Cooking turkey can seem intimidating. A whole turkey takes hours to roast and yields far more meat than most families can eat in one sitting However, cooking just the turkey breast is a great solution for serving a manageable quantity of delicious turkey any time of year. Using an air fryer makes cooking turkey breast even easier and faster Add in the air fryer’s rotisserie function and you have a recipe for exceptionally juicy, flavorful turkey breast ready in under an hour.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer Rotisserie
There are several advantages to cooking turkey breast in an air fryer rotisserie rather than roasting a whole turkey:
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Cooks faster: A full turkey takes at least 3 hours to roast. An air fryer turkey breast is ready in 40-60 minutes.
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Easier to manage: A whole 12-15 lb turkey is a lot of meat. A 3-6 lb turkey breast serves 4-8.
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More white meat Turkey breast is 100% white meat. No fighting over dark vs light.
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Weeknight friendly Quick cook time makes turkey breast doable any night
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Moist and delicious: The rotisserie evenly cooks and bastes the turkey.
Choosing and Preparing Turkey Breast for the Air Fryer
You can cook bone-in or boneless turkey breast in an air fryer rotisserie.
Bone-in Turkey Breast
Look for a breast between 4-6 lbs with the ribs removed for easy air fryer rotisserie cooking. Brining is optional but helps keep bone-in breast moist.
Boneless Turkey Breast
Choose a 2-3 lb Butterball-style boneless, skin-on breast roast. Do not remove the netting holding it together, as this helps it cook evenly. A brine is not needed.
To prepare turkey breast for the air fryer:
- Pat dry
- Generously season under and over skin
- Rub with oil or butter to help crisp skin and add flavor
How to Cook Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer Rotisserie
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer rotisserie turkey breast:
1. Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Be sure basket is clean. Insert rotisserie spit and forks/holders.
2. Prep and Season Turkey Breast
Pat turkey completely dry. Rub all over with olive oil or melted butter. Generously season all over with favorite spices or herb rub.
3. Pierce and Mount Turkey on Spit
Carefully pierce turkey breast through the thickest part with the rotisserie spit. Mount on air fryer rotisserie forks/holders.
4. Cook Turkey
Cook at 350°F, rotating periodically:
- Bone-in breast: 40-50 minutes
- Boneless breast: 60-70 minutes
5. Check Temperature
At minimum cook times above, insert instant read thermometer into thickest area without hitting bone. Turkey is done at 155°F. If under, cook longer and recheck.
6. Let Rest and Carve
Remove turkey from air fryer and let rest 15 minutes before carving. Slice and serve immediately.
How Long Does it Take to Cook an Air Fryer Turkey Breast?
Cook times can vary based on size of breast and specific air fryer model.
- Bone-in (4-6 lbs): Cook for 40-50 minutes at 350°F
- Boneless (2-3 lbs): Cook for 60-70 minutes at 350°F
Always rely on a thermometer rather than time. Turkey breast is safe to eat and perfectly cooked when it registers 155°F on an instant read thermometer.
Do not overcook or turkey will be dry instead of juicy. Let rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Rotisserie Turkey Breast
Follow these tips for foolproof, delicious air fryer turkey breast every time:
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Dry thoroughly: Pat turkey very dry before seasoning so spices and oil stick. Wet turkey won’t crisp or brown.
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Generously season: Do not skimp on salt, pepper, herbs, spices, butter, or oil. Turkey breast is a large cut of meat.
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Rotate periodically: Turn rotisserie spit every 10-15 minutes for even cooking.
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Use meat thermometer: Cook to 155°F for ideal juiciness. Do not overcook.
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Let rest before carving: Waiting 10-15 minutes allows juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful meat. Skip this step and turkey will dry out.
Make an Easy Herb Rub for Turkey Breast
While plain salt and pepper is delicious on turkey, you can also jazz it up with an easy homemade herb rub.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- In small bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Mix or mash together with a fork to form a wet paste.
- Rub herb mixture all over turkey breast before cooking.
Feel free to tweak herbs to your tastes or add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Rotisserie Turkey Breast
Enjoy your air fryer turkey breast with classic Thanksgiving side dishes or as part of a weeknight dinner. Ideas include:
- Gravy – thicken pan drippings or use easy mushroom gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing or dressing
- Cranberry sauce
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Dinner rolls
For a weeknight meal, serve with simple sides like rice pilaf and a green salad.
Make the Most of Leftover Air Fryer Turkey
Properly stored, leftover turkey breast keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Here are delicious ways to use up extra:
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Turkey sandwiches – try turkey club or cranberry turkey wraps
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Turkey salad – similar to chicken salad with mayo, celery, cranberries
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Turkey casseroles – King Ranch, enchiladas, pot pie, tetrazzini
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Turkey soup – shred or dice turkey into soups, stews, and chilis
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Turkey fried rice – substitute turkey for chicken
For longer storage, slice or shred turkey, portion into freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooking Turkey in an Air Fryer Rotisserie
Can you cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer rotisserie?
Yes, a frozen turkey breast can be cooked in an air fryer rotisserie. Add approximately 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F.
What temperature should you cook turkey breast in an air fryer?
Cook at 350°F. Higher temps can cause the outside to overcook before the inside is done. Lower temperatures will lead to unsafe, undercooked poultry.
Should you brine turkey breast for the air fryer?
Brining is optional but can help keep boneless or bone-in turkey breast juicy. For best results, brine 6-12 hours before cooking.
Can you stuff an air fryer turkey breast?
No, do not stuff turkey breast cooked in an air fryer rotisserie as it can lead to unsafe undercooking. Cook stuffing in oven and serve on the side.
Can you overcook turkey breast in an air fryer?
Yes, it is possible to overcook turkey breast in an air fryer if cooked past 155°F internal temperature or not allowed to rest before carving. Follow cook times as a guide and always use a meat thermometer.
Enjoy Flavorful, Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Anytime
Cooking turkey breast in an air fryer rotisserie delivers all the delicious flavor and juiciness of roasted turkey in a fraction of the time. With no need to threat with a whole bird, turkey breast makes for a fabulous fast weeknight dinner or small holiday meal. Follow the advice in this guide for perfectly cooked air fryer rotisserie turkey breast your family will request time and time again.
