The short answer is: Yes, you can absolutely air fry a turkey! But before you get too excited, there are a few things you need to know.
Not all air fryers are created equal. Some are simply too small to accommodate a whole turkey, while others are powerful enough to handle the task. If you’re considering air frying a turkey, the first thing you need to do is check the capacity of your air fryer.
Most air fryers can handle a turkey breast or a small turkey crown. However, if you’re looking to cook a whole turkey, you’ll need an air fryer with a capacity of at least 10 quarts.
Once you’ve found an air fryer that’s big enough, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps to cook your turkey to perfection First, you’ll need to thaw the turkey completely Then, you’ll need to remove the neck and giblets. Next, you’ll need to pat the turkey dry and season it with your favorite herbs and spices. Finally, you’ll need to place the turkey in the air fryer basket and cook it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your turkey and the power of your air fryer. However, you can expect to cook a turkey breast for about 30 minutes per pound and a whole turkey for about 1 hour per pound.
Once your turkey is cooked, you’ll need to let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Air frying a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy turkey without heating up your entire kitchen. It’s also a relatively quick and easy method, making it perfect for busy families.
Here are a few additional tips for air frying a turkey:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the turkey with butter or oil during the cooking process to help keep it moist.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking a large turkey, you may need to cook it in batches.
- Let the air fryer preheat for at least 5 minutes before adding the turkey.
- Be careful when removing the turkey from the air fryer, as it will be very hot.
With a little planning and preparation, you can easily air fry a delicious and juicy turkey that your whole family will enjoy.
Air Fryer Turkey: FAQs
Can I cook a frozen turkey in an air fryer?
No, you should not cook a frozen turkey in an air fryer. Frozen turkeys will take much longer to cook and may not cook evenly. It’s important to thaw the turkey completely before cooking it in an air fryer.
Do I need to brine my turkey before air frying it?
Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt-water solution before cooking it. This helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. However, it’s not necessary to brine your turkey before air frying it.
What kind of oil should I use in my air fryer?
You don’t need to use any oil when air frying a turkey. The air fryer will circulate hot air around the turkey, cooking it evenly without the need for oil.
Can I use my air fryer to cook other Thanksgiving dishes?
Yes, you can use your air fryer to cook a variety of Thanksgiving dishes, such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.
What are the benefits of air frying a turkey?
There are many benefits to air frying a turkey, including:
- It’s a healthier way to cook a turkey. Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a lower-fat and calorie turkey.
- It’s a quicker way to cook a turkey. Air frying a turkey takes about half the time as roasting a turkey in the oven.
- It’s a more convenient way to cook a turkey. Air fryers are small and portable, so you can easily cook a turkey in your kitchen or on your patio.
- It’s a more flavorful way to cook a turkey. Air frying helps to lock in the turkey’s natural juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender turkey.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey this Thanksgiving, air frying is a great option. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily air fry a turkey that your whole family will enjoy.
Can you cook a whole turkey in an air fryer?
Yes! You can cook a whole turkey in the air fryer. Check the capacity of the air fryer. Some indoor table top ones can just cook a turkey breast. But since this is a large capacity outdoor air fryer it can cook up to a 20 lb. turkey. Although using an air fryer to cook a turkey may seem daunting, it was actually less complicated than baking it. No basting or checking on the turkey.
Making sure the turkey is thawed is the first step in the preparation process. This can take a few days. Once the turkey is thawed remove the neck and giblets.
What temperature do you air fry a turkey?
To cook a turkey I set the air fryer to 350 degrees and selected the air fryer function. Wait about 10 minutes for the air fryer to preheat. If you are cooking in a colder climate in the winter maybe wait about 15 minutes.
