This air fryer turkey breast is prepared with butter, thyme, rosemary, and sage. It has to be the easiest way to make a turkey dinner, and is done in no time at all.
Making turkey breast in the air fryer is so easy. I love roasted turkey, but we seem to only have it as a holiday meal. I look forward to making the big meal each year, and knowing we will have leftover turkey. Although, I don't have the hours to roast a turkey, even a small one for dinner.
But with a cooking time under an hour, I feel like we can enjoy turkey breast as a weekly recipe. And this boneless breast, comes out with the most perfect brown skin and tender meat.
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What you need to make turkey breast in the air fryer
Even if you don't have a larger air fryer, this turkey breast fit in my Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer and my Instant Pot 6 quart Vortex air fryer. The baskets are around 8 inches in diameter and could easily hand this small turkey.
Using fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage is always my first choice. But if I don't have fresh herbs available, I use McCormick's for almost all of my dried herbs and spices.
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To make this recipe, besides an air fryer, you will need:
- boneless turkey breast
- unsalted butter, melted
- salt
- thyme
- rosemary
- sage
- black pepper
I also recommend a digital meat thermometer. It really takes the guessing out of most air fryer recipes, and ensures your meat is cooked properly by accurately reading internal temperature.
How to make air fryer turkey breast
To make this a juicy turkey breast, with crispy skin, and full of flavor, I begin with an herb butter. Grab a small bowl and melt the butter. Then, combine the herbs and spices with the melted butter, stirring together.
Pat the breast dry with a paper towel. Then brush the top and bottom turkey skin with the herb butter mixture. Be sure to completely coat the turkey on both sides.
Next, place the turkey in the air fryer basket, or on a baking tray and place in the air fryer. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit , with a cook time of 30 minutes on each side. The outside will become golden brown, but confirm doneness with a digital thermometer. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
Let the turkey breast rest for about 5 minutes before carving. One side note about seasoning this turkey breast, is that there are so many options of flavorings. You can add garlic powder, and of course, use more or less of other seasonings to your taste.
FAQ's
What can I serve with turkey breast?
Turkey breast is great with air fryer potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more!
What is the boneless turkey breast ratio per person?
A good rule of thumb for servings, is to figure about ½ a pound per person. If the turkey breast is bone-in, then figure one pound per person. I usually try to find a 3 to 5 pound turkey breast, which is all that will fit in my basket.
How should I store leftover turkey breast?
To save leftovers, keep the turkey breast stored in an air tight container for 3-5 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. You can also reheat the breast meat with a few tablespoons of chicken stock and fresh herbed butter to help keep it moist.
Why make an air fried turkey breast?
You can make this easy dinner as a weeknight meal, or as a holiday meal for just a few people. Air frying turkey breast frees up precious oven space too. You can choose to do bone-in or boneless turkey breast. I have used Jenni-O's turkey breast from a package, making for an even easier dinner.
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Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 3-4 lbs boneless turkey breast
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp sage
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Use a paper towel to pat the turkey dry.
- In a small bowl, combine the seasonings with the melted butter. Brush the butter and completely coat the turkey on both sides.
- Place the turkey in the air fryer basket, or on a baking tray and place in the air fryer.
- Air fry at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes on each side. Confirm doneness with a meat thermometer. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.
- Let turkey rest for about 5 minutes before carving.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.
©AirFryingFoodie 2023
If using a rotisserie basket, should the time be cut back or is an hour about right?
Hi Anthony. I have not made this turkey breast using a rotisserie, but it looks like the time would be similar, depending on the weight and thickness. I would check the internal temperature about five minutes earlier. Thanks!