Cooking turkey breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious weeknight dinner. Air frying gives the turkey breast a crispy skin and keeps the meat juicy and moist. Best of all, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy juicy turkey breast at home. With just a few simple ingredients and seasonings, you can make restaurant-quality air fryer boneless turkey breast right in your own kitchen.
Why Cook Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer?
There are several benefits to using an air fryer instead of oven roasting to cook boneless turkey breast
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Quick cooking time – Turkey breast cooks much faster in the air fryer, ready in about an hour compared to over 2 hours in the oven. This makes it doable for a weeknight dinner.
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** Crispy skin** – The circulating hot air crisps up the skin beautifully without drying out the meat
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Juicy and tender – The turkey breast stays incredibly moist and tender thanks to the air fryer method. No basting required!
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Lean and healthy – Turkey breast is a great lean protein choice, lower in fat and calories compared to chicken thigh or chicken wings.
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Versatile appliance – If you have an air fryer, you can use it for so many dishes like fried chicken, french fries, even baked goods. It’s a multipurpose kitchen must-have.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast
Follow these tips for the best results when making boneless turkey breast in an air fryer:
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Size matters – Choose a 2 to 3 pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast for the right size to fit in your air fryer basket.
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Brine it – Soaking the turkey breast in a simple saltwater brine for a few hours helps keep it super moist and enhances the flavor.
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Pat it dry – Make sure to thoroughly pat the brined turkey breast dry before coating it with oil and seasonings so they stick properly.
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Coat with oil – Brushing or rubbing the turkey all over with a thin layer of oil helps crisp up the skin. Avocado oil is ideal for high heat.
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Season generously – Turkey benefits from bold, robust seasoning. Try a rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sage.
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Use a meat thermometer – Cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The air fryer can slightly vary the cook time.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe
With just 5 main ingredients and 10 minutes prep time, you can have delicious air fryer turkey breast on the dinner table in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon each salt, pepper, onion powder, dried thyme
Instructions:
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Rinse turkey breast and pat very dry. Place in gallon ziplock bag with 4 cups water and 1⁄4 cup salt. Brine 4 hours or up to overnight.
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Remove turkey from brine, rinse, and pat extremely dry with paper towels.
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Coat turkey all over with thin layer of oil. In small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Generously rub spice mix on all sides.
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Place turkey breast skin-side up in air fryer basket.
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Cook 25 minutes, then flip turkey over. Cook 25 minutes more until skin is crispy and deep golden brown.
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Check internal temp using a meat thermometer, cook longer if needed until 165°F.
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Let turkey rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips:
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Brining is key for extra juicy turkey breast. Omit this step if short on time.
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For extra crispy skin, broil 2-3 minutes after air frying. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Use smoked sweet paprika for a lovely flavor without too much heat.
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Try adding fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme for a more herbaceous flavor.
More Delicious Ways to Use an Air Fryer
The air fryer is such a handy kitchen tool to make quick, easy, and healthy meals. Here are more recipe ideas:
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Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Crispy, saucy buffalo wings ready in 30 minutes!
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Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – Juicy bone-in chicken thighs with crispy skin in 20 minutes.
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Air Fryer Whole Fish – From tilapia to salmon, perfectly cooked fish without the mess.
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Air Fryer French Fries – Classic crispy fries in just 20 minutes, no deep frying required.
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Air Fryer Frozen Foods – Quickly cook frozen convenience foods like chicken nuggets, tater tots or fries.
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Air Fryer Vegetables – Roast veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts to caramelized perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a 3 lb boneless turkey breast in the air fryer?
Cook for about 60 minutes at 380°F in an air fryer, flipping halfway through. Cook time can vary slightly based on the size and shape.
What temperature should I cook turkey breast in the air fryer?
Cook at 380°F to ensure crispy skin and an internal temperature of 165°F. Higher heat helps render the fat and crisp the skin.
Do I need to brine the turkey breast before air frying?
Brining is recommended but optional. It helps keep the turkey extra juicy. If short on time, season and cook turkey breast as is.
Can I make bone-in turkey breast in my air fryer?
Yes, bone-in turkey breast works great in the air fryer too. Remove the backbone first so it lays flat. May require 5-10 extra minutes.
What oil is best to coat the turkey breast for the air fryer?
Avocado oil is ideal since it has a high smoke point. Olive oil also works well. Avoid vegetable or canola oil which can burn.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover air fryer turkey breast?
Slice turkey and place in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Or wrap in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven.
Enjoy Restaurant-Worthy Turkey Breast at Home
Cooking boneless turkey breast in the air fryer is so quick and easy, there’s no need to wait for the holidays. With just a few basic ingredients and seasonings, you can make moist, juicy, crispy skin turkey breast anytime. Experiment with different spice rubs and sauces to keep it exciting. Your family will love this fast weeknight dinner!
