Air Fryer Whole Turkey — Introducing the centerpiece of your next feast – the Air Fryer Roasted Turkey. This recipe will show you how to achieve a succulent and perfectly cooked turkey right in your air fryer. Say goodbye to the oven and hello to a faster, more flavorful turkey dinner!
If you want to cook your Thanksgiving Dinner in your air fryer, you’re in luck. Today, we will show you how to cook a juicy turkey in your air fryer!
Can You Air Fry a Stuffed Turkey?
Air frying a turkey has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional oven roasting. Air fryers provide a convenient way to cook a juicy, flavorful turkey in less time. A common question is whether you can air fry a stuffed turkey. The short answer is yes, you can easily air fry a stuffed turkey with impressive results!
What is Air Frying?
An air fryer is a countertop convection oven that circulates hot air around food to cook it. The rapid air circulation mimics deep frying, resulting in a crispy outer layer. Air fryers use little to no oil compared to traditional deep frying, making them a healthier cooking method. Popular foods to air fry include french fries, chicken wings, and veggies. Air frying turkey has also emerged as a fast, convenient, and tasty technique.
Benefits of Air Frying Turkey
There are several advantages to cooking turkey in an air fryer rather than the oven:
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Shorter cook time – Whole turkeys can be cooked in about half the time, around 8-10 minutes per pound. This adds up to big time savings on Thanksgiving or Christmas!
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Crispy skin – The circulating hot air crisps up the turkey skin beautifully without the need to baste.
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Juicy meat – Air fryers lock in moisture extremely well. The turkey stays tender and juicy throughout.
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Versatile – An air fryer frees up your oven space for all those holiday side dishes.
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Safe – There’s no need to worry about hot oil splatters like deep frying. Air frying is much safer.
How to Air Fry a Stuffed Turkey
While air frying an unstuffed turkey is straightforward, a stuffed turkey requires a few special considerations:
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Use a turkey 10 lbs or under – Look for a small turkey labeledfryer or roaster. Overstuffing can prevent proper cooking.
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Cook breast side down – Flipping the turkey promotes even cooking of the dark and white meat. The stuffing will shield the breast meat.
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Add liquid to stuffing – The stuffing can dry out, so add chicken broth or apple juice to help keep it moist.
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Use a meat thermometer – Check the internal temp in both the thigh and stuffing, aiming for 165°F.
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Let rest before carving – As with oven roasting, allowing the turkey to rest ensures juicy meat.
Sample Stuffed Turkey Air Fryer Recipe
- 10 lb turkey, giblets removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
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Mix onion, bread cubes, broth, and poultry seasoning. Stuff lightly into turkey cavity. Truss legs.
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Rub olive oil on turkey and season all over with salt and pepper.
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Cook turkey in air fryer breast side down at 350°F for about 1 hour 20 minutes. Flip breast side up and cook 30 minutes more.
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Check thigh and stuffing temp using a meat thermometer. Cook longer if needed until 165°F.
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Allow turkey to rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Helpful Tips for Air Frying Stuffed Turkey
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If stuffing seems dry midway, tent foil over turkey and add a little broth to the stuffing cavity.
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For best results, thaw turkey completely before air frying. Do not cook frozen.
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When flipping turkey, use sturdy tongs inserted into the cavity to carefully maneuver it.
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Add aromatic veggies like onion, celery, carrots to the stuffing for extra flavor.
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Brushing the skin with butter or oil ensures maximum crispiness.
Common Questions
Can you put stuffing directly in an air fryer?
No, you should not air fry loose stuffing by itself. The stuffing needs to be contained inside the turkey cavity to avoid burning.
What if my turkey is too big for the air fryer?
Look for an air fryer with at least a 12 to 16 quart capacity, which can accommodate a 12 to 15 lb turkey. Otherwise, stick to a smaller unstuffed turkey.
Should I baste my air fried turkey?
Basting is not necessary as air fryers naturally keep turkey and stuffing moist without drying out. Basting with juices may actually make the skin less crispy.
Is air fried stuffing as tasty as oven roasted?
Yes, air fryers can make stuffing incredibly moist and flavorful! The stuffing gets infused with turkey juices just like oven roasting.
Can you cook a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?
Absolutely. Boneless turkey breasts are excellent for air frying. Pound them to an even thickness and stuff before air frying.
The Takeaway
Air frying allows you to enjoy tender, juicy stuffed turkey with crispy browned skin in record time. While air frying does require a few adjustments from oven roasting, the delectable results are well worth any extra effort. In around 1 1/2 hours, you can serve up the perfect stuffed turkey for a holiday feast!
Ingredients Needed For Roasting Whole Turkey In Air Fryer
Roasting a whole turkey in an air fryer requires a carefully selected list of ingredients to ensure a flavorful and well-seasoned bird. Here are the ingredients needed–
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Turkey: The star of the show, choose a turkey that fits comfortably in your air fryer, typically around 10-12 pounds for standard-sized air fryers.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to coat the turkey, allowing the seasoning to stick and promoting crispiness.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the turkey’s natural flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: A mix of herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic powder can be used to season the turkey, adding depth and aroma.
- Optional Marinade or Brine: If desired, prepare a marinade or brine with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and brown sugar to infuse additional flavors.
- Optional Stuffing: If you prefer a stuffed turkey, you can prepare your favorite stuffing mix.
- Optional Vegetables: Carrots, onions, celery, and other vegetables can be added for extra flavor and to create a bed for the turkey.
- Butter or Olive oil: A light butter or cooking spray coating on the turkey’s skin can help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Combined with proper seasoning and cooking techniques, these ingredients will result in a delicious air-fried turkey.
Can You Cook A Whole Turkey In Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, but it’s important to note that the size of the turkey and the capacity of your air fryer will determine if this is feasible. Smaller turkeys or turkey parts like bone-in turkey breasts or legs can be cooked in most air fryers. However, a large whole turkey may not fit in standard-sized air fryers.
If you have a small turkey that can fit, air frying can be a fantastic way to cook it. It can result in a juicy, flavorful bird with golden buttery skin. Just ensure that the turkey fits comfortably in your air fryer basket and that you follow a suitable recipe and cooking instructions for the size of your turkey and your specific air fryer model.
Can you cook a TURKEY in an AIR FRYER?
FAQ
Is it better to air fry or bake turkey?
How long does it take to air fry a 20 lb turkey?
Can I put my turkey in the air fryer?