Easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast is a quick recipe that uses a 3 to 4 pound (lb), bone-in or boneless breast. This air fried dish includes a tutorial for how to cook, how long to cook, and the perfect temperature. The turkey is so juicy it will fall off the bone like a tenderloin! Feel free to slice the breast up to make cutlets.
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Are you looking for a recipe to make during the holidays, Thanksgiving, and year-round? This roasted turkey is great for any weeknight meal and isn’t limited to just the holidays.
If you can make Air Fryer Whole Chicken in the air fryer, then air fried turkey will be just as easy!
I love to make turkey breast using my Instant Pot or air fryer. Be sure to check out my Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe, too!
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Rub both sides of the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle spices and seasonings throughout.
- Place the turkey on the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
- Air Fry.
- Flip the turkey and air fry until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees using a meat thermometer.
Air Fryer Temperature
Cook the turkey breast on 350 degrees.
How Long to Cook/Cook Time
Ultimately, you will want to cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Cook the turkey skin-side down for 25 minutes. Flip it and then cook it for an additional 20-30 minutes. Mine was finished right at 45 minutes of total cook time.
How to Slice and Carve Turkey
These tips for slicing and carving up a turkey breast will work well for any poultry that needs slicing! So this isn’t a skill you only need around the holidays.
Always wait 10-15 minutes before slicing into the turkey. If you slice it up too soon you are going to waste all of the juices that have been running wild inside that turkey! This will really dry out your turkey.
You will make your first cut right at the breast bone of the turkey. Find the breast bone and run your knife alongside, so swipe the meat away from the bone. You will have to follow the knife along the top and bottom to fully release.
Pull the meat away from the carcass. Now, slice the turkey into smaller pieces. I always slice against the grain of the meat. You can find more Tips on How to Carve a Turkey Breast here.
How to Freeze
The turkey will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can leave it sliced, or shred or dice it and place in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Leftover turkey is great to have on hand to toss on salads or to throw into soups!
Pair this with my Turkey Graving From Drippings, Yellow Gravy Without Drippings, or Keto Low Carb Gravy.
Pair With These Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cornbread
Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread
Air Fryer Green Beans
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern Cornbread
Instant Pot Southern Green Beans
Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes
More Holiday and Thanksgiving Recipes
Air Fryer Ribs
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Breast
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Be sure to check out my post on 20 Quick and Easy Air Fryer Holiday Recipes.
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound turkey breast Bone-in or boneless.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rub the olive oil over both sides of the turkey breast. Sprinkle the seasonings onto both sides and rub them into the turkey.
- Place the turkey skin-side down in the air fryer. Air fry for 25 minutes on 350 degrees.
- Open the air fryer and flip the turkey. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. Test the thickest part of the turkey breast using a meat thermometer. Ensure the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Mine was finished right at 45 minutes of total cook time.
- Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Ashley
Friday 24th of November 2023
We had a smaller crowd for thanksgiving this year and I knew I was going to try this recipe immediately! It was PERFECT! We used the marinade and Cajun seasoning from your Cajun Turkey recipe and it was amazing! We don’t even have leftovers!
staysnatched
Sunday 26th of November 2023
That's such a great way to prepare it!
Rhoda
Saturday 14th of May 2022
Best turkey breast I ever had. My breast was 3.20 pounds. I cooked it for a total of 40 minutes. Juicy! crisp skin! Really delicious.
staysnatched
Tuesday 24th of May 2022
I'm so glad it turned out delicious!
Precia
Friday 26th of November 2021
So this was the winner!! We did 2 breasts this Thanksgiving. One in the air fryer and one in the oven. My boys make fun of my air fryer obsession and said it was just wrong as they saw me putting it in. But guess what!?! The only leftovers was the oven one because it wasn’t nearly as good and Brandi is awesome!! I don’t think we’ll do it any other way now. I feel like even when I’m messing with my own old recipes in the air fryer to see if it will work in there, I’ll reference one of Brandi’s that similar to get the cooking temps and times right. I am thankful for Brandi and Stay Snatched.
staysnatched
Friday 26th of November 2021
I'm so glad it was a winner.
Tracy Hansen
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
What injector do you use? I'm going to make a 3lb boneless turkey breast roast. We usually fry a turkey, but peanut oil is so expensive this year!
staysnatched
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
tony chachere's
Jess
Sunday 7th of March 2021
Perfect weeknight meal for the family! Crispy,juicy,easy,and quick. What more could you ask for?