Air-Fried Turkey Tips: A Quick, Tasty Guide

Air-frying a turkey breast is a quick and easy way to cook a juicy and flavourful turkey. It's perfect for small gatherings and easy weeknight dinners. The air fryer seals in the moisture, resulting in tender meat with a crispy, golden skin. It's also a great way to free up space in your oven and save on energy bills. The key to a delicious air-fried turkey is to ensure the meat is patted dry before cooking and well-seasoned. Using a meat thermometer will help you achieve the perfect level of doneness.

How to Cook Turkey in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right turkey

Size of the Turkey

The size of the turkey you choose is crucial, as it needs to fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. If you're cooking a whole turkey, opt for one that weighs up to 16 pounds for most standard air fryers. If your air fryer has an expansion ring, it can accommodate a larger bird. However, if you're cooking a turkey breast, a smaller size of 3-5 pounds is ideal, ensuring it fits easily into the air fryer basket.

Thawing Time

It's important to plan ahead and allow enough time for thawing your turkey. A frozen turkey can take a while to thaw, so it's recommended to place it in the refrigerator a couple of days before cooking. For a turkey breast, allow about 24 hours for thawing in the refrigerator.

Brining

Brining your turkey breast overnight can make a significant difference in its juiciness and flavor. Prepare a brine solution by boiling water with kosher salt, brown sugar, and pepper, then letting it cool completely. Submerge the turkey breast in the brine and leave it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.

Seasoning

Seasoning your turkey is a matter of personal preference, but some common options include salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also use butter or oil-based seasonings, such as herb butter, to add extra flavor and moisture to the meat.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of turkey you choose. For a whole turkey, the cooking time is typically around 15 minutes per pound. For a turkey breast, the cooking time can range from 45 to 55 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection.

Marinating the turkey

Choosing the Right Turkey

Select a relatively small turkey breast that fits easily into your air fryer basket. A boneless turkey breast is a good option as it is easier to fit into the air fryer, cooks more evenly, and results in juicier meat. If you choose a bone-in turkey breast, consider removing the ribs to make it flatter and easier to cook.

Thawing and Marinating

Thaw your turkey breast completely before marinating. You can marinate a frozen turkey, but it is less effective as the marinade will not penetrate the meat as well. For best results, use an unbrined turkey breast to allow the marinade to permeate the meat.

Create a marinade that suits your taste preferences, such as a brown sugar and mustard mixture, or a blend of oil, garlic, salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, black pepper, and mustard. You can also inject the marinade into the turkey for added flavour.

Take the turkey out of the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This helps the turkey cook more evenly. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, as this will help the marinade adhere better to the meat.

Applying the Marinade

Rub or brush the turkey with oil, ensuring a complete coating to prevent the meat from drying out. Then, apply the spice rub generously all over the turkey, including the top, bottom, and sides. Let the turkey sit for a few minutes to allow the spices to stick to the meat.

Resting and Cooking

After marinating, remove the excess marinade from the turkey by letting it drip off. Place the marinated turkey on a platter and loosely cover it with aluminium foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavours to settle and the meat to reach room temperature.

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400°F (180-200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Now that your turkey is marinated and prepared, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your recipe instructions.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous use. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. If there are any stubborn stains or residue, use a mild detergent or baking soda solution to gently scrub them away. Make sure to rinse and dry the air fryer thoroughly before proceeding.

Next, take your thawed turkey out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to start cooking. Allowing the turkey to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking. During this time, you can preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400°F (180-200°C), for at least 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking, promoting even cooking and browning of the turkey.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the turkey by patting it dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the spices stick to the turkey and ensures a crispier skin. After patting the turkey dry, generously apply cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. Make sure to coat the entire surface of the turkey. Then, liberally season the turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs, and any other desired spices. Massage the spices into the turkey to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Once the air fryer has preheated, it is time to prepare the air fryer basket. Spray the basket generously with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. This step prevents the turkey from sticking to the basket and makes clean-up easier. Ensure any accessories, such as trays or racks, are also prepared with cooking spray or oil.

Finally, place the seasoned turkey into the air fryer basket, skin-side down. If using a bone-in turkey breast, it is recommended to remove the ribs to create a flatter surface, allowing for more even cooking. Ensure the turkey fits comfortably in the basket with enough space for hot air to circulate. Now, you are ready to start cooking your turkey!

Cooking the turkey

Firstly, take the turkey out of the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. If your turkey is frozen, make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. It is not recommended to cook a frozen turkey breast in the air fryer, as it will cook unevenly and dry out.

Next, pat the turkey very dry with paper towels. This will help the spices stick to the meat and the skin to crisp. Then, rub or brush the turkey with oil and season liberally with salt, pepper, herbs, and any other desired spices. You can also try marinating the turkey before this step to ensure it stays tender during cooking.

Once your turkey is prepared, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F for 5 minutes. Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the turkey over.

Cook for another 20-50 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey, until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 150-165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. The turkey is done when it has golden, crisp skin and clear juices when pierced with a knife.

Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-30 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat and prevents the meat from drying out.

Resting and serving the turkey

Resting the Turkey:

• After removing the cooked turkey from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing or carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps prevent the meat from drying out.
• Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm during the resting process.
• Check the internal temperature: The temperature of the turkey will continue to rise slightly as it rests. Aim for a final temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bone.
• Resting time will depend on the size of the turkey. For a small turkey breast, 10-15 minutes of resting time is usually sufficient. For larger turkeys, allow 20-30 minutes.

Serving the Turkey:

• When ready to serve, use a sharp carving knife or kitchen shears to slice the turkey.
• Only slice as much meat as you need. Cover and refrigerate any unused portions for up to three days.
• Serve the sliced turkey with your choice of sides, such as roast potatoes, vegetables, or gravy.
• Enjoy your juicy and flavorful air-fried turkey!

Frequently asked questions