Air frying a turkey breast is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious turkey without heating up the oven. With an air fryer, you can cook a tender and juicy turkey breast with crispy golden skin in about an hour. But how long exactly should you air fry turkey breast to get perfect results?
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Turkey Breast Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that determine the total cooking time needed when air frying turkey breast
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Weight – A heavier, thicker turkey breast will naturally take longer to cook than a smaller, thinner one The general rule is 10-12 minutes per pound for boneless turkey breast and 11-13 minutes per pound for bone-in.
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Bone-in vs Boneless – Bone-in turkey breast usually takes slightly longer to air fry than boneless. The bones help retain moisture but also partially shield the meat from the hot circulating air.
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Temperature – Most recipes call for setting the air fryer between 340-375°F when cooking turkey breast Higher heat will cook the meat faster but can dry it out
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Flipping – Flipping the turkey breast halfway through promotes even cooking. If you don’t flip it, the bottom will cook faster than the top side.
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Brining – Soaking the turkey breast in a saltwater brine before air frying helps keep it juicy but will add a little time to the overall process.
Recommended Air Fryer Times for Turkey Breast
Based on typical weights and the factors above, here are general guidelines for how long to air fry turkey breast:
- 1-2 pound boneless turkey breast – 10-20 minutes
- 3-4 pound boneless turkey breast – 30-40 minutes
- 5-7 pound boneless turkey breast – 50-70 minutes
- 1-2 pound bone-in turkey breast – 12-24 minutes
- 3-4 pound bone-in turkey breast – 35-45 minutes
- 5-7 pound bone-in turkey breast – 55-75 minutes
For boneless turkey breast, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in should reach 175°F in the thickest part of the breast.
Always rely on a meat thermometer over cook times for the most accurate doneness. Every air fryer and turkey breast differs slightly.
Tips for the Best Results When Air Frying Turkey Breast
Follow these tips to ensure your air fried turkey breast turns out juicy, tender and perfectly cooked:
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Pat the turkey breast dry before seasoning to help the skin get crispy.
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Brine it if you have time. A simple saltwater brine ensures juicy meat.
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Use a cooking thermometer to monitor temperature. Cook to 165°F for boneless or 175°F for bone-in.
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Preheat the air fryer before adding the turkey. This helps it cook evenly.
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Flip the breast halfway during cooking. The bottom side cooks faster than the top.
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Let the turkey breast rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Flavorful Recipes for Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air frying keeps turkey breast incredibly moist and tender with an added crunch. Here are some top-rated recipes to try:
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast
This simple recipe only calls for olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs to flavor the turkey breast. Garlic cloves add extra aroma as it cooks. It delivers perfect crispy skin in just over an hour.
Cook time: About 60 minutes
Food blog: Wholesome Yum
Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Gravy
Coat turkey breast in a savory blend of paprika, thyme, salt and pepper before air frying. The seasoning adds tons of flavor that pairs perfectly with the homemade gravy.
Cook time: About 75 minutes
Food blog: The Pioneer Woman
Air Fryer Thanksgiving Turkey Breast
This recipe uses classic Thanksgiving herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary to flavor the turkey. It makes for a festive main dish without roasting a whole bird.
Cook time: About 70 minutes
Food blog: SkinnyTaste
Make Delicious Air Fryer Turkey Any Time of Year
One of the best things about cooking turkey breast in an air fryer is how quickly and easily you can make a tasty turkey dinner any time – no need to wait for the holidays.
Just follow approximate cook times based on weight, use a meat thermometer for doneness, and add your favorite herbs or spices. In about an hour, you’ll have tender, juicy turkey breast with crispy bronzed skin ready to slice and serve.
How To Cook A Turkey Breast In The Air Fryer
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