Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Air Fryer Turkey Breast is your solution to a quick and easy Thanksgiving that is thrown together in no time!  Perfect juicy tender meat on the inside with a crispy outside skin. 

There are MANY methods for cooking a turkey breast on the Internet, but using my air fryer is by far my favorite method! When it comes to cooking a turkey breast my other favorite method is to use a smoker and follow my recipe for Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast. It comes out perfect every time. If you don’t have a smoker use this air fryer method for cooking a turkey breast.

This is much healthier and safer than deep-frying a turkey on Thanksgiving Day!

You can use the leftover turkey breast to make sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. Try my recipe for Leftover Turkey and Avocado quesadillas. 

For more air fryer recipes be sure to check out Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts, Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas, and Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Jump to:

• How to Make Turkey Breast in Air Fryer
• Can I stuff a turkey and air fry it?
• How long should I cook my turkey per pound in an air fryer?
• Tips for Air Fryer Turkey Breast
• Turkey Thaw Times Cheat Sheet
• What air fryers are best?
• Other Recipes to Try 
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast

How to Make Turkey Breast in Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.

Rub the oil all over the turkey breast. Season both sides of the turkey breast with salt and seasoning salt.

Cook the bird skin side down first for 20 minutes. Continue cooking the turkey breast for up to 30 to 40 minutes.

Can I stuff a turkey and air fry it?

Absolutely! Just use the same temp and time to cook the bird. Wrap it up as tight as you can and make sure none of the stuffing is sticking out. The bread might burn if any of it is sticking out.

How long should I cook my turkey per pound in an air fryer?

3 pounds - 60 minutes

6 pounds - 2 hours

8 pounds  - 4 hours

If you have a bird that weighs more than 3 pounds keep on doubling the time. Some air fryers only go up to 60 minutes. Just reset it for another 60 minutes after the 60 minutes are done frying.

Tips for Air Fryer Turkey Breast

• This method works for a 1400 to 1700 watt air fryer. Please check the wattage on your air fryer first before trying this method.
• Time will vary depending on the size of your turkey breast. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for proper doneness. 
• A 4 to 6 pound turkey breast should fit fine in a 4 qt air fryer basket. Just make sure to buy the right size so that it fits in the specific air fryer YOU have. 
• I love to brine my turkey prior to cooking a turkey breast. It will come out moist and juicy every time and you can do that same method with this air fryer recipe. 
• Preheating: Some air fryers require preheating and some do not. Be sure to check your air fryer manual. Mine does not require preheating. If the food ever burns or doesn’t cook properly this could be why the recipe didn’t work for you. 
• Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the basket. Some food will not cook properly or all the way through. 
• Oil: One of the reasons why air fryers are so great is because food doesn’t need a lot of oil. Just a small amount! 

Disclaimer: Air fryers are like microwaves and all of them have different wattages. That means the time and temperature above might not work with your air fryer. If your turkey breast don't turn out this might be why. Please be aware of this before leaving a comment about how your turkey breast didn't turn out. Not All air fryers work the same. Thanks.

Turkey Thaw Times Cheat Sheet

Turkey Thaw Times Cheat Sheet 

20 to 24 pounds - Put in the fridge the Friday before Thanksgiving 

16 to 19 pounds  - Put in the fridge the Saturday before Thanksgiving 

12 to 15 pounds - Put in the fridge the Sunday before Thanksgiving 

4 to 11 pounds - Put in the fridge the Monday  before Thanksgiving 

What air fryers are best?

I've had 3 or 4 different air fryers or the past 5 years and each one of them has worked very well with the air fryer recipes on this site. If you want to be able to cook more food for your family at once then get an air fryer with a large basket such as 5.3 quarts. Look for ones that say nonstick on them and has multiple program settings.

Power XL Air Fryer 5.3 Quart Basket. - This was my very first air fryer.

Our 5.3QT Power Air-Fryer comes in handy in preparing amazing meals from your cookbook, and frying a variety of dishes, such as: French fries, chicken, steak, roasts, fish tacos and sticks, waffle fries, pies, pudding and donuts.

Ninja Foodi Grill and Air Fryer - This air fryer works very well too but the air fryer setting doesn't go below 300 degrees. If there's a recipe that calls for lower temperatures you have to use the bake setting. It air frys, roasts, grills, and dehydrates food.

Cosori 4 Qt Air Fryer- This air fryer doesn't require any preheating and has several different functions for cooking chicken, meat, frozen foods, etc. There are 5 different functions.

GoWISE USA 1700-Watt 5.8-QT 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer 

Air fryer temperature settings vary according to brand and model. If your air fryer does not have the exact temperature setting called for in the recipe, consult your manual for suggested temperature settings.

Other Recipes to Try 

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Scotch Eggs with Maple Aoili

Air Fryer Baja Fish Tacos with Pickled Onions

Air Fryer Frozen Hash Brown Patties 

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