Leftover Turkey Air Fryer Recipes: A Guide to the Best Ways to Repurpose Your Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and family, but it can also mean a lot of leftover turkey. If you’re looking for ways to use up your leftover turkey, the air fryer is a great option. Air fryers are fast, convenient, and perfect for reheating and crisping up leftover meat.
In this guide, we’ll share some of our favorite leftover turkey air fryer recipes. We’ll cover everything from simple snacks to hearty main dishes, so you can make sure that your leftover turkey doesn’t go to waste.
So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to use up your leftovers or you’re looking for a more creative way to enjoy your turkey, we’ve got you covered. Check out our recipes below and get ready to enjoy your leftover turkey in a whole new way!
Recipe Name
Ingredients
Instructions
Leftover Turkey Tacos
1 pound leftover turkey, shredded
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
6 taco shells
Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, taco seasoning, cheese, sour cream, onion, and cilantro.
Fill the taco shells with the turkey mixture.
Place the tacos in the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve immediately.
Leftover Turkey Chili
1 pound leftover turkey, shredded
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, onion, bell peppers, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, and chicken broth to the bowl.
Stir to combine.
Pour the chili into the air fryer basket.
Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Serve immediately.
Leftover Turkey Nuggets
1 pound leftover turkey, shredded
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix well to coat the turkey.
Form the turkey mixture into nuggets.
Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Introduction
Air fryers are a great way to cook leftover turkey. They are fast, easy to use, and can help you to create delicious and healthy meals. This guide will provide you with information on how to cook leftover turkey in an air fryer, as well as a variety of recipes to try.
There are many different ways to cook leftover turkey in an air fryer. You can cook whole turkeys, breasts, legs, wings, thighs, and gravy. Here are some specific recipes to try:
* Whole Turkey
To cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, you will need:
* A 12-pound turkey
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
3. Rub the turkey with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the turkey in the air fryer and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.
* Turkey Breasts
To cook turkey breasts in an air fryer, you will need:
* 2 turkey breasts (boneless, skinless)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey breasts and pat dry.
3. Rub the turkey breasts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the turkey breasts in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
* 4 turkey legs (bone-in, skin-on)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey legs and pat dry.
3. Rub the turkey legs with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the turkey legs in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey legs rest for 5 minutes before eating.
* 12 turkey wings (drumettes and flats)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey wings and pat dry.
3. Rub the turkey wings with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the turkey wings in the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey wings rest for 5 minutes before eating.
* 4 turkey thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey thighs and pat dry.
3. Rub the turkey thighs with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the turkey thighs in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey thighs rest for 5 minutes before eating.
* Gravy
To make gravy from leftover turkey, you will need:
* 1 cup of turkey drippings
* 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup of milk
* 1 tablespoon of butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour to the saucepan and whisk until smooth.
3. Slowly add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly.
4. Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce heat and
Tips for Cooking Leftover Turkey in an Air Fryer
When cooking leftover turkey in an air fryer, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and comes out moist and flavorful.
* Use a Meat Thermometer
The most important tip for cooking leftover turkey in an air fryer is to use a meat thermometer to make sure that the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast or thigh, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
When cooking leftover turkey in an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowded the air fryer basket. This will prevent the turkey from cooking evenly and can cause the turkey to become dry. If you are cooking a large amount of leftover turkey, you may need to cook it in batches.
* Check the Turkey Frequently
It is important to check the turkey frequently while it is cooking in the air fryer. This will help you to ensure that the turkey is not overcooked. You can check the turkey by using a meat thermometer or by cutting into the thickest part of the turkey breast or thigh. If the turkey is cooked through, the juices will run clear.
* Let the Turkey Rest
After cooking the turkey, it is important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a moist and flavorful finished product.
