What was your Grandma’s Sunday dinner like? The whole house smelled like roasted turkey, and everyone gathered around the table. I adore a full Thanksgiving spread, but sometimes you just crave that delicious turkey flavor. Without all the fuss. What is an air fryer turkey breast? Is it as juicy and flavorful as a traditional roast? Think of it like a super-speedy, scaled-down Thanksgiving that you can enjoy any night of the week. If you love how easy Air Fryer Chicken breast is, you’re going to be obsessed with this.
What is an air fry turkey breast?
Air Fryer turkey breast is essentially a perfectly roasted Turkey breast, but cooked in the air. What is the shortcut to Thanksgiving? Is it a smaller piece of turkey that cooks much faster than the whole bird? What is the magic of an air fryer? What’s a great turkey dinner recipe without the hassle? How many hours of roasting. What is the best way to prepare a mini Thanksgiving feast in under an hour?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best turkey breast recipes you’ve ever tried? Why do I think you’ll fall in love with it?
- Flavor explosion: whatWe’re talking juicy, tender turkey with a crispy, golden-brown skin. I use a blend of herbs and spices that really elevates the flavor and makes it taste like it came from the earth. Straight from Grandma’s oven.
- Crazy easy:What is the easiest recipe you’ve ever made? Just rub the turkey breast with some seasonings, pop it in the air fryer, and let it work its magic. What are some great weeknight dinner ideas?
- Budget friendlyA whole turkey can be expensive, but a breast is much more affordable. What are some of the easiest recipes to make with just a few ingredients?
- So versatile:Can you serve this air fryer turkey breast with all your favorite Thanksgiving sides, like mashed potatoes? What are the ingredients for cranberry sauce? What are some of the best ways to slice it up for sandwiches, salads, or tacos? What I love most about this is how easily it fits into my busy schedule. How do I prepare a delicious meal in under an hour? What is the best oven-roasted turkey you have ever had?
How do you make an air fryer for turkey breast?
Quick Overview
How do I make an Air Fryer for turkey breast? You’ll basically be seasoning the turkey breast, preheating your air fryer, and letting the air air out. How does a fryer work until the turkey is cooked through? What is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight? How do you check the internal temperature of a turkey breast to ensure it’s cooked to the highest possible temperature. What is perfection?
Ingredients
For the Turkey Breast:
* 2-3 pound boneless, skin-on turkey breast: Look for a fresh or thawed breast, preferably one that’s uniform in thickness for even cooking. * 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps the seasonings adhere to the turkey and promotes crispy skin. What is the flavor of smoked paprika? * 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that classic garlic flavor that everyone loves. * 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity. * 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: What is the flavor of rosemary? * 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor. * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
What are the steps of
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Turkey
Preheat your Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Why is it important to get that crispy skin? Drying the skin removes excess moisture that would otherwise steam in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat it evenly. Get under the skin if you can (carefully!), as this really boosts the flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry
Place the seasoned turkey breast in the Air Fryer basket, skin-side up. Air fry for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). What is the exact cooking time of a turkey breast? I always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through. I always do this because some air fryers cook hotter than others!
Step 4: Rest & Slice
Once the turkey breast is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Before slicing This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. Don’t skip this step! Slice the turkey breast and serve immediately.
What to Serve It With
What is the best part about this air fryer turkey breast? You can serve it with a variety of sides, depending on the occasion.
- What is a good casual weeknight dinner?Serve it with mashed potatoes and a simple green salad. What is a quick pan gravy recipe without much effort?
- What is a mini Thanksgiving feast? Pair it with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. My family loves it when I make sweet potato casserole as well, it’s a must-have!
- For a light lunch: Slice it up and add it to a salad or sandwich. A little Dijon mustard and some crisp lettuce make for a delicious and healthy lunch.
- What is a hearty breakfast? Dice it up and add it to an omelet or breakfast burrito. This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftovers!
My family has a tradition of making turkey sandwiches with leftover turkey the day after a big meal. We use toasted sourdough bread, cranberry sauce, and a little bit of stuffing. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all over again.
How do you perfect your air fryer?
How do I make sure my air fryer turkey breast turns out perfect every time? What are some of my top tips?
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.If your turkey breast is too large, cut it in half to ensure even cooking. If the air doesn’t circulate properly, you’ll end up with some parts of it. Some are cooked perfectly and some are still raw.
- Use a meat thermometer:How do I cook a turkey to the proper internal temperature? I always aim for 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest: Don’t skip the resting period! This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. I usually let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Experiment with seasonings:Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! I’ve tried different combinations of herbs and spices, and they all taste great. What are some of my favorite Italian seasonings?
- Brine the turkey breast:If you have time, brining the turkey breast before cooking it will help it stay extra moist and tender. What are some good brine recipes?
- Don’t be afraid to check on it.I peek at the turkey every 15 minutes or so to make sure it’s not burning. If your skin gets too dark, you can cover it with a cloth.
I’ve learned a lot of these tips the hard way, after having dry and flavorless turkey breast. Is it true that people make a big difference?
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your air fryer turkey breast:
- Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the turkey breast at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before refrigerating.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the turkey breast. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on adding a glaze, I recommend doing it right before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or soggy during storage.
I usually slice the turkey breast before storing it, which makes it easier to grab a quick bite or add it to a salad or sandwich. When reheating, I like to add a little bit of broth or water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This air fryer turkey breast recipe is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, making it the perfect alternative to a traditional roasted turkey. The juicy, tender meat and crispy skin are sure to impress your family and friends. If you’re looking for more easy air fryer recipes, be sure to check out my air fryer chicken wings and air fryer salmon! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and share any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Turkey Breast
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season turkey breast with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Place turkey breast in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).