensure your meal stays fresh and tasty for another day. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to store leftovers:

Firstly, it is important to let the turkey roll cool down to room temperature. This will take around 20 minutes. Leaving the meat to rest before storing will help retain moisture and keep the meat juicy.

Once the meat has cooled, it's now time to store it. Use an airtight container to keep the meat fresh and free from any contaminants. If you don't have an airtight container, use a plate or bowl and cover it tightly with cling film or aluminium foil. Make sure the leftovers are refrigerated promptly. The refrigerator will keep your leftovers fresh for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep your leftovers for longer, consider freezing them. Wrap the leftovers in freezer-safe wrapping or place them in an airtight container suitable for freezing. Label the container with the date, and your leftovers can be stored for up to 2 months.

To reheat your leftovers, simply remove them from the refrigerator or freezer and decide on your preferred reheating method. You can use an oven, microwave, or even an air fryer to reheat your turkey roll, ensuring it is piping hot before serving. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!

Frequently asked questions

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C) or 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If you want to cook the turkey roll at a lower temperature, you can heat the air fryer to 160C or 180C.

It depends on the weight of the turkey roll. A 3-4 pound turkey roll should be cooked for 30 minutes on one side and 20 minutes on the other side. A smaller turkey roll, such as the spinach-feta stuffed turkey roll, will take about 15 minutes to cook.

You can check if the turkey roll is cooked by inserting a skewer into the centre and checking if the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 70-72C or 165 degrees F.

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