How to Make Juicy, Tender Turkey Breast in the Air Fryer

How to Make Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including turkey breast. This method of cooking is quick and easy, and it produces a moist and flavorful turkey breast that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a holiday gathering.

In this article, we will show you how to make turkey breast in an air fryer. We will provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks for getting the best results.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey breast, read on!

What You Need

To make turkey breast in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

* 1 (3- to 4-pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, or other seasonings of your choice

Steps

To make turkey breast in an air fryer, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey breast rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for making turkey breast in an air fryer:

* To ensure that the turkey breast is cooked evenly, make sure to flip it halfway through the cooking time.
* If you want to add a crispy skin to your turkey breast, you can brush it with melted butter or olive oil before cooking.
* You can also cook turkey breast in an air fryer with vegetables. Simply add your favorite vegetables to the air fryer basket along with the turkey breast.

Conclusion

Making turkey breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can have a juicy, roasted turkey breast on the table in no time.

So next time you’re looking for a way to cook turkey breast, give the air fryer a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Ingredients Instructions Tips
  • 1 whole turkey breast (about 6 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  1. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook the turkey breast for 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  6. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • For a crispier skin, cook the turkey breast uncovered for the first 30 minutes of cooking.
  • If the turkey breast is getting too brown, cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
  • Let the turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to be more tender.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

When choosing a turkey breast for air frying, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Size and weight

The size of the turkey breast will determine how long it takes to cook. A smaller breast will cook faster than a larger breast. The weight of the turkey breast will also affect the cooking time. A heavier breast will take longer to cook than a lighter breast.

For an air fryer, it is best to choose a turkey breast that is about 3 pounds. This size will cook evenly and will not take too long to cook.

Type of turkey breast

There are two types of turkey breasts available: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in turkey breasts are more flavorful, but they take longer to cook. Boneless turkey breasts are easier to cook, but they are not as flavorful.

For an air fryer, it is best to choose a boneless turkey breast. This type of breast will cook more evenly and will not take as long to cook.

Fresh vs. frozen

You can choose to buy a fresh or frozen turkey breast. Fresh turkey breasts are more flavorful, but they also cost more. Frozen turkey breasts are less expensive, but they are not as flavorful.

For an air fryer, it is best to choose a fresh turkey breast. This type of breast will cook more evenly and will not take as long to cook.

Preparing the Turkey Breast

Before you can air fry a turkey breast, you need to prepare it. This involves thawing the turkey breast, removing the giblets, and marinating the turkey breast.

Thawing the turkey breast

If you are using a frozen turkey breast, you will need to thaw it before you can cook it. You can thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator, in the microwave, or in cold water.

To thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator, place it in a large bowl or baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Place the bowl or baking dish in the refrigerator and allow the turkey breast to thaw for 24-48 hours.

To thaw the turkey breast in the microwave, place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook it on high for 5 minutes per pound.

To thaw the turkey breast in cold water, place it in a large bowl or sink full of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. The turkey breast will thaw in about 3 hours.

Removing the giblets

Once the turkey breast is thawed, you need to remove the giblets. The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey, including the heart, liver, and gizzard.

To remove the giblets, open the bag inside the turkey breast. The giblets will be in a plastic bag or wrapped in paper towels. Remove the giblets from the bag and discard them.

Marinating the turkey breast

Marinating the turkey breast will help to add flavor and moisture. You can use any type of marinade you like, but some good options include:

* Italian dressing
* Teriyaki sauce
* Honey mustard sauce
* Lemon-pepper marinade

To marinate the turkey breast, place it in a large zip-top bag or airtight container. Add the marinade to the bag or container and seal it. Marinate the turkey breast for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours.

Cooking the Turkey Breast

Now that the turkey breast is prepared, you can cook it in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket.

Cook the turkey breast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the turkey breast rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Air frying turkey breast is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can make the perfect air fried turkey breast every time.

Cooking the Turkey Breast in the Air Fryer

To cook a turkey breast in the air fryer, you will need:

* A 3- to 4-pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
* Olive oil or cooking spray
* Salt and pepper
* Your favorite seasonings (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
3. Brush the turkey breast with olive oil or cooking spray.
4. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
5. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Temperature and Cooking Time

The cooking time for a turkey breast in the air fryer will vary depending on the size of the breast. A 3- to 4-pound boneless, skinless turkey breast will take approximately 20 minutes per pound to cook.

To check if the turkey breast is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Test for Doneness

There are a few ways to test if a turkey breast is done.

* Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Use a meat probe. A meat probe is a long, thin tool that is inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The probe will change color when the meat is cooked through.
* Press down on the turkey breast with your finger. If the meat is firm and springy, it is done. If the meat is soft and mushy, it is not done.

Carving and Serving the Turkey Breast

Once the turkey breast is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

To carve the turkey breast, use a sharp knife to cut along the breastbone. Then, cut the breast into thin slices.

Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing.

Carving and Serving the Turkey Breast

Once the turkey breast is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

To carve the turkey breast, use a sharp knife to cut along the breastbone. Then, cut the breast into thin slices.

Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing.

Cooking a turkey breast in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. With just a few simple steps, you can have a perfectly cooked turkey breast that is sure to please everyone.

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in an air fryer?

A turkey breast will take about 30 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I cook a turkey breast in an air fryer?

The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

What size turkey breast can I cook in an air fryer?

You can cook a turkey breast that is up to 3 pounds in an air fryer.

How do I cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer?

To cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer, first thaw the breast in the refrigerator overnight. Then, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are some tips for cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer?

Here are some tips for cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Be careful not to overcook the turkey breast. Overcooked turkey breast can be dry and tough.
* Baste the turkey breast with melted butter or olive oil halfway through cooking to help keep it moist.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer?

Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer:

* Overcooking the turkey breast.
* Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast.
* Not basting the turkey breast with melted butter or olive oil halfway through cooking.
* Not letting the turkey breast rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

air frying turkey breast is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious and healthy meal. By following the steps in this guide, you can make perfectly cooked turkey breast that is moist and flavorful every time. So what are you waiting for? Try air frying turkey breast today!

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

* Air frying turkey breast is a healthier alternative to traditional methods of cooking, as it uses less oil and does not require basting.
* Air frying turkey breast is also a faster way to cook, as it takes just 30-35 minutes to cook a 3-pound breast.
* To ensure that your turkey breast is cooked evenly, be sure to flip it halfway through the cooking time.
* Air frying turkey breast is a great way to cook a delicious and healthy meal for your family or friends.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!