Cooking turkey breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, juicy and tender main dish for dinner. With an air fryer, you can achieve crispy, golden skin and moist, flavorful meat in a fraction of the time it takes to roast a whole turkey.
But how long should you cook a turkey breast in an air fryer? Here, I’ll provide tips on cook times as well as techniques for the best air fryer turkey breast.
Overview of Cook Times
Cooking time can vary based on a few factors
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Bone-in vs boneless – Bone-in turkey breasts take longer to cook than boneless. Plan on 11-13 minutes per pound for bone-in and 10-12 minutes per pound for boneless
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Size of breast – A small 2 lb breast will take less time than a large 5 lb one. Calculate time based on pounds.
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Frozen vs thawed – Thawed turkey cooks much faster. Cook frozen turkey almost twice as long.
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Air fryer wattage – Lower wattage means longer cook time. Higher wattage fryers cook faster.
As a general guideline, when using a standard air fryer, cook:
- Boneless turkey breast for 10-12 minutes per pound
- Bone-in turkey breast for 11-13 minutes per pound
So for a 2 lb boneless breast, cook 20-24 minutes. For a 5 lb bone-in breast, cook 55-65 minutes.
Always rely on an internal thermometer rather than time to determine doneness. Cook until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for juicy, flavorful air fryer turkey breast:
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Use bone-in for more flavor – The bone helps keep the meat juicy and adds more turkey flavor.
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Pat turkey dry – Remove excess moisture so the skin gets crispy.
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Rub with oil – Coating the skin with oil helps it get crispy and golden brown.
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Season well – For lots of flavor, rub herbs, garlic, salt and pepper under and on top of skin.
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Flip halfway – Cook skin-side down first, then flip to finish cooking and crisping the skin.
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Let rest before slicing – Resting for 5-10 minutes allows juices to reabsorb for moister meat.
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Use a meat thermometer – It takes the guesswork out of determining doneness.
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Try probe thermometer – It lets you monitor temp without opening appliance.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for foolproof air fryer turkey breast:
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Pat turkey breast dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin.
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Coat with oil – Brush or rub olive oil or avocado oil all over the skin.
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Season generously – Sprinkle and rub sea salt, pepper, chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage, and garlic under and on top of the skin.
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Preheat air fryer – Set to 350°F and preheat for 5 minutes.
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Cook skin-side down first – Place turkey breast in air fryer skin-side down and cook for about half the recommended time.
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Flip turkey – Carefully flip turkey breast over so the skin-side is up.
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Finish cooking – Cook until skin is browned and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes – This allows juices to reabsorb for a juicier texture.
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Slice and serve – Use a sharp knife to cut into slices. Enjoy!
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking turkey breast in an air fryer:
What size turkey breast fits in an air fryer?
- Look for a breast between 2-5 pounds. Anything larger may not fit. For a small air fryer under 5 quarts, stick to 2-3 lb breasts.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer?
- Yes, but add about 5 extra minutes per pound to the cook time. It’s best to thaw first for shortest cook time.
Do I need to flip the turkey?
- Flipping halfway through is recommended. It allows both sides to cook and brown evenly.
Should I brine the turkey first?
- Brining is optional but recommended for the most moist, seasoned meat. See this simple brine recipe.
What temperature should turkey breast reach?
- Cook until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I use boneless turkey breast?
- Yes, boneless works well too. Cook 10-12 minutes per pound, until 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve mastered the perfect air fryer turkey breast, pair it with any of these easy side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Stuffing or dressing
- Cranberry sauce
- Gravy – try an easy turkey gravy
- Dinner rolls
- Pumpkin pie for dessert
Making turkey breast in the air fryer is an easy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey on an everyday basis. In just about an hour, you can have a mini Thanksgiving feast on the table any night of the week.
