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Home / Recipes
1 hour 15 minutes
4.67 from 6 votes
5 Comments

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe
  • 498
by: Joanna Cismaru
11.23.20

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pin for air fryer turkey breast.

My Air Fryer Turkey Breast is a true time saver! Made in half the time, with only 4 ingredients, you can say goodbye to holiday stress and hello to your new favorite cooking method!

sliced turkey breast next to mashed potaotes.

Do you want a crispy, juicy turkey cooked in half the time? Look no further! My air fryer turkey breast is moist and tender on the inside, with that extra crispy brown skin we all know and love on the outside. In HALF the time or less it takes to roast a turkey, you can have this air fryer wonder ready to serve!

Why Roast A Turkey Breast In The Air Fryer

  • Juicy Turkey
  • Crispy Skin
  • Half The Time
  • Simple Ingredient List
  • Easy, Straightforward Recipe

For most of us, the turkey is the most important part of our holiday meal. We crave that tender meat, crisp skin, but the time and effort it takes to perfect is just too stressful! By using the air fryer, we can save time AND precious oven space. In just over an hour, we can have the perfect holiday main ready to be devoured. Air fryer turkey breast is where it’s at!

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of all ingredients needed for the air fryer.
  • Turkey – I used a 5 lb turkey breast, skin-on and bone-in. Keep in mind, cooking time will vary depending on the size of your bird. My turkey breast was on the bigger side so whatever you choose, make sure it will fit in your air fryer.
  • Olive Oil – Substitute sunflower, safflower or avocado oil.
  • Seasoning – We are using a simple combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and pepper! Feel free to experiment with your own spice combination.

How To Make A Turkey Breast In The Air Fryer

process shots showing how to make turkey breast in the air fryer.
  1. Prep The Turkey: Pat dry the turkey breast with paper towels. In a small bowl mix the olive oil with the herbs, paprika, salt and pepper. Using a brush, brush the olive oil mixture over both sides of the turkey breast, generously.
  2. Cook: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the turkey skin side down and cook for 30 minutes, then turn the breast over with the skin side up, careful not to burn yourself, and cook for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
  3. Rest and Carve: Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

Why The Air Fryer?

Air fryers use a circulation of hot air to cook food instead of submerging it in oil! By using the air fryer, we can achieve the same crispy results, without all the grease!

Is Air Frying Healthy?

Air frying is definitely a healthier alternative than frying in oil. It cuts calories by about 70-80% and has a lot less fat!

How Do I Know When My Turkey Is Done?

To truly test doneness of the meat, use an instant meat thermometer. Do not go by the color of the skin. The turkey is done when the breast meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Make sure the thermometer is not touching the bone.

How To Serve

This bird is definitely a holiday staple! Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, you’ll want this recipe. Serve alongside your favorite sides and you’ll have one table full of happy bellies. Now, I’m not saying you can’t enjoy this for a weeknight meal or special occasion, because you can! It’s fast enough that you could add it into your weekly dinner rotation.

Tips

  1. Make sure the turkey breast fits in your air fryer. Air fryers come in different shapes and sizes. My turkey breast was a bit on the large side so I had to cut off the end of it so it would fit in my air fryer.
  2. Get an instant meat thermometer! Trust me, it will be a life saver! This is the best way to ensure your turkey is cooked properly. Luckily, since we’re using an air fryer, we can open the lid and check the temperature often and as soon as it reaches 165°F, you know the turkey is done!
  3. I kept the seasoning super simple and herbaceous, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own!
  4. You can make a compound butter with herbs, garlic and smoked paprika, and spread it under the skin for extra flavor and yumminess.
  5. If you don’t have an air fryer, but still want to save time, check out my spatchcock turkey recipe!

Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this turkey, they can be used in a ton of dishes! Store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Use leftovers for turkey noodle soup, sandwiches, pasta or shepherd’s pie!

Freezing

Make sure to let your turkey cool completely before you freeze it! Place individual pieces into freezer bags or an airtight container. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible from the bag as you slide the zipper closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

overhead shot of sliced turkey breast next to mashed potaotes.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe
  • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
  • Turkey Meatballs
  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Lemon Pepper

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sliced turkey breast next to mashed potaotes.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

4.67 from 6 votes
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 1 hr 10 mins
Total: 1 hr 15 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 6
Print Pin Rate
My Air Fryer Turkey Breast is a true time saver! Made in half the time, with only 4 ingredients, you can say goodbye to holiday stress and hello to your new favorite cooking method!

Equipment

  • Ninja Foodi 8-Quart Multi Cooker

Ingredients

  • 4-5 pound turkey breast skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to tase
  • 1 teaspoon pepper or to taste
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Prep The Turkey: Pat dry the turkey breast with paper towels. In a small bowl mix the olive oil with the herbs, paprika, salt and pepper. Using a brush, brush the olive oil mixture over both sides of the turkey breast, generously.
  • Cook: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the turkey skin side down and cook for 30 minutes, then turn the breast over with the skin side up, careful not to burn yourself, and cook for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
  • Rest and Carve: Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Notes

  1. Make sure the turkey breast fits in your air fryer. Air fryers come in different shapes and sizes. My turkey breast was a bit on the large side so I had to cut off the end of it so it would fit in my air fryer.
  2. Get an instant meat thermometer! Trust me, it will be a life saver! This is the best way to ensure your turkey is cooked properly. Luckily, since we’re using an air fryer, we can open the lid and check the temperature often and as soon as it reaches 165°F, you know the turkey is done!
  3. I kept the seasoning super simple and herbaceous, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own!
  4. You can make a compound butter with herbs, garlic and smoked paprika, and spread it under the skin for extra flavor and yumminess.
  5. If you don’t have an air fryer, but still want to save time, check out my spatchcock turkey recipe!
  6. Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  7. Freezing: Make sure to let your turkey cool completely before you freeze it! Place individual pieces into freezer bags or an airtight container. If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible from the bag as you slide the zipper closed. Leftovers will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1servingCalories: 351kcal (18%)Carbohydrates: 1gProtein: 65g (130%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)Cholesterol: 163mg (54%)Sodium: 1011mg (44%)Potassium: 750mg (21%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 239IU (5%)Calcium: 56mg (6%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Course:Dinner
Cuisine:American
Keyword:air fryer turkey breast, turkey breast
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 498

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Nancy says

    November 27, 2020 at 7:05 am

    5 stars
    Can’t believe how juicy and crispy the chicken came out in the air fryer. What a great meal, and I made your old fashioned green beans, and mashed potatoes to go with it. So, so good and easy to make.

    Reply
  2. Pam Cameron says

    November 25, 2020 at 9:44 am

    Can a toaster oven with convection be used for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      November 25, 2020 at 10:12 am

      It won’t be the same as the air fryer. You can test it out if you want!

      Reply
  3. Mort in Oregon says

    November 24, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Can’t wait to try it..BUT I have to use several large Chicken
    breasts..Cannot get into the cities… Should be great Thank you.

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      November 24, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      It’ll still be just as great! Love that you’re making what you have work 🙂

      Reply

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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