Juicy Turkey Breast in the Air Fryer Recipe | Easy & Healthy

Cooking a turkey breast in the air fryer is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy juicy, tender turkey with perfectly crisp skin. Whether you’re preparing a small Thanksgiving feast, a weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers incredible flavor and texture in less time than traditional roasting. Using the air fryer ensures the turkey breast cooks evenly, stays moist, and gets that irresistible golden-brown finish. It’s a healthier cooking method that doesn’t require excess oil, making it a great choice for those who want a lighter yet satisfying meal.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to season the turkey breast with your favorite spices or marinades, and it pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Read on for the complete details, including prep time, active time, nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions.

---

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: ~250 calories per serving
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 40 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

---

Equipment

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Tongs

---

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or your favorite herbs like rosemary or sage)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: juice of ½ lemon for added flavor

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 500mg

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast

• Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the turkey is crucial for achieving crispy skin in the air fryer.
• If using a bone-in turkey breast, ensure the cavity is clean and trim any excess fat or skin.

2. Season the Turkey

• In a small bowl, mix olive oil (or melted butter) with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring even coverage on both sides. For extra flavor, carefully lift the skin and rub some of the seasoning underneath.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the turkey cooks evenly and achieves the desired texture.

4. Air Fry the Turkey Breast

• Place the turkey breast skin-side up in the air fryer basket. If the breast is too large, you may need to cut it into halves or sections to fit.
• Cook the turkey breast at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

5. Check and Flip

• After 20 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the turkey breast. This allows both sides to cook evenly.
• Continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) as measured by a meat thermometer. The turkey will continue to cook while resting, reaching the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest the Turkey

• Remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

7. Serve

• Slice the turkey breast against the grain for the most tender texture. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

---

Tips for Success

• Temperature Accuracy: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooking can dry out the turkey.
• Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, brush a little extra oil or butter on the skin halfway through cooking.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley for added aroma and flavor.

---

Why Use an Air Fryer for Turkey Breast?

1. Faster Cooking Time: Air fryers circulate hot air efficiently, cooking the turkey in nearly half the time compared to traditional roasting.
2. Juicy Results: The compact environment of an air fryer helps lock in moisture while crisping the skin.
3. Healthier Option: You only need a small amount of oil, resulting in a healthier dish with fewer calories.
4. Convenience: No need to heat up the entire oven, making it an energy-efficient and convenient option for smaller portions.