Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (2024)

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This air fryer turkey breast recipe is going to become your new favorite way to make a quick turkey. It is just so incredibly good and flavorful. Plus, I’m sharing how to make gravy from the drippings too!

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I’ve been loving myairfryerso much that I left it sitting on the counter instead of putting it away.

I got a turkey breast, and was going to be making my instant pot turkey breast recipe (also super good btw). My husband walked by and saw the turkey out (thawing) and said “do you think you the turkey would work in the air fryer?” I had to try it!!

And in case you don’t have an air fryer, I’ve heard that Instant Pot came out with an Air Fryer attachment lid, so you can always try that.

The end result of making a turkey breast in the air fryer was so flavorful and delicious – juicy meat and a beautiful brown skin – that we’ve been making turkey breasts for regular weeknight meals too (leftovers slice up beautifully for sandwiches!)

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (2)

What ingredients do you need for an air fryer turkey breast?

For the turkey:

  • Turkey breast roast – if yours comes with the giblets and twine, be sure to remove those. And you can use a turkey breast with or without bones; certainly boneless is easier to work with (my preference)!
  • EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil- this simple pantry ingredient is used to make the delicious seasonings stick
  • Garlic salt and onion powder– making the turkey breast extra flavorful!

For the gravy:

  • Flour – flour helps the gravy thicken up.
  • Soy sauce – this is my favorite unexpected ingredient in gravy. Soy sauce adds a bit of saltiness to help cut the fats in the gravy, and gives gravy a nice light brown color.
  • Milk – the milks makes the gravy creamy, we use whole milk but you could use a different fat level if you’d prefer.
  • Chicken stock – if you don’t have any stock, you can simply use water for this as well.
  • Turkey drippings – the drippings come right from making your turkey breast and help make the most delicious gravy (I just pour them directly from the air fryer into the pan)
  • Salt and pepper – you just need a quick dash for the gravy.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (3)

Ok, so how do I make turkey in an air fryer?

For the turkey:

  1. Remove giblets and any string. Pat dry. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Rub both sides of the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle seasonings between two sides. Place in air fryer basket (make sure it doesn’t touch the top of air fryer!)

  2. Cook at 350 for 25 minutes, then use tongs and flip the turkey breast and cook for another 20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165 in the biggest/thickest part of the turkey breast. Remove from basket and place on a cutting board with foil tented over it and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing/serving.

  3. While turkey rests make the gravy.

For the gravy:

  1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and then add in flour – it will be very thick, whisk vigorously until a smooth paste forms.

  2. Slowly add in soy sauce, milk, broth and turkey drippings from theairfryerand seasonings and whisk until no lumps remain. Cook, stirring until gravy comes to a slow boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency (mine usually is about 5 minutes).

  3. If it gets too thick, add in a little more milk.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (4)

Nick usually only eats turkey because he feels like he “has to” on Thanksgiving, and even then only eats the dark meat, so he was skeptical to say the least. He said he surprised himself by wanting seconds of this turkey breast made in theairfryer!!!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (5)

Here are some tips to help you make this air fryer turkey breast:

  • There are so many different types of air fryers; please make sure to check that the turkey breast roast doesn’t touch the top of the air fryer. You can cut the roast to fit if it doesn’t. My air fryer (3qt basket) fit a 3-5 lb turkey breast roast no problems.
  • If the turkey breast comes in giblets or wrapped in twine, remove both before cooking.
  • You can use a turkey breast with or without a bone for this recipe. I used one without a bone because it’s a lot easier tocut/serve and cook.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly. Be sure to check the internal temperature; for turkey it should be at 165. I like to use a digital thermometer. I love that air fryers are so easy to open and check (vs. an instant pot where you can’t easily open the lid until the end).
  • As the turkey rests after it is done cooking, make the gravy out of the drippings.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (6)

All I have to say is yes yes yes and yes! Turkey in the air fryer is super easy, super flavorful with juicy meat and crispy skin. It is perfection and great for a small family thanksgiving meal or for making any time really.

I’m making another one this week and am going to be using leftovers to make Thanksgiving leftover breakfast sandwiches and paninis with air fryer turkey breast, brie, and leftover cranberry sauce. Sometimes leftovers are the best part!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (7)

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

This turkey is just so incredibly good. I'm sharing how to make an air fryer turkey breast recipe and how to make gravy from the drippings (it's actually so easy).

4.50 from 8 votes

Print Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Rest: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3-5 lb. turkey breast roast giblets and twine removed, with or without bones
  • 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

For the gravy

  • 2 Tbs butter
  • 2 Tbs flour
  • 1 Tbs soy sauce
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water or chicken stock
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup turkey drippings
  • dash salt and pepper

Instructions

For the turkey

  • Remove giblets and any string. Pat dry. Sprayairfryerbasket with cooking spray. Rub both sides of the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle seasonings between two sides. Place inairfryerbasket (make sure it doesn't touch the top ofairfryer!)

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (8)

  • Cook at 350 for 25 minutes, then use tongs and flip the turkey breast and cook for another 20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165 in the biggest/thickest part of the turkey breast. Remove from basket and place on a cutting board with foil tented over it and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing/serving.

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (9)

  • While turkey rests make the gravy.

For the gravy

  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and then add in flour - it will be very thick, whisk vigorously until a smooth paste forms.

  • Slowly add in soy sauce, milk, broth and turkey drippings from theairfryerand seasonings and whisk until no lumps remain. Cook, stirring until gravy comes to a slow boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency (mine usually is about 5 minutes).

