Air-Fried Turkey: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a great option if you're short on oven space or want to save time and effort. Air-fried turkey comes out juicy and flavourful with a golden, crispy skin. It's also a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil.

The key to a moist and juicy air-fried turkey is to prep the meat by loosening the skin, adding butter, and seasoning before placing it in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey, but it's generally recommended to cook it for 8-10 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

So, if you're looking for a delicious, hassle-free way to cook your next turkey, give air frying a try!

Choosing the right air fryer

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right air fryer. Here are some tips to help you select the best one for your needs:

• Type of air fryer: There are two primary types of air fryers on the market: those with baskets (or drawers) and those with mesh trays or racks. Basket air fryers are more common and typically have a tub that you slide in and out to put food in. Mesh tray models cook food on a flat or shallow receptacle, similar to a countertop toaster oven. Some mesh tray air fryers also have multiple racks or attachments for rotisserie cooking, dehydrating, and grilling.
• Capacity: Air fryers come in various sizes, from small 2-quart models suitable for one or two people to larger options that can accommodate a whole chicken or even a 14-pound turkey. Consider how much food you'll need to cook at once and choose a size that fits your needs.
• Features: Air fryers offer a range of features, such as dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking. Some also have preset buttons for specific foods. Consider which features are important to you and look for models that offer them.
• Price: Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400, but most models tend to hover around $100. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a high-performing air fryer, but keep in mind that more expensive models may offer additional features or larger capacities.
• Brand: Several brands offer air fryers, including well-known names like Ninja, Instant, Cuisinart, and Black+Decker. Research and compare models from different brands to find the best option within your budget.
• Reviews: Before purchasing an air fryer, be sure to read reviews from other customers to get a sense of their experience with the product. Look for models that have consistently positive feedback to increase the chances of your satisfaction.

Preparing the turkey

Thawing: Start by fully thawing your turkey. This step is essential, as it ensures even cooking. Depending on the size of your turkey, this process can take a few days. Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator a couple of days before you plan to cook it. For a quicker thaw, you can use the cold water method, but this requires more attention and monitoring.

Giblets and Neck Removal: Once thawed, remove the giblets (the neck, heart, and gizzard) from the turkey's cavity. These are often tucked under the skin by the neck. This step is important for food safety and even cooking.

Drying: After removing the giblets, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This step helps ensure that the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.

Seasoning: To enhance the flavor of your turkey, create a rub or seasoning blend. You can use a variety of herbs and spices such as Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these together in a small bowl. You can also use store-bought poultry seasoning, which typically includes thyme, rosemary, and sage.

Butter Rub: For a moist and juicy turkey, carefully loosen the skin of the breast and legs by gently sliding your hand between the skin and meat. Be careful not to tear the skin. Create pockets under the skin and rub softened butter underneath. This step adds moisture and flavor to the turkey.

External Seasoning: Apply the seasoning blend or rub generously to the outside of the turkey. Massage it into the skin, ensuring an even coating. You can also add additional butter to the outside if desired.

Preparation for Air Fryer: Place the turkey in the air fryer basket, following any specific instructions provided by your air fryer model. Some models may require the use of a poultry stand or rack. Ensure the drumsticks are upright and holding the weight of the turkey. This helps stabilize the bird during cooking.

Cooking the turkey

First, you'll need to prep your turkey. Make sure it's fully thawed, then remove the giblets and neck bone. You can also remove the rib cage with kitchen shears. Next, pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Now it's time to season your turkey. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Mix these together in a small bowl, then rub the spices all over the outside of the turkey. You can also add butter under the skin to keep the meat moist and juicy.

Once your turkey is seasoned, it's time to cook it. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the turkey in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the turkey and cook for an additional 10-40 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey. You'll know it's done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers an internal temperature of 165°F.

When the turkey is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your turkey is moist and juicy.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Air Fryer Turkey

• Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking. This can take a few days, so plan ahead.
• Don't brine your turkey. Brining can make the meat overly salty when cooked in an air fryer.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey. This is the best way to ensure it's cooked through without overcooking.
• Let the turkey rest after cooking. This will give the juices time to redistribute, resulting in a moist and juicy bird.

Checking if the turkey is cooked

Checking if your turkey is cooked is an important step in the cooking process. The last thing you want is to serve undercooked meat to your guests. Here are some ways to check if your turkey is cooked:

Using a Meat Thermometer

The most accurate way to check if your turkey is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast, ensuring that it is in the meat and close to but not touching the bone. The recommended internal temperature for cooked turkey is 165°F/74°C.

Visual Check and Juices

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also do a visual check and examine the juices. However, it is important not to check the turkey until it is at least 85% through its cooking time, as checking too early and frequently can cause a loss of heat and affect the cooking time. Poke the thickest parts of the thigh, wings, and breast with a fork or thin knife. If the juices run clear and are no longer pink or reddish, this indicates that the turkey is cooked.

Resting the Turkey

After checking the internal temperature and ensuring the turkey is cooked, it is crucial to let the turkey rest. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is juicy and flavourful. Cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

Making the gravy

Now that you've cooked your turkey in an air fryer, it's time to make the gravy. This part is simple and can be done while the turkey is resting.

First, remove the lower rack from the air fryer. Next, skim the tidbits from the drippings/broth at the bottom of the air fryer. Put the flour in a medium bowl and ladle in about one cup of the drippings/broth, whisking until smooth. Pour this mixture into the air fryer with the remaining drippings/broth and whisk until smooth.

Place the air fryer lid back on and air fry at 400°F/205°C for about 10 minutes or until thickened, whisking a couple of times while cooking.

Your gravy is now ready to be served with your juicy, golden-brown air-fried turkey!

Frequently asked questions