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!
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
- 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
- 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.
FAQs & Expert Tips
FAQs
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!
Air frying is definitely a healthier alternative than frying in oil. It cuts calories by about 70-80% and has a lot less fat!
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.
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
- 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.
- 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!
- I kept the seasoning super simple and herbaceous, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own!
- You can make a compound butter with herbs, garlic and smoked paprika, and spread it under the skin for extra flavor and yumminess.
- 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.
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Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb turkey breast skin-on and bone-in
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt or to tase
- 1 tsp pepper or to taste
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
- 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.
- 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!
- I kept the seasoning super simple and herbaceous, but feel free to play around with other spices/herbs to make this recipe your own!
- You can make a compound butter with herbs, garlic and smoked paprika, and spread it under the skin for extra flavor and yumminess.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, but still want to save time, check out my spatchcock turkey recipe!
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- 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.