  • If it gets too thick, add in a little more milk.

Notes

The nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.

Note: nutrition facts are calculated for the turkey breast only. Nutrition for gravy not noted.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 73g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 1250mg | Sugar: 1g

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Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (13)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hector J. Múzquiz says

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (14)
    Excellent recipe and very tasty

    Reply

    • Sweetphi says

      So happy you liked this recipe, thank you for taking the time to leave feedback!

      Reply

  2. Cheryl says

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (15)
    So easy, very juicy. We like it for sandwiches.

    Reply

    • Sweetphi says

      We love it for sandwiches too, so yummy! Thank you for taking the time to come and leave feedback, I truly appreciate it!!

      Reply

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  1. […] Air fryer turkey breast – I cannot believe how amazing this was! Nick loved it and he has always proclaimed that he doesn’t love turkey. […]

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Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to air fry a turkey? ›

Set air-fryer temperature to 400° F. Cook 45-60 minutes, about 7-10 minutes per pound, until a food thermometer inserted registers 165° F. Let stand for 10 minutes before carving.

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in an oilless fryer? ›

Air fryer turkey breast cooks in just 1 hour. Less Labor Intensive. You don't need to mess with a wet turkey brine or dry brine unless you are in the mood. This turkey breast can be ready to cook right away.

Can you cook frozen turkey breast in air fryer? ›

Tips for Making Air Fryer Turkey Breast

While it's certainly possible, I don't recommend it. I say this because you can't prep the meat with oil while it's frozen, and it's likely that the seasonings won't stick to the skin. So, for the best results, thaw it in the fridge before air frying.

Can I cook turkey day before and reheat? ›

When serving your turkey the next day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline advises that cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated. To reheat your turkey, USDA gives the following recommendations: In the Oven: Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F.

Is it better to air fry or bake turkey? ›

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a healthier, and typically quicker, alternative to traditional roasting and proves, again, how versatile air fryers can be. Most of the preparation and cooking steps are the same as those you need to be mindful of when cooking turkey in a regular oven.

Is air frying a turkey worth it? ›

Air Fry Turkey Dinner

Luckily, with an air frying range, your turkey will always come out with a perfectly crisp outer skin without sacrificing any juicy flavor. This way, you won't need cranberry sauce to save your meal, but you can still enjoy it on the side.

How long does it take to cook a 14 lb turkey in an oilless fryer? ›

Additional notes: The small ribbon burner uses very little propane. Cook time is by doneness not time but on average a 14-16 pound bird will take between 2:45 and 3 hours. Deep frying a bird takes approx.

How long to cook a 20 pound turkey in a oilless fryer? ›

Cooking the Turkey

Carefully insert the basket with the turkey into the oil-less fryer. Adjust the cooking time based on the weight of your turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound.

How to cook a 3 pound Butterball turkey breast? ›

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. ...
  2. In a small bowl, stir together butter, thyme, lemon peel, and salt until well combined.
  3. Pat roast dry. ...
  4. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 170°F about 1 hour and 20 minutes. ...
  5. Tip: The butter mixture can be combined the night before.

Can you put foil in air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Should you cover turkey breast with foil? ›

To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven. We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out; then, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, remove the cover so the skin crisps in the hot oven.

Is it better to cook a turkey breast frozen or thawed? ›

“Actually, from a food safety standpoint it's safer to cook the turkey when it's still frozen. A frozen turkey will not spread raw juices around the kitchen, will not waste water as you try to thaw it and will produce an excellent and juicy cooked product.”

What are 2 ways to keep turkey from drying out? ›

5 Ways to Prevent Your Turkey from Drying Out
  1. Cook Pieces Instead of a Whole Turkey. ...
  2. If Cooking a Whole Turkey, Buy Frozen. ...
  3. Ditch the Plastic Pop-Up Timer; Use an Instant-Read Thermometer Instead. ...
  4. Elevate the Legs. ...
  5. Let the Turkey Rest.
Nov 1, 2022

Can I cook a turkey breast the day before Thanksgiving? ›

Roasting your turkey ahead will save you the time spent testing and carving, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. It's easy: Simply cook it a day or two in advance, let it cool completely, then carve the bird into large pieces—breasts, wings, thighs and drumsticks.

How do you reheat turkey breast without drying it out? ›

Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes.

How long do you air fry a 12 pound turkey? ›

Air fry for 10 mins per pound or until 165 degrees internal temperature. Spritz every 20 minutes with apple juice. Carve, serve, and enjoy!

Is air fried turkey as good as deep fried? ›

Air-fryers are known for being a great method for crispy foods, and not just because they manage to do it without much oil. If you prefer your turkey on the crispier side, consider using an air-fryer. All the effort that goes into deep-frying a turkey does result in a rewarding amount of flavor and juiciness.

How many minutes do you fry a 14 lb turkey? ›

To check the bird's internal temperature, turn off the burner and use the hook attached to the poultry rack to lift the turkey from the oil slowly. A deep-fried turkey typically requires a cooking time of 3½ minutes per pound, so a 12–14-lb. bird should take 40–50 minutes to reach 165°F.

How many minutes per pound of turkey to fry? ›

Cook the turkey about 3 to 4 minutes per pound. The turkey is done when the dark meat is at an internal temperature of 175° F to 180° F and all white meat is at an internal temperature of 165° F to 170° F. When the turkey is done, slowly lift it from the pot and place it in a pan or on paper towels to drain.

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