Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe – Juicy, Tender & Perfectly Cooked
An Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe is a perfect way to prepare a juicy, tender turkey with a crispy golden skin in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting methods. The first step is to season the turkey breast with your favorite spices—garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and salt are great choices. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey to help the skin crisp up. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook the turkey for about 25 minutes per pound, flipping halfway through for even cooking. The air fryer circulates hot air around the meat, ensuring it cooks evenly without the need for excessive oil. Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest before slicing. This easy and delicious Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe will leave you with a flavorful, succulent turkey that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or holiday feast.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe – Juicy, Tender & Perfectly Cooked
The air fryer has quickly become a kitchen staple for cooking faster, healthier meals with minimal fuss. One of the best dishes you can prepare using this versatile appliance is turkey breast. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner, preparing a holiday meal, or simply craving a hearty yet low-fat option, an air fryer turkey breast is an ideal choice.
This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious, juicy, and tender turkey breast, cooked to perfection. The beauty of using an air fryer lies in its ability to cook the turkey quickly while keeping it moist and golden on the outside. In addition to being easy, this air fryer turkey breast recipe requires simple ingredients, making it a go-to for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless turkey breast (about 2-3 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 220-250 per serving (approximate)
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 220-250
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 12-14g
- Carbohydrates: 0-2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350-450mg (depending on seasoning used)
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Breast:
Begin by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Place the turkey breast on a clean surface or cutting board. - Season the Turkey:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the olive oil (or melted butter) and mix everything to form a paste-like consistency. Use a basting brush or your hands to evenly coat the turkey breast with this seasoning mix, ensuring it is covered on all sides. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the air fryer heat up properly, which ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior on your turkey. - Cook the Turkey Breast:
Place the seasoned turkey breast into the air fryer basket, breast side down. Air fry the turkey for about 25-30 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey breast and the type of air fryer you are using, so be sure to check for doneness. Flip the turkey breast halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness. - Check the Internal Temperature:
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature yet, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again. - Rest the Turkey:
Once the turkey breast has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender turkey. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. You can pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips for Success
- Even Seasoning: Make sure to evenly season the turkey breast. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can marinate the turkey in the seasoning for a few hours before cooking, but this step is not necessary.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the right internal temperature for food safety.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Air fryers cook best when there is enough space around the food for air circulation. If your turkey breast is too large, consider cutting it into smaller pieces or cooking it in batches.
- Adjust the Cooking Time for Larger Breasts: If your turkey breast is over 3 lbs, it may need a little longer to cook. Always monitor the temperature as cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the meat.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Difficulty Level: Easy
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Turkey Breast?
The air fryer offers numerous advantages when it comes to cooking turkey breast. Unlike traditional roasting, where the oven takes a long time to heat up and cook, the air fryer allows for quicker cooking times and results in a crispy, golden skin with a juicy interior. Since an air fryer uses hot circulating air, it cooks the turkey evenly without the need for excessive oils or fats, making it a healthier option. Furthermore, the air fryer’s compact size allows for quick preheating, which saves valuable cooking time.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Turkey breast is a lean source of protein, making it a healthy addition to any diet. It is low in fat, particularly when compared to darker cuts of turkey like thighs and drumsticks. By cooking it in the air fryer, you can further reduce the need for added oils and fats, keeping the dish light and nutritious.
In addition to being high in protein, turkey is also a good source of B vitamins, including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. These vitamins help with energy production, brain function, and maintaining healthy red blood cells. Turkey breast is also rich in selenium, a mineral that supports immune function and helps reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
The air fryer turkey breast recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a flavorful, juicy, and hassle-free way to cook turkey. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner for guests, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress. By using simple ingredients, easy steps, and a few smart cooking tips, you’ll be able to create a turkey breast that’s tender, moist, and perfectly seasoned every time.
So, dust off your air fryer and give this recipe a try – you’ll be enjoying a healthy, delicious meal in no time!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.