This juicy air fryer turkey is SOO GOOD and will have all of your guests asking for more! It’s perfectly golden brown and dripping in flavor. You will never cook a turkey any other way again!
If you think this turkey is good then you need to try these other amazing side dishes that you can cook in your air fryer! Like these Sweet Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, or even these super yummy Carrots!
I know, I know, cooking a turkey in an air fryer isn’t the most common way to cook it but guess what?! It should be! This turkey turned out AMAZING. I’m talking juicy, lick your fingers to get every last bite good! This air fryer turkey only takes a few ingredients PLUS you don’t have to wait all day for it to cook! It’s the perfect turkey recipe for those who are just starting out because anyone can make it!
This is a great option if you are only serving a few guests. Or, you could use this for your family dinner sometime during the year! I mean, who says that turkey just has to be cooked at Thanksgiving?! Cook this up with some 1-Hour Rolls, this yummy Slow Cooker Sausage Herb Stuffing, this Easy Turkey Gravy, and these Perfect Mini Pumpkin Pies. Then, you will have yourself a delicious feast that everyone will love!!
Air frying a turkey has become an increasingly popular way to cook the bird, offering a healthier and faster alternative to deep frying or roasting. When using an air fryer, it’s important to follow some guidelines to ensure your 20lb turkey turns out moist, juicy and perfectly cooked.
Overview of Air Frying a Turkey
Air frying circulates hot air around the turkey to cook it evenly while producing a beautifully browned, crispy skin The method requires little to no oil, resulting in fewer calories than deep frying. Air frying also cooks the turkey faster than a traditional oven.
An air fryer allows you to cook a whole 20lb turkey, but it is essential to choose the right appliance. Look for an air fryer big enough to fit the bird, with a minimum capacity of around 17 quarts. You’ll also want one with temperature settings up to 400°F.
When air frying a turkey figure around 10-15 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 20lb turkey will take 3-4 hours to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let’s look closer at the complete process.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for perfect air fried turkey results:
1. Thaw the Turkey
Remove your frozen turkey from the packaging and thaw it completely in the refrigerator. This may take several days depending on the size. Do not thaw the turkey at room temperature, as this can cause bacterial growth.
2. Remove the Giblets
Check inside both turkey cavities for the bag of giblets and neck. Remove them and use for gravy or discard.
3. Pat the Turkey Dry
Pat the thawed turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Any moisture on the skin will cause it to steam rather than crisp up.
4. Tuck the Wings
Tuck the tip of each wing under the turkey body so they don’t burn in the air fryer.
5. Truss the Turkey
Trussing brings the legs together and compacts the bird for even cooking. Use kitchen string or silicone bands to truss.
6. Season the Turkey
Rub the turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter first. Then generously season the outside and cavity with salt, pepper and your choice of herbs/spices.
7. Insert the Stand
Place the turkey upright onto the air fryer stand so air circulates all around. Insert the stand into the cavity.
8. Preheat and Cook
Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Carefully place turkey in basket and cook 10-15 minutes per pound, until 165°F.
9. Check Temperature
Use an instant read thermometer to check temperature in thickest part of breast and thigh. Juices should run clear with no pink.
10. Remove and Rest
Carefully remove turkey and let rest 15 minutes before carving. The resting time allows juices to redistribute.
Air Fryer Turkey Tips
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Brining is not necessary when air frying and may cause over-salting.
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Do not stuff the turkey, as stuffing requires longer cook time. Cook it separately.
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Baste occasionally with turkey broth for extra moisture and flavor.
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Tent turkey with foil if skin browns too quickly.
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Add a drip pan below to catch juices for gravy.
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Cook any frozen turkey breast, legs or wings separately.
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Let air fryer fully preheat before adding turkey for best results.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about air frying whole turkeys:
Can you put stuffing in an air fried turkey?
It’s not recommended. Stuffing requires much longer cook time which would lead to an overcooked turkey. Cook stuffing separately to allow both to reach optimal doneness.
Should you brine a turkey before air frying?
Brining is unnecessary since air frying already produces a moist turkey, and brining may make it over-salted. Simple seasoning with oil/butter, salt, pepper and herbs is best.
How long does a 20lb turkey take in an air fryer?
Figure around 10-15 minutes per pound, so a 20lb turkey will take 200-300 minutes (3-5 hours) at 350°F. Use an instant read thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F.
What temperature do you cook a turkey in an air fryer?
350°F is ideal for air frying turkey. This allows the turkey to cook through gradually while the hot circulating air crisps up the skin.
Should you flip a turkey in the air fryer?
Flipping is not necessary. The hot air circulates all around the turkey as it cooks, delivering even, consistent browning.
Can you put a whole turkey in an air fryer?
Yes, as long as the turkey fits comfortably in your particular model. Look for an air fryer with at least 17 quart capacity for a 20lb bird. The turkey stand keeps it upright.
Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey
Following these air fryer guidelines will help you achieve the ideal finished turkey with tender, juicy meat and beautifully crisped, golden brown skin. Air frying makes cooking turkey simpler and faster.
The key is allowing ample time for a large bird to cook through while monitoring temperature. Let your trimmed, seasoned 20lb turkey air fry at 350°F for around 3-4 hours, until the thick breast area hits 165°F.
Rest the turkey before slicing for the juiciest results at your holiday table. Air fried turkey offers a fresh new way to enjoy this classic main dish.
Let’s Cook a Turkey!
Unlike other turkeys, this one doesn’t have to cook all day! It’s so simple… You are going to love it!
- Rub turkey with oil and spices: Rub the turkey in olive oil. In a small bowl combine italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Rub on the outside of the turkey.
- Add butter: Slice the butter and put under the skin of the turkey.
- Cook and flip: Lay the turkey skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Flip the turkey and cook for and additional 10-15 minutes depending on your size of turkey. Cook until a thermometer reads 165 degrees.
- Let it rest and then slice it: Remove the turkey and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve.
I can’t get over how easy and delicious this air fryer turkey is to make! Here are a few extra trips that will help yours turn out perfect!
- Don’t forget to thaw it! Turkeys can take a while to thaw! Make sure that you put your turkey in your fridge a couple of days before you plan on cooking it. Then, it will be all ready to go when the big day comes!
- Temperature check: Before eating your turkey, it’s important to know if it’s fully cooked of not! A turkey is done when it’s internal temperature reaches 180 degrees if measured in the thigh or 170 degrees in the breast. Use a meat thermometer when it’s done and check it to make sure!
- Let it rest: This step gets skipped so often because everyone is so anxious to eat! Trust me, I totally get it. But this part is SO important! Letting the turkey rest gives it time to absorb all of the juices that it made while it was cooking. If you slice it right aways, they will all just dribble out when you slice it up which means dry turkey meat. And no one wants that! Let it rest, it’s worth it!!
How to Store Leftovers
Turkey makes the BEST leftovers! And this air fryer turkey is no exception. Here is how you can save them for later to make sandwiches, soups, or even this Leftover Turkey Casserole!
- Refrigerate: Once your meat has cooled, place it in an airtight container. Then you can put it in your fridge and it will last for 3-4 days!
- Reheat: If you want to reheat your turkey then you can go ahead and put it on a plate and cook it in the microwave! Cook it on medium power, 30 seconds at a time until it’s heated through.