Air Fryer Turkey Breast
by Amanda Keefer
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Eat Smart®. All opinions are our own.
Thanksgiving dinner in a pinch! Use your air fryer to prepare this juicy and flavorful turkey breast ready to serve in 30 minutes. Pair with an Eat Smart Chopped & Crumbled Apple Gouda salad kit and a couple easy sides for a tasty Thanksgiving dinner perfect for feeding a small crowd.
This recipe was created in partnership with Eat Smart.
Nutrition Tip: Turkey is not just for the holiday season, as the combination of protein with selenium and potassium helps strengthen your immune system no matter the time of year.
Commonly Asked Questions About our Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Q: How do you make turkey breast in an air fryer?
A: To make turkey breast in an air fryer, rub the turkey with oil and season with thyme, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the turkey in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in an air fryer?
A: It takes about 20-25 minutes to cook a 1-pound turkey breast tenderloin in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C), flipping halfway through.
Q: What temperature should a turkey breast be cooked to in an air fryer?
A: Turkey breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in an air fryer to ensure it is safe to eat.
Seasoning Your Turkey Breast
To ensure your Air Fryer Turkey Breast is flavorful and delicious, it’s important to properly season it. Start by rubbing the turkey all over with olive oil, which will help the seasonings stick and keep the meat moist. Then, mix together equal parts dried thyme, sage, and garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Use about 1 teaspoon of each herb and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper per pound of turkey. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface of the turkey, making sure to get into any crevices. For even more flavor, you can add other herbs and spices like rosemary, paprika, or onion powder to the mix.
Keeping Your Turkey Moist
One of the challenges of cooking turkey breast is keeping it moist and juicy, as it has less fat than other cuts of turkey. To help prevent your Air Fryer Turkey Breast from drying out, consider brining it before cooking. To brine, dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups of water, then submerge the turkey breast in the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. Another option is to brush the turkey with melted butter or olive oil halfway through cooking to add moisture and richness. You can also place a small pan of water in the bottom of your air fryer to create steam and keep the turkey from drying out.
Adjusting Cooking Times and Temperatures
The cooking times and temperatures provided in the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe are based on a 1-pound turkey breast tenderloin. If your turkey breast is larger or smaller, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general rule, add or subtract about 5 minutes of cooking time per half-pound of turkey. For example, a 1.5-pound turkey breast will take 25-30 minutes to cook, while a 2-pound turkey breast will take 30-35 minutes. If you’re using a bone-in turkey breast, you’ll also need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to account for the extra thickness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing the turkey from the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Turkey Breast is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic holiday meal, serve it with mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce. For a lighter, healthier option, pair it with roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or a simple salad. Leftover turkey can be sliced and used in sandwiches, salads, or soups for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week. You can also shred the turkey and use it in tacos, enchiladas, or casseroles for a delicious twist on traditional recipes.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey
If you have leftover Air Fryer Turkey Breast, it’s important to store it properly to prevent bacterial growth. Let the turkey cool to room temperature, then slice or shred it and place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store the turkey in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the sliced or shredded turkey in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the turkey in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warm. If the turkey seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or gravy to help moisten it.
Love this recipe? Check out our other air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Sweetpotato & Black Bean Taquitos
- How To Make Air Fryer Grapes
- Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes
- Air Fryer Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers
- Air Fryer Roasted Ranch Potatoes
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless turkey breast tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Rub turkey with oil.
- Mix thyme, sage, garlic powder, salt and pepper in small bowl. Sprinkle over all sides of turkey and rub into turkey.
- Place turkey into air fryer basket and cook at 350F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until internal temperature reached 165F.
- Remove turkey from basket and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
