Air Fryer Turkey Roast: Bomb-Free, Quick, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook a turkey without the fuss of roasting a whole bird, then an air fryer boneless turkey roast could be the perfect solution. This method delivers a delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked turkey in a fraction of the time it takes to roast – it can be ready in under an hour!

The key to success is to ensure your turkey breast is fully defrosted and that you preheat your air fryer to the right temperature – around 350-360°F (175-182°C). You'll also want to rub your turkey breast with oil and a generous amount of seasoning to add flavour and promote browning. Then simply cook for 25-30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

So, if you're short on time or oven space, why not give this convenient and tasty option a go?

Choosing the right turkey breast

Size

It's important to choose a turkey breast that fits comfortably in your air fryer. A typical air fryer can accommodate a 2-5 pound turkey breast. If you're cooking for a larger group, consider using a bigger air fryer or cooking in batches.

Bone-in or Boneless

You can choose between a bone-in or boneless turkey breast. Bone-in turkey breasts tend to be more flavourful and juicy, but boneless breasts are easier to work with and slice. If you opt for a bone-in breast, choose one with the ribs removed for easier carving.

Fresh or Frozen

It's best to use a fully defrosted turkey breast for your air fryer roast. Allow enough time for the turkey to thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and allows you to properly season the meat.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, you have a lot of flexibility. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or paprika. You can also try different flavour profiles like Mexican, Cajun, or maple. Don't be shy with the seasoning—rub it generously all over the turkey breast for maximum flavour.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of turkey breast you choose. As a rule of thumb, cook a boneless turkey breast for about 1 hour at 360°F (180°C), turning it every 15 minutes. For a bone-in breast, cook for about 25 minutes on each side at the same temperature. Always use a meat thermometer to check if your turkey is done; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Preparing the turkey breast

Firstly, select a boneless turkey breast of your desired size, typically ranging from 2 to 5 pounds. It is important to ensure that the turkey breast is fully thawed if previously frozen. Place the turkey breast on a plate and allow it to reach room temperature for about 20 minutes. This step helps to remove the chill and ensures even cooking.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the turkey breast by patting it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the seasonings stick to the meat and promotes browning during cooking.

Now, it's time to season the turkey breast. You can use a variety of seasonings like olive oil, mayonnaise, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Get creative and experiment with different flavours! Rub the turkey breast with oil and generously apply your chosen seasonings, making sure to coat all sides of the meat.

Once the turkey breast is seasoned to your liking, carefully place it into the air fryer basket. You may want to use a trivet or rack to elevate it slightly. If your turkey breast is on the larger side, ensure that it fits comfortably in the basket with enough room for air to circulate.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey breast and the wattage of your air fryer. As a general rule, cook the turkey breast at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound. It is recommended to turn the turkey breast every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat. The turkey breast is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender turkey. Finally, slice the turkey breast to your desired thickness and serve it with your favourite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious air fryer boneless turkey roast!

Cooking the turkey breast

Preparation:

First, ensure you have a fully defrosted boneless turkey breast, typically weighing around 2-4 pounds. It is important to remove the roast from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to let it sit at room temperature and remove the chill. If you are using a frozen turkey breast, make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Seasoning:

The chosen seasonings can be tailored to your taste, but a simple combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or paprika will work well. You can also use mayonnaise instead of oil for a golden colour and flavour. Rub the turkey breast with oil or mayonnaise and season generously, ensuring the seasoning covers all sides of the meat.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer basket. If desired, use a trivet or rack to elevate it slightly. For even cooking, it is recommended to flip the turkey breast halfway through the cooking process.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey breast and the power of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound. However, it is essential to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness accurately. The turkey breast is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at its thickest part.

Resting:

Once the turkey breast reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.

Serving:

After resting, slice the turkey breast to your desired thickness and serve with your favourite side dishes.

Tips:

• Ensure the turkey breast is completely thawed before cooking for even and safe cooking.
• Be generous with the seasoning to enhance the flavour.
• Consider basting the turkey with melted butter or oil during cooking for extra moisture and flavour.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the size and thickness of the turkey breast.
• Use a cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy skin.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the turkey is cooked thoroughly.

Cooking time and temperature

When it comes to cooking a boneless turkey roast in an air fryer, the temperature and timing are crucial to achieving that juicy, tender, and flavourful roast. Here are the detailed instructions:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175-182 degrees Celsius). However, one recipe suggests a higher temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

For a boneless turkey roast, the cooking time will generally be around 45 minutes to 1 hour. It is important to turn the roast every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The internal temperature of the roast should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for food safety.

It is worth noting that cooking time may vary depending on the wattage and power of your air fryer, as well as the size of your roast. A larger roast will take longer to cook. Therefore, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast to determine doneness accurately.

Once the roast has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 to 15 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast.

Resting and serving the turkey roast

Once your turkey roast is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This is an important step as it allows the juices to be absorbed back into the meat, resulting in a moist and tender roast. Tent the roast with aluminium foil to help it stay warm while it rests.

After resting, transfer the roast to a cutting board and slice it into thin or thick slices, depending on your preference. If you're unsure about how to carve a turkey breast, here's a quick guide:

• Allow the cooked breast to rest on a carving board, loosely covered with foil.
• Using a large sharp knife, run the knife 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.
• Bring your knife back up to the front and connect where you started carving at the top of the breast bone.
• Cut down the ribs and follow it around to connect to the bottom of the first breast bone cut.
• Pull the meat away from the bone and slice. Repeat on the other side.

Serve your juicy, tender turkey roast with your favourite side dishes and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions