Marianne Martinez
Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole turkey, with many models available to choose from. While most air fryers are not large enough to accommodate a standard-size turkey, some larger models can fit a whole turkey of up to 16 lbs. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, for example, can cook a 16-lb turkey, while the Masterbuilt 10 Liter XL Electric Fryer can fit a 20-lb turkey. A rule of thumb when air-frying a turkey is to cook it for 8-10 minutes per pound, but it's important to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer capacity
The majority of air fryers will only fit a turkey crown, with some trimmings around the sides. For example, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster has a capacity of 5.7 qt / 12 lbs and can fit a turkey crown. Similarly, the Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone air fryer has an 8.5 L capacity, which can accommodate a crown and some trimmings.
For a larger capacity air fryer that can cook a whole turkey, consider an outdoor air fryer such as the Masterbuilt 10 Liter XL Electric Fryer, which can fit a 20-pound turkey. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer is another option and can cook a 16-pound turkey.
When selecting an air fryer for cooking a whole turkey, it is important to check the capacity specifications and ensure it can accommodate the size of the turkey you plan to cook. Additionally, it is worth noting that cooking times will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the outdoor temperature, and weather conditions. As a rule of thumb, air fry a turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound, and always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for a 12-pound turkey in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature outside, and the wind conditions. According to Char-Broil Big Easy, the cooking time is estimated to be about 8 to 10 minutes per pound, which would mean a 12-pound turkey would take around 1 hour and 36 minutes to 2 hours. However, it is important to note that the internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh, which may take more or less time depending on various factors.
When cooking a 12-pound turkey in an air fryer, it is essential to ensure that the turkey is fully thawed. A frozen turkey will not cook properly and may result in raw or undercooked meat. It is recommended to thaw the turkey a few days in advance and remove the giblets and neck bones from the cavity. Additionally, tucking in the wings and drumsticks and placing the turkey breast side up in the air fryer can help ensure even cooking.
The weather conditions can also impact the cooking time. For example, if it is a cold and windy day, the cooking time may be longer, as the air fryer has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Similarly, if it is an extremely hot day, the cooking time may be slightly shorter. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it has reached the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, the size and type of air fryer can also affect the cooking time. For example, an outdoor air fryer may take longer to cook a turkey than an indoor air fryer due to weather conditions. Similarly, a larger air fryer with a higher wattage may cook the turkey faster than a smaller, less powerful air fryer. Therefore, it is important to refer to the specific instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer for the most accurate cooking times.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the cooking time may vary depending on the desired doneness of the turkey. Some people prefer their turkey to be well-done, while others prefer it slightly pinker. Adjusting the cooking time accordingly can help achieve the desired doneness. However, it is always important to ensure that the turkey has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
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Turkey preparation
Choosing a Turkey
It is important to choose a turkey that fits your air fryer. While most air fryers won't be large enough to accommodate a standard-size turkey, turkey crowns will fit perfectly in some of the larger models. For example, the Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone air fryer, with its 8.5 L capacity, can fit a crown and some trimmings. If you want to cook a whole turkey, you will need a larger air fryer, such as the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, which can fit a 16-pound turkey, or the Masterbuilt 10 Liter XL Electric Fryer, which can fit a 20-pound turkey.
Thawing
It is important to thaw your turkey before cooking it in the air fryer. This can take a few days, so make sure to plan ahead.
Brining
There are differing opinions on whether or not to brine a turkey before air frying it. Some sources say that brining is the key to a juicy, flavourful turkey, while others claim that brining before air frying will result in an overly salty turkey.
Seasoning
If you choose not to brine, you can still ensure your turkey is flavourful by seasoning it before cooking. One suggestion is to rub oil all over the turkey breast and season both sides with salt and turkey seasoning, then rub the remaining oil over the skin side.
Cooking
Place the turkey skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, then flip the turkey and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey. Cook until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Resting
Once your turkey has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Gravy
If you wish to make gravy, you can use the drippings from the cooked turkey. There should be a tray at the bottom of the air fryer that collects these drippings.
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Temperature and weather
The size of the air fryer you will need to cook a 12-pound turkey depends on several factors, including the temperature and weather conditions in which you plan to cook.
When cooking a turkey in an air fryer, it is important to consider the outdoor temperature and weather conditions, especially if you are using an outdoor air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the temperature and weather. For example, if you are cooking in cold and windy weather, it may take longer for the turkey to reach the desired internal temperature. On the other hand, cooking in warm and calm weather may result in a shorter cooking time. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Additionally, the starting temperature of the turkey can also affect the overall cooking time. It is recommended to thaw a frozen turkey completely before cooking it in an air fryer. A partially frozen turkey may not cook evenly, resulting in raw or undercooked areas. Allow enough time for the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking, as this can take several days.
Moreover, the temperature of the air fryer itself can impact the cooking time. Some recipes suggest starting the air fryer at a higher temperature to crisp the skin and then lowering the temperature to finish cooking the turkey. This two-step temperature process can affect the overall cooking time, so it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it reaches the recommended 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
In summary, when determining the size of the air fryer needed to cook a 12-pound turkey, consider the outdoor temperature and weather conditions, the starting temperature of the turkey, and the temperature settings of the air fryer itself. By taking these factors into account, you can estimate the cooking time more accurately and choose an appropriately sized air fryer.
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Using a meat thermometer
While most air fryers won't be large enough to accommodate a standard-size turkey, some large-capacity outdoor air fryers can cook up to a 20-pound turkey. For a 12-pound turkey, you will need an air fryer with a capacity of at least 12 litres.
Now, on to the topic of using a meat thermometer:
A meat thermometer is a handy tool to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection. It is a simple and effective way to monitor the internal temperature of your turkey, ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for food safety and doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, and cook until it reaches 165°F. This temperature reading indicates that your turkey is cooked thoroughly, and you can avoid overcooking it, resulting in a juicy and tender bird.
When using a meat thermometer, it is essential to follow these steps for accurate results:
- Ensure the turkey is thawed before cooking. Frozen turkeys can result in dry meat and longer cooking times.
- Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 400°F for air frying a turkey.
- Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring it is securely in place.
- Cook the turkey according to the recommended time, which is approximately 8 to 10 minutes per pound.
- Towards the end of the cooking time, regularly check the temperature by glancing at the thermometer.
- Once the thermometer reads 165°F, turn off the air fryer and remove the turkey carefully, as it will be very heavy.
- Let the turkey rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavourful final product.
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Frequently asked questions
A 10-liter XL Electric Fryer can cook a turkey of up to 20 pounds.
It takes about 120-150 minutes to cook a 12-pound turkey in an air fryer.
The best temperature to cook a turkey in an air fryer is 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the first 20 minutes, and then 10-15 minutes at a lower temperature.
A turkey is done when its internal temperature reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit if measured in the thigh, or 170 degrees in the breast.
Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires little to no oil. It is also faster than cooking a turkey in an oven.
