Air-Fried Turkey Breast: A Quick, Easy Feast

Air fryer turkey breast is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, juicy, and tender turkey meal without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. It's perfect for smaller gatherings or weeknight dinners, as it yields a more manageable amount of meat and cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting. Here's a simple guide on how to make mouth-watering turkey breast in your air fryer.

Choosing the right turkey breast

Size:

Firstly, ensure that the turkey breast you choose will fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Opt for a breast that is around 4 pounds or less for a standard-sized air fryer. If you have a larger air fryer, a 4 to 5-pound breast should be suitable.

Bone-in or Boneless:

You can choose to cook either a bone-in or a boneless turkey breast in your air fryer. A bone-in breast often has the ribs removed to ensure it fits better in the air fryer, cooks more evenly, and results in juicier meat. Boneless turkey breasts usually come with a string netting that helps hold the meat together during cooking.

Fresh or Frozen:

It is recommended to use a fully defrosted turkey breast for air frying. This allows for proper seasoning and ensures that the spices stick to the meat. Cooking a frozen turkey breast may result in uneven cooking, with the outside browning too quickly while the inside is still raw.

Brining:

Brining, or seasoning the turkey breast in a blend of spices, is not necessary but can be done if desired. You can dry brine the turkey by coating it with spices and leaving it to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. This adds flavour and moisture to the meat.

Coating:

You can coat your turkey breast with a variety of options, such as olive oil, mayonnaise, or softened butter. This adds flavour and helps to crisp the skin. If using oil, a small amount (around 3 tablespoons) is sufficient.

Seasonings:

When it comes to seasonings, the options are endless. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. You can also use a dry turkey or poultry seasoning blend. Don't be afraid to experiment and find a combination that suits your taste!

Preparing the meat

Firstly, you'll want to ensure your turkey breast is the right size for your air fryer. A 4-6 pound bone-in turkey breast is a good size, and you should make sure it fits in your air fryer basket with a bit of room to spare. If you're using a boneless turkey breast, 3 pounds is a good size.

Next, you'll want to defrost your turkey breast if it's frozen. It's best to do this by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 24 hours.

Now it's time to season your turkey breast. There are lots of different seasoning options, but a simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper will work well. You can also try using mayonnaise instead of olive oil, as this can give a nice golden colour. Don't be shy with the seasoning—make sure the whole breast is coated. You can also season under the skin if you like.

Some recipes suggest brining the turkey breast before cooking. This isn't essential, but if you want to give it a go, you can make a brine by boiling water and stirring in salt, brown sugar, and pepper. Allow this to cool, then submerge the turkey breast in the brine and leave it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.

Once your turkey breast is seasoned (and brined, if you like), it's time to cook it. Preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 20-30 minutes. Then, flip the breast and cook for another 30-40 minutes. The turkey breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

And that's it! You've prepared and cooked your turkey breast in the air fryer. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Cooking methods

Preparation

Before cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the turkey is fully defrosted. If your turkey is frozen, it is recommended to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Some recipes also suggest removing the ribs from the turkey breast, as this makes it easier to fit in the air fryer and allows the meat to cook more evenly.

Seasoning

There are many different seasoning options for turkey breast cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

• Olive oil, salt, and poultry seasoning
• Olive oil, salt, garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, and Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper
• Butter, seasoned salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic

Cooking

When cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the air fryer is preheated before adding the turkey. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey breast and whether it is boneless or bone-in.

For a boneless turkey breast, cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour, turning the turkey every 15 minutes.

For a bone-in turkey breast, cook at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50-60 minutes, flipping the turkey halfway through.

It is important to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the correct internal temperature. The recommended internal temperature for turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some recipes suggest removing the turkey from the air fryer when it reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit, as the temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests.

Carving

After cooking, allow the turkey to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in juicier meat.

To carve the turkey breast, use a large, sharp knife to run along the side of the breast bone, following the bone down towards the bottom of the board. Bring the knife around to the front and connect with the starting point at the top of the breast bone. Cut down the ribs and follow it around to connect to the bottom of the first cut. Pull the meat away from the bone and slice. Repeat on the other side.

Carving the meat

Allow the cooked turkey breast to rest on a carving board for at least 10-15 minutes. Loosely tent it with foil to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat warm.

Using a large, sharp knife, run the knife alongside the breast bone, using long, even strokes. If you are using a serrated knife, use a sawing motion. Follow the bone all the way down to the bottom of the board.

Bring your knife around to the front and connect where you started carving at the top of the breast bone.

Cut down the ribs and follow it 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. Repeat the same process on the other side.

Your air-fried turkey breast is now ready to be served!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried turkey breast. Here are some suggestions:

Sides

You can serve the turkey breast with traditional Thanksgiving casseroles, such as sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, or pineapple casserole. Potatoes are also a great option—you can make mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes. If you're looking for something healthier, roasted asparagus or sauteed broccoli are good choices.

Gravy

You can make gravy to go with your turkey breast. If you want to make gravy using the drippings from the turkey, you'll need to use an oven-style air fryer or put a tray underneath to collect the drippings.

Salads

A sweet kale salad goes well with turkey, but any salad will do.

Casseroles

You can make a cheesy zucchini casserole or a gluten-free green bean casserole.

Desserts

A crustless pumpkin pie would be a great way to finish off the meal.

Leftovers

Leftover turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked turkey meat for up to 3 months.

• Shred the turkey and use it in a sandwich, like a turkey salad or apple grilled cheese.
• Make a casserole, such as turkey pot pie or turkey tetrazzini.
• Swap turkey for chicken in a chicken Alfredo bake.
• Use shredded turkey in soup.
• Pair leftover turkey with stuffing for breakfast.
• Reheat the turkey in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees F, drizzling some broth over it to keep it juicy.

Frequently asked questions