This air fryer turkey breast recipe is so easy – you’ll be able to whip up this dish in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. It has a nice, crispy outside and a moist and juicy inside that will make your mouth water. Pair it with some mashed potatoes and green beans for the perfect Thanksgiving meal!
Air Fryer Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Breast is the quickest and easiest way to put juicy turkey dinner on the table, even on the busiest nights! Turkey instantly says Thanksgiving dinner, doesn’t it? It’s one of the ultimate comfort foods and turkey breast with potatoes is a meal that everyone loves.
This recipe makes it possible to make a turkey on any day, not just Thanksgiving. It only takes 5 minutes to prep your turkey breasts. Depending on the size of your turkey they can be cooked in the air fryer within 30-50 minutes.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe
- Quick and easy to make -perfect meal for a busy weeknight.
- Delicious turkey breast recipe -the flavors in the seasoning are amazing!
- Moist and juicy – never dried out inside
- Deep brown golden skin
- Cooks in a fraction of the time than in the oven.
- Pairs well with any side dish -from potatoes to veggies.
- Easy air fryer recipe for beginners.
Ingredients / Shopping List
- Salted butter
- Garlic salt
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Boneless turkey breast
- Minced parsley
Substitutions and Additions
- DRIED THYME: There are a number of different herbs you could use for seasoning instead. Feel free to try oregano, parsley, basil, etc.
- SALTED BUTTER: You can use unsalted butter, especially since the garlic salt is providing some of the extra saltiness.
- BONELESS TURKEY BREAST: The time needed in the air fryer will depend on the size of turkey breast you get. The best way to determine if it is cooked through is using a meat thermometer. You can substitute turkey breast tenderloin or chicken breast for this recipe, but the time needed to cook it will be much less.
Recommended Tools
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowls and tools
- Measuring tools
- Pastry brush
- Meat thermometer
SEE FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD BELOW
How to Make a Turkey Breast in the Air Fryer
Making this recipe in the air fryer is a total game-changer. You will see how quick it is to put together and bake your turkey breast. The total cook time will depend on the size of your turkey breast, but this recipe will be ready in under an hour total.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Combine butter, garlic salt, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Generously coat the turkey breast with the seasoning mixture.
Pro-Tip: I like to use my hands to do this, but you could also use a pastry brush or spoon. - Place the turkey in the air fryer with the skin side down.
- Cook for 15-25 minutes on each side.
Pro-Tip: The total time cooking depends on the size of your turkey breast. I used 3-lb turkey breast and it took 50 minutes total to cook. - Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the air fryer.
- Plate and serve!
Storage Tips
- To Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze leftovers for 1-2 months. Do so, in a freezer safe bag or airtight container, once the turkey has fully cooled.
- To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can reheat in the air fryer for a great crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to check your Turkey Breast for doneness is to use a meat thermometer and be sure the center of the breast is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, it will be a little tricker to get the times correct on your cook. I recommend using the instructions given with your personal air fryer since all the times will be different.
Generally, with a turkey breast that has a skin side on it, you will need at least 30 minutes, starting with 20 minutes on one side.
When I can’t find my meat thermometer, I slice into the thickest part of the turkey to check doneness after about 30 minutes. It should not have any pink left and juices should run clear when the turkey is fully cooked. The larger the turkey, the longer time you will need. 30 minutes is for a relatively