Recipes for Leftover Turkey in an Air Fryer
There are many delicious recipes that you can make with leftover turkey in an air fryer. Here are a few of our favorites:
* Leftover Turkey Tacos
Ingredients:
* 1 pound of leftover turkey, shredded
* 1 cup of shredded cheese
* 1/2 cup of salsa
* 1/2 cup of sour cream
* 1/4 cup of chopped onion
* 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
* 6 corn tortillas
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cheese, salsa, sour cream, onion, and cilantro.
3. Warm the tortillas in the air fryer for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, or until heated through.
4. Fill each tortilla with the turkey mixture and serve immediately.
* Leftover Turkey Chili
Ingredients:
* 1 pound of leftover turkey, shredded
* 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can of corn, drained
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon of chili powder
* 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
* 1 cup of chicken broth
* 1/2 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, black beans, kidney beans, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and water.
4. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the turkey mixture.
5. Cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through and the chili is thickened.
6. Serve immediately.
* Leftover Turkey Soup
Ingredients:
* 1 pound of leftover turkey, shredded
* 1/2 cup of chopped onion
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
* 4 cups of chicken broth
* 1 cup of water
* 1/2 cup of frozen peas
* 1/4 cup of chopped carrots
* 1/4 cup of chopped celery
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and water.
4. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the turkey mixture.
5. Cook in the air fryer
Q: What are some good leftover turkey air fryer recipes?
A: There are many great ways to use leftover turkey in an air fryer. Here are a few of our favorites:
* Turkey sandwiches: Simply slice up the leftover turkey and pile it on a toasted bun with your favorite sandwich toppings. For a healthier option, use whole-wheat bread and skip the mayo.
* Turkey tacos: Shred the leftover turkey and use it as the filling for tacos. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream.
* Turkey chili: Make a batch of chili using leftover turkey, beans, vegetables, and spices. Serve with cornbread or rice.
* Turkey soup: Simmer leftover turkey in a flavorful broth with vegetables and herbs. Serve with crackers or bread.
* Turkey pot pie: Make a classic pot pie using leftover turkey, vegetables, and a flaky pie crust.
Q: How long do I cook leftover turkey in the air fryer?
A: The cooking time for leftover turkey in the air fryer will vary depending on the thickness of the meat. For thinner pieces of meat, cook for 3-5 minutes per side. For thicker pieces of meat, cook for 5-7 minutes per side.
Q: What temperature do I cook leftover turkey in the air fryer?
A: The ideal temperature for cooking leftover turkey in the air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the meat is cooked through and juicy.
Q: How do I reheat leftover turkey in the air fryer without drying it out?
A: To reheat leftover turkey in the air fryer without drying it out, follow these tips:
* Tear the meat into small pieces. This will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and quickly.
* Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Place the meat in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the meat from cooking evenly.
* Cook the meat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until heated through.
* Serve immediately.
Q: What are some tips for making leftover turkey air fryer recipes more flavorful?
A: Here are a few tips for making leftover turkey air fryer recipes more flavorful:
* Add some spices or herbs to the meat before cooking. This will help to give the meat a delicious flavor boost.
* Drizzle the meat with a flavorful sauce or marinade before cooking. This will help to keep the meat moist and add even more flavor.
* Serve the meat with your favorite sides. This will help to round out the meal and make it even more satisfying.
Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking leftover turkey in the air fryer?
A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking leftover turkey in the air fryer:
* Overcooking the meat. The air fryer can cook food quickly, so it’s important to make sure not to overcook the meat. Overcooked meat can become dry and tough.
* Not preheating the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly.
* Overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket will prevent the meat from cooking evenly.
* Not using a meat thermometer. Using a meat thermometer will help you to ensure that the meat is cooked to the correct temperature.
By following these tips, you can avoid these common mistakes and make delicious and flavorful leftover turkey air fryer recipes.
leftover turkey air fryer recipes are a great way to use up any leftover turkey you may have from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. They are also a healthier option than deep-fried turkey, as they are cooked with less oil. Some of the best leftover turkey air fryer recipes include turkey tacos, turkey burgers, and turkey chili. With a little creativity, you can turn your leftover turkey into a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Author Profile
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!
