Air Fryer Turkey Chops: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Turkey chops are a great, quick option for a weeknight meal or a small Thanksgiving gathering. They are thin, boneless slices cut from the turkey breast, similar to boneless pork chops. Turkey chops can be seasoned, marinated, or breaded and are naturally gluten-free and low-carb.

Cooking turkey chops in an air fryer yields juicy meat with a slight crisp on the outside. The high heat of the air fryer also helps create a crunchy crust if the chops are breaded.

Turkey chops vs. turkey cutlets

Turkey chops and turkey cutlets are two names for the same cut of meat. Turkey cutlets are thin, boneless slices of turkey meat, usually cut from the breast. They are a convenient option for a quick meal as they cook very fast, and can be cooked in an air fryer in around 10 minutes. Turkey chops, on the other hand, are thicker cuts of meat and may still have the bone attached. A turkey chop can weigh between 4 and 8 ounces, whereas a turkey cutlet typically weighs a quarter of a pound.

Turkey cutlets are a great option if you're looking for a fast weeknight dinner as they are versatile and can be seasoned, marinated, or breaded to suit your taste. They are also a healthy choice, being low in carbs, low in saturated fat, and high in protein. You can find turkey cutlets in the fresh or frozen turkey section of your grocery store, usually sold in packs of 5 or 6.

When cooking turkey cutlets in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F. Season the cutlets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them in the air fryer basket or rack in a single layer. Cook for 8-11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

So, whether you call them turkey chops or turkey cutlets, this cut of meat is a great option for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that can be easily prepared in an air fryer.

How to prepare the chops

Preparing turkey chops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the chops:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Select the appropriate cut of meat for air frying. Turkey breast cutlets, or chops, are ideal as they are thin slices that cook quickly and evenly. These cuts are typically around ¼ to ½ inch thick. You can opt for boneless and skinless turkey cutlets, or choose ones with the bone still attached.

Step 2: Trimming and Seasoning

Trim any excess fat or sinew from the cutlets if needed. Then, season the meat to your preference. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try other seasonings like thyme, rosemary, poultry seasoning, sage, or Cajun seasoning. You can also rub the turkey chops with olive oil to promote even browning and help the seasonings adhere better.

Step 3: Breaded Coating (Optional)

If you want a crispy, breaded coating on your turkey chops, set up a breading station. Beat a couple of large eggs in one shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix seasoned breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese. You can use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or plain ones, and regular or gluten-free options are available. Dip the chops into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, and then coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 4: Air Fryer Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F, depending on your preference and the level of crispness you want. It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer, but it can help ensure more consistent results.

Step 5: Cooking the Turkey Chops

Place the seasoned or breaded turkey chops into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the chops and your air fryer's settings, but on average, they should cook for around 8-12 minutes. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat has reached 165°F, which is the safe minimum temperature for consuming turkey.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

Once the turkey chops have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite. Serve the chops with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salads, or casseroles. Enjoy!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for turkey chops in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the meat. Turkey chops are considered safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

For boneless turkey breast cutlets that are around 1/4 to 1/2 an inch thick, cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you are cooking frozen turkey cutlets, increase the cooking time to 12-14 minutes.

For thicker turkey chops, you will need to adjust the cooking time. For example, one source recommends cooking boneless turkey chops at 380°F for 9-11 minutes, while another suggests cooking at 400°F for 6-8 minutes for cutlets. If you are cooking a whole turkey breast, it will take longer—around 45-60 minutes at 400°F.

What to serve with turkey chops

Turkey chops are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to suit different seasons and occasions. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer turkey chops:

• Roasted vegetables such as air fryer baby potatoes, butternut squash, baby carrots, or Brussels sprouts
• Mashed potatoes for a classic, comforting side
• Salads, such as a Harvest Fall Salad with crisp greens, apples, and pears, or an Apple & Brussels Sprouts Slaw
• Rice, such as fluffy rice or rice pilaf, to soak up the gravy
• Bread, like a slice of crusty French bread to mop up the gravy
• Casseroles, such as a green bean casserole
• Steamed vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or green beans, for a pop of colour and nutrition

These sides offer a balance of flavours and textures to complement the juicy, air-fried turkey chops.

How to reheat and store

Leftover turkey chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chops in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for about 3 minutes, or until warmed through. The thickness of the meat will affect the reheating time, so adjust accordingly, adding time in 1-minute increments as needed.

Alternatively, you can reheat the chops in an oven set to 350°F with a few drops of broth or water to prevent dryness.

If you wish to freeze your turkey chops, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with plastic wrap. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer the frozen chops to a labelled freezer bag.

Frequently asked questions