If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful turkey without the hassle of a long roast, this Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With a perfectly seasoned, crispy skin and tender meat inside, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. The air fryer makes cooking this turkey breast so quick and easy while locking in all the savory goodness you want, delivering a delicious main course that’s both healthy and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to making this Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the olive oil keeping the skin crisp and golden, to the herbs and spices layering in that mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
- Turkey breast (3 to 4 lb, boneless, skin-on): The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender meat with crispy skin.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes a beautifully browned exterior.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Amplifies natural flavors and enhances juiciness.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, peppery kick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a savory depth and aromatic warmth.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Complements the garlic with an earthy sweetness.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides a smoky undertone and rich color.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Introduces a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Dried rosemary (½ teaspoon): Offers piney, fragrant layers to the seasoning blend.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Turkey Breast
Begin by patting your turkey breast dry with paper towels — removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving that crisp skin we all dream about. Next, combine olive oil with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl. Spread this glorious mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to gently rub some seasoning underneath the skin where you can. This step guarantees that every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the turkey hits the perfect temperature immediately, helping the skin crisp up evenly and locking moisture inside the meat.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Breast Skin-Side Down
Place the turkey breast skin-side down into the air fryer basket. This position lets the fat render beautifully and starts the cooking process for that irresistible crackling skin. Cook for 25 minutes, allowing the turkey to begin heating through evenly.
Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking
Once the initial 25 minutes are up, carefully flip the turkey breast so the skin side is now facing up. Continue cooking for another 25 to 35 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; your turkey is perfectly cooked when it hits 165°F at the thickest part. This final step gives that golden, crispy exterior we all love, while keeping the meat inside tender and juicy.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
Resist the urge to cut immediately! Let your turkey rest for about 10 minutes after air frying. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every slice moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving can add a pop of color and fresh aroma that brightens the dish beautifully. Grated lemon zest also works wonders by adding a subtle zing that complements the savory spices.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For something a little different, try cranberry sauce or a warm wild rice pilaf to bring out the festive, comforting vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack thick slices of this turkey breast on a platter with roasted lemon wedges and herb sprigs for an inviting centerpiece at your dinner table. Alternatively, showcase your leftovers by turning them into hearty sandwiches with melting cheese and crisp lettuce — trust me, they’re even better the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy family dinners during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked turkey breast slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you extend their life for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor or texture. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices in a low oven or microwave. To keep the meat moist, cover it loosely with foil or a damp paper towel. If you want to bring back some crispiness, a few minutes in the air fryer at 300°F can work wonders.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that bone-in breasts take longer to cook—typically adding 10 to 15 minutes—so always use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What if my air fryer is smaller than the turkey breast?
If your air fryer basket is too small, consider cutting the turkey breast in half or trimming it to fit. Alternatively, cook in batches or use a smaller portion to ensure even cooking without overcrowding.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
While some models don’t require preheating, doing so helps achieve the best texture, especially for this recipe where crisp skin is a highlight. A quick 3-minute preheat at 350°F works perfectly.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is your best bet. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey, and once it hits 165°F, your turkey is safe to eat and will be juicy and tender.
Can I customize the seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices. For instance, smoked paprika or chili powder can add a smoky or spicy twist, while fresh herbs like sage or marjoram can give it a unique, aromatic flair.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe is a game-changer — simple to prepare, fast to cook, and boasting juicy, flavorful results every time. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a special meal, it’s a deliciously easy way to enjoy turkey without the fuss. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!
Print
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy and flavorful Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe delivers a juicy, tender turkey with crispy skin in under an hour. Perfect for a healthy family meal or a convenient Thanksgiving main, this boneless skin-on turkey breast is seasoned with a delightful blend of herbs and spices and cooked quickly in the air fryer for a deliciously browned exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast
- 1 (3 to 4 lb) boneless skin-on turkey breast
Seasoning Mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin when cooked.
- Make the Seasoning Rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix well to form a paste.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to get some under the skin if possible to maximize flavor.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Turn the air fryer on and set it to 350°F (175°C). Let it preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Initial Cooking: Place the turkey breast skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes to start browning the underside of the skin.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the turkey so that it is skin-side up. Continue cooking for another 25 to 35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, ensuring the turkey is fully cooked.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and results in moist, tender meat.
Notes
- If using a bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless, increase cooking time slightly and always verify doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Leftover turkey breast slices make excellent additions to sandwiches or salads for easy meals.
