Craving that juicy, flavorful turkey taste but don’t want to deal with the hassle of a full-blown Thanksgiving feast? Look no further than this Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe! It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves turkey but wants a quicker, more convenient way to cook it.
This recipe is perfect for small gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even just satisfying your turkey cravings. It’s incredibly easy to follow, and the results are simply mouthwatering. The air fryer does its magic, giving the turkey a crispy skin and juicy, tender interior.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fast and Easy: This recipe cooks in just an hour, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. No need to spend hours in the kitchen!
- Less Labor Intensive: No need to mess with brining or basting. This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for even beginner cooks.
- Perfect for Smaller Gatherings: This recipe yields a manageable amount of meat, perfect for small families or intimate gatherings.
- White Meat Heaven: This recipe focuses on the delicious white meat, making it ideal for those who prefer it over dark meat.
- Flavorful and Delicious: The simple herb rub adds a ton of flavor to the turkey, making it a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Turkey Breast: You can use either boneless or bone-in turkey breast for this recipe.
- Olive Oil: This helps to add flavor and crisp the skin.
- Garlic: Adds a delicious garlicky flavor that pairs perfectly with the herbs.
- Herbs: A mix of rosemary, sage, and thyme adds an earthy, aromatic flavor to the turkey.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, savory note to the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential spices for enhancing the natural flavors of the turkey.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry and season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Make the Herb Rub: Combine the olive oil, garlic, herbs, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Rub the Turkey: Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get it under the skin as well.
- Air Fry the Turkey: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the turkey over and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Rest and Carve: Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips for Success:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your turkey is cooked through to a safe temperature.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked turkey can be dry and tough. Be sure to check the temperature regularly and remove the turkey from the air fryer once it reaches 160°F.
- Let it Rest: Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with your favorite sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, and gravy are all classic pairings for turkey.
- Make it a sandwich: Leftover turkey makes for a delicious sandwich filling.
- Use it in salads or wraps: Add shredded turkey to your favorite salad or wrap for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
- Get creative: There are endless possibilities for using leftover turkey!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen turkey breast? Yes, you can use frozen turkey breast for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- How long do I cook a bone-in turkey breast? Bone-in turkey breasts typically take longer to cook than boneless breasts. For a 4-6 pound bone-in turkey breast, cook for 40-50 minutes at 350°F.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs? You can use dried herbs in a pinch, but be sure to reduce the amount by 1/3.
- How do I store leftover turkey? Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe is a true winner. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So ditch the traditional oven and give this air fryer method a try! You won’t be disappointed.
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.
How to air fry a whole turkey. The most tender, moist and juicy turkey recipe with crispy golden skin. Cooking a turkey in an air fryer.
I’ve always wanted to fry a turkey, but to be honest, it seemed like a dangerous and labor-intensive task. Air frying a turkey is a much safer and healthier alternative.
Even though I am thrilled to have my new air fryer, I wanted to test it out before Thanksgiving. I decided to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving this year since my dad is from Nova Scotia and I bought a 15-pound Butterball turkey.
Cooking turkey in an air fryer is not only delicious but also saves oven space and cooks in a fraction of the time. This is the perfect method for cooking your turkey for Thanksgiving.
Want to make homemade turkey bone broth? Check out this recipe.
Trying to save oven space? You can also cook a turkey in a roaster. Here’s how to cook a turkey in a roaster oven. Want to try another unique way to cook a turkey? Try this garbage can turkey.