Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Not every table needs a whole bird. A boneless turkey breast roast fits in most air fryers, cooks in under an hour and comes out with crackly skin, so your oven stays free for the sides and the pie.
Published
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 50 mins
- Rest
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 10 mins
- Servings
- 6 servings
How do you make Air Fryer Turkey Breast?
To cook turkey breast in the air fryer, rub a 1.2-1.4 kg (2 1/2-3 lb) boneless, skin-on turkey breast roast with garlic herb butter, salt and pepper. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) skin-side down for 20 minutes, then flip and cook for 20-30 minutes more, until the centre reaches 74°C (165°F). Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Total time
- 1 hr 10 mins
- Calories
- 310 per serving
- Protein
- 44 g
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Herb butter
Equipment
Air fryer (5.5 L / 6 qt or larger) · Instant-read thermometer · Small bowl · Kitchen twine (if the roast is not netted)
Quick Directions
Check the fit and dry the turkey
Make sure the roast sits in the air fryer basket with at least 2-3 cm (1 inch) of space above it and around the sides.
Season
Mash the butter, olive oil, garlic, sage, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.
Air fry skin-side down
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes.
Flip and finish
Flip and air fry until the centre reaches 74°C (165°F).
Rest and slice
Move the turkey to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil and rest it for 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer turkey breast.
Check the fit and dry the turkey
Make sure the roast sits in the air fryer basket with at least 2-3 cm (1 inch) of space above it and around the sides. If it isn't netted, tie it with kitchen twine every 4-5 cm so it holds an even shape. Pat it very dry with paper towels.
Season
Mash the butter, olive oil, garlic, sage, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Loosen the skin with your fingers where you can and push some of the butter underneath, then rub the rest all over the outside.
Air fry skin-side down
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes. Set the turkey in the basket skin-side down and air fry for 20 minutes.
Flip and finish
Turn the turkey skin-side up and air fry for 20-30 minutes more, until the skin is deep golden and an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part reads 74°C (165°F). If the skin darkens before the centre is done, lower the temperature to 160°C (325°F) for the remaining time.
Rest and slice
Move the turkey to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil and rest it for 10 minutes. Snip off the twine or netting and cut the breast across the grain into 1 cm (1/2 inch) slices.
Recipe Tips
- Larger air fryers cook faster because air circulates more freely. Start checking the temperature at 35 minutes in total.
- Spoon the juices from the bottom of the air fryer drawer over the sliced turkey, or stir them into gravy.
- If you avoid gluten, check the label on pre-seasoned or marinated turkey roasts, which sometimes contain wheat.
Variations
- Rub the turkey with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard before the herb butter for a tangy crust.
- Swap the sage and thyme for 1 tbsp chopped rosemary and the zest of 1 orange.
- Brush with 1 tbsp maple syrup for the last 5 minutes for a sweeter, glossy skin.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 310 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 44 g |
| Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated fat | 5 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate within 2 hours and keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze sliced turkey in airtight bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat
- Reheat slices with a splash of broth, covered, in a 160°C (325°F) oven or at 150°C (300°F) in the air fryer until they reach 74°C (165°F).
Air Fryer Turkey Breast FAQs
What size turkey breast fits in an air fryer?
A boneless turkey breast roast of 1.2-1.4 kg (2 1/2-3 lb) fits in most 5.5 L (6 qt) or larger air fryers. It needs about 2-3 cm (1 inch) of space around and above it so the hot air can circulate.
How long does turkey breast take in the air fryer?
A 1.2-1.4 kg boneless turkey breast takes about 40-50 minutes at 180°C (350°F), turned once halfway. It's done when the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F).
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
Yes, if it fits with space around it. A bone-in breast takes longer, so rely on a thermometer rather than the clock and cook it until the thickest part, away from the bone, reaches 74°C (165°F).
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in the air fryer?
Thaw it first. Leave it in its wrapping on a plate in the fridge for 1-2 days. A frozen roast browns on the outside long before the centre is safe to eat.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
