How Long to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer for Juicy, Tender Results

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years for their ability to make foods crispy and delicious using little to no oil One of the most popular air fryer recipes is turkey breast, which cooks up moist, tender and full of flavor in a fraction of the time it takes to roast a whole turkey.

When it comes to cooking boneless turkey breast in an air fryer, timing is key for the best results Undercooking can lead to raw, unsafe meat while overcooking produces a dry, tough turkey breast. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to cook boneless turkey breast in an air fryer for perfect doneness every time.

Factors That Affect Air Fryer Turkey Breast Cook Times

Several factors impact cook times for boneless turkey breast in an air fryer:

• Turkey breast size – The general rule of thumb is to cook turkey breast for 18-20 minutes per pound. A 1-pound breast takes 18-20 minutes, a 2-pound takes 36-40 minutes, etc.

• Boneless vs bone-in – Boneless cooks faster since the meat lays flatter and cooks more evenly. Bone-in takes longer since the bone partly shields the meat.

• Breast shape – Flat, evenly-shaped breasts cook faster than those with irregular thick and thin parts.

• Air fryer wattage – Higher wattage air fryers cook faster than lower wattage models. Check your manual.

• Altitude – Turkey cooks faster at lower altitudes. Add 5 minutes if cooking above 3000 feet.

How to Cook Frozen Boneless Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer

For the easiest prep, many people opt to cook frozen boneless turkey breast in their air fryer. Here are tips for perfect results:

• Increase cook time by 50%. A 1-pound breast takes 30 minutes instead of 20 minutes.

• Let the breast sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow the surface to thaw slightly. This helps it cook more evenly.

• Spray or brush the breast with oil before seasoning and cooking for crisper skin.

• Check the internal temp and cook longer if needed until it reaches 165°F.

• Allow a few minutes for carryover cooking as the temp will continue rising after removal from the air fryer.

How to Tell When Boneless Turkey Breast is Done

Monitoring temperature is the most reliable way to tell when boneless turkey breast is fully cooked:

• Use an instant read thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to hit any bones.

• Turkey breast is safe to eat at 165°F, according to USDA guidelines.

• If the breast is at 155°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest 5 minutes. The temp will coast up to 165°F.

• Overcooked turkey breast registers over 170°F and will be dry and tough. Under 150°F is dangerously undercooked.

These visual cues also indicate doneness:

• The meat pulls away easily from bones (if bone-in)

• The juices run clear when pierced with a fork

• The meat shows no traces of pink when sliced

Average Air Fryer Cook Times for Boneless Turkey Breast

Based on the factors above, here are general air fryer cook times for boneless turkey breast:

• 1 pound – 18-22 minutes at 370°F

• 2 pounds – 36-44 minutes at 350°F

• 3 pounds – 55-65 minutes at 335°F

• 4 pounds – 70-85 minutes at 325°F

• 5 pounds – 85-100 minutes at 320°F

Always rely on an instant read thermometer for doneness rather than cook time alone. Cook times vary based on the specific cut, shape and thickness of each breast.

For the most tender, juicy results, brine the turkey breast before cooking. A salt water brine infuses flavor and moisture into the meat.

Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe

This simple recipe for boneless turkey breast in an air fryer results in juicy, seasoned meat with crispy skin:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lb boneless, skin-on turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Brush all over with oil. Sprinkle with seasonings and rub in.

2. Place breast in air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for estimated cook time based on weight above.

3. Check temp after 85% of estimated cook time. Continue cooking if needed until 165°F.

4. Remove turkey from air fryer and let rest 5 minutes before slicing to serve.

For best results, monitor the temperature and cook time closely based on the size and shape of your particular boneless turkey breast. This ensures it reaches the ideal finished temperature for the juiciest, most tender and safe results.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast

Follow these tips for the juiciest, most flavorful boneless turkey breast:

• Brine breast overnight in saltwater brine

• Pat very dry before cooking for crispy skin

• Rub skin with oil or butter before seasoning

• Cook at lower temps (300-350°F) to prevent overcooking

• Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness

• Allow to rest before slicing for juicier meat

• Slice across the grain for tenderest texture

• Save drippings to make gravy or sauce

With the right cook time for the weight and shape, boneless turkey breast makes for a quick, easy and delicious main course using the air fryer. Ditch the long roasting time but keep all the flavor, tenderness and crispy skin you love from oven-roasted turkey breast.