Air Fryer Turkey Breast

I loving making this air fryer turkey beast! It is the easiest way to make a small turkey! It comes out juicy, moist, and golden brown, making it a perfect meal for holidays or a delicious family dinner.

Easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

Making turkey breast in the air fryer is a great way to get tender, flavorful meat in less time than oven roasting. It frees up precious oven space, making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple weeknight meal. 

Whether you choose bone-in, boneless, or even a pre-seasoned turkey breast, the air fryer makes it amazing every time.  The size of this turkey is a perfect dinner when I want to have a complete meal without a lot of hassle too. 

If are looking for more simple meals,  try air fryer chicken breasts, air fryer steak, air fryer pork tenderloin, air fryer Cornish hens, or air fryer frozen pork chops. The air fryer really makes dinner time easier!

Ingredients You Will Need

• Bone-in or boneless turkey breast: Make sure it fits in your air fryer; I used a nearly 5-pound breast.
• Olive oil or melted butter: Helps achieve a crispy, flavorful skin.
• Kosher salt: Enhances flavor.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild spice.
• Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic: Provides a rich, savory taste.
• Onion powder: Balances the seasoning.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth.
• Optional: Substitute 2 tablespoons of poultry seasoning for a quicker prep.

Variations

• Make it with fresh herbs: Use rosemary, thyme, or sage for a more seasonal flavor.
• Add Sauce: Brush the turkey breast with a maple glaze or BBQ sauce in the last few minutes for a different twist.

OPTIONAL: If you don’t have some of these seasonings, or just want to save a little time, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of poultry seasoning, like this McCormick’s seasoning. 

How to Cook Turkey Breast in the Air Fryer

STEP 1: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F (182 degrees C).

STEP 2: Remove the turkey breast from its packaging, pat it dry with a paper towel, and trim any excess fat.

STEP 3: In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

STEP 4: Coat the turkey breast with olive oil or melted butter, then rub the seasoning mix evenly over the surface.

STEP 5: Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, breast side down. Cook at 360 degrees F (182 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

STEP 6: Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

HOW TO CARVE A TURKEY

Once the turkey is done cooking, you want to carve it to serve. Carving it properly will give you clean slices of meat, and will help you get the most amount of meat from the breast. 

To carve the turkey, you will need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a serving platter or large plate for serving turkey slices. 

Before you start to cut, first, secure your cutting board by placing a damp kitchen towel underneath the board. This will help prevent the board from sliding or moving as you cut.

When you slice the turkey breast, start your first cut parallel to the center of the breast, along the breast bone on each side. Slice in a straight line downwards, cutting across the grain of the meat for the best cut. 

As you continue slicing, make angled slices across the breast, until you get to the bottom. Transfer the slices to your serving platter or large plate. Garnish with lemon slices, small potatoes, fresh rosemary or thyme herbs. 

Looking for air fryer Christmas recipes? Try air fryer reindeer chow, air fryer cranberry brie bites, or these air fryer Christmas brownie mix cookies.

Tips

• Check the size: The cook time will vary depending on the size of your turkey breast. I usually try to get between four and five pound turkey breast, and depending on how thick the breast meat is, it can take 45-55 minutes to get to a safe temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Use a thermometer: Insert it into the thickest part of the meat for accuracy.
• Let it rest: Allowing the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before carving, will give you juicier slices.
• Cover with foil if browning too quickly: This prevents the skin from burning while the meat finishes cooking. (Be sure to tuck it under the turkey so it doesn’t fly up in the air fryer.)
• Adjust temperature if using butter: Reduce to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) to avoid smoking, and increase cook time by 10-15 minutes.

FAQS

How do I store leftover turkey?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Or you can freeze for up to 3-4 months in a freezer-safe bag. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible so the meat doesn’t dry out. 

When you are ready to reheat, air fry at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for 3-5 minutes. You can warm it in the microwave too, but that can make it a little rubbery or taste dry. 

What is the boneless turkey breast ratio per person?

figure about 1 1/2 pounds of turkey breast per person. If the turkey breast is boneless then figure 1/2 pound per person. As an idea for size, I have a 5.8 quart basket, and can easily fit a 5 pound turkey, with ribs removed. 

What if my turkey breast is too large for the air fryer?

You can cut it into smaller pieces or choose a turkey breast that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. I used kitchen scissors to cut and remove the ribs from my turkey breast. This helped it open up an lay flat, to fit in the basket. 

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We love this air fryer turkey breast for dinner! It’s so easy to make and is perfect for the holidays or just a great weeknight meal!