Air Fryer Turkey Breast

This air fryer turkey breast is extra juicy and tender and takes a fraction of the time if baked in the oven!

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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 an entire chicken. Recently, we tried air frying a 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. Turkey is one of the leanest meats out there. Because we use the air fryer instead of the oven, we skip adding butter or oil during the cooking process.
• Festive. Cut the stress from Thanksgiving and Christmas by cooking this holiday staple in this magical kitchen gadget.

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:

1. 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.
2. Garlic. Chopped finely.
3. Salt and black pepper. To season.
4. Poultry seasoning. The secret ingredient that takes this meat to another level.
5. Fresh rosemary. Just a sprig of rosemary for a touch of flavor.
6. Butter. Melted. You can also use olive oil if you prefer.

How to air fry turkey breast

Cooking turkey breast in the air fryer may look impressive, but honestly, it’s such a foolproof method that you’ll never go back to oven roasting!

Step 1- Make the herb butter

Melt your butter and add it to a mixing bowl with garlic and rosemary. Whisk it up well till everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 2- Season the turkey

Take the remaining half of the butter mix prepared earlier and put on the turkey breast until it is covered. Season with salt and pepper before drizzling the remaining butter on top. Rub on the poultry seasoning so it sticks.

Step 3- Air fry the turkey breast

Lay the turkey breast skin side down into the air fryer basket. 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

Turkey breasts come in different weights, so we’ve tested out the best cooking times depending on the size of the bird.

• 1 pound breast meat: 17-20 minutes
• 2 pounds of breast meat: 30 minutes
• 3 pounds of breast meat: 45-50 minutes

For every extra pound of turkey, add 8-10 minutes of extra time.

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.

Tips to make the best recipe

• Use fresh Turkey. Like anything, fresh turkey breast will turn out way better than a frozen one. If you only have a frozen turkey on hand, just be sure to thaw it completely then pat it dry with paper towel before seasoning it.
• 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, but I sometimes keep it overnight, and let’s me just say, the flavor is incredible!
• 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.

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. I like to air fry some French fries, baked potato, or even a sweet potato at the same time as the turkey (it works!)l.
• 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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does cooking a 3 lb turkey breast in the air fryer take?

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast per pound?

Does this leave turkey drippings?