This air fryer turkey breast is extra juicy, and tender, and takes a fraction of the time if baked in the oven!
Have you tried cooking lean cuts of meat in the air fryer? When done correctly, it tastes absolutely amazing and cooks fast.
We’ve done chicken breast, pork chops, and even an entire chicken. Recently, we tried air frying a whole turkey breast, and honestly, I don’t think we’ll ever use an oven again!
Why this recipe works
- Extra juicy and tender. Using an air fryer ensures the meat is cooked perfectly every single time- no over-cooked bits!
- Healthy. One of the leanest meats out there. It is packed with immune booster properties like selenium and zinc.
- Festive. Cut the stress out of Thanksgiving and Christmas by cooking this up in the air fryer.
What I love most about this air fryer turkey breast recipe is that it is a much easier and more convenient option than a traditional roast turkey! Besides, the breast meat is always the best part!
Ingredients needed
If you are familiar with roasting poultry, then you’ll notice the ingredient list is almost identical. Here is what you’ll need:
- Turkey breast. Choose a boneless turkey breast that has its skin intact. The skin will retain the juices and you can discard it once the turkey is cooked.
Other cuts of turkey
While boneless turkey is preferred, bone-in turkey breast or even turkey drumsticks will work.
- Garlic. Chopped finely.
- Salt and black pepper. To season.
- Poultry seasoning. The secret ingredient that takes this meat to another level.
- Fresh rosemary. Just a sprig of rosemary for a touch of flavor.
- Butter. Melted. You can also use olive oil if you prefer.
How to air fry turkey breast
Besides prepping the meat itself, there isn’t much else that goes into air frying it. Ready to cook some up?
Step 1: Make the herb butter
Melt your butter and add it to a mixing bowl along with the garlic and rosemary. Whisk it up well till everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Season the Turkey breast
Take the remaining half of the butter mix prepared earlier and put on the turkey breast till it is all covered. Season with salt and pepper before drizzling the remaining butter on top and rubbing on the poultry seasoning so it sticks to the turkey breast.
Step 3: Air fry the turkey breast
Lay the turkey breast with the skin side down into the air fryer basket. Let the turkey breast air fry at 180C/350F for 20-25 minutes. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 160F. It is cooked and ready to eat.
Step 4: Rest and serve
Once out of the air fryer, lay it on a serving plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before you begin carving.
Air fryer turkey cooking time
the cooking reference:
- 1 pound breast meat: 17-20 minutes
- 2 pounds of breast meat: 30 minutes
- 3 pounds of breast meat: 45-50 minutes
Of course, also use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the meat. Turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
What to serve with turkey
Besides the classic stuffing or holiday side dishes, you can pair this turkey with almost anything. Here are some favorites:
- Sauteed vegetables. Keep it simple with some asparagus, broccolini, or eggplant.
- All the potatoes. Air fry some French fries, baked potato, or even a sweet potato.
- Hearty salads. Use the turkey as the main protein source and pair it with a rice, orzo, or green goddess salad.
- Grains and starches. Cook your favorite pasta or steam some rice.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Use fresh Turkey. Like anything, fresh turkey breast will turn out way better than a frozen one.
- Let the mixture sit. If you let the melted butter and herb mixture sit for a while, the flavor of the herb really comes out. For this, 10 minutes should do the trick.
- Use hands. Sure, it is a little bit messier but trust me on this. Using your hands to rub the butter and seasonings on the turkey instead of utensils makes all the difference.
Storage instructions
To store. Place leftovers in an airtight container before refrigerating it. It retains the juices and keeps them moist for 3-4 days.
To freeze. Put the turkey breast slices in freezer bags, and after getting out all the air, you can freeze them for up to 6 months.
To reheat. When ready to consume again, just grease up the air fryer basket and put the turkey in till heated to desire.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Air fryer. My air fryer is the right size to fit a whole turkey breast comfortably in it.
- Tongs. For the easy removal of the protein.
- Meat thermometer. To check its doneness.
More air fryer recipes to try
Frequently asked questions
A 3lb Turkey breast may take between 45 to 50 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
Depending on your air fryer, it is recommended to allow the turkey breast 8 to 10 minutes per pound to cook thoroughly.
If you’d like to use the drippings to make gravy, add a thick layer of tin foil to the base of the air fryer.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F.
- Whisk the melted butter with the garlic and rosemary until combined.
- Rub half the butter mix all over the turkey, then season With salt and pepper. Drizzle with the remaining butter then rub the poultry seasoning all over.
- Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket.
- Cook the turkey for 17-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160F.
- Let your turkey rest for 5 minutes, before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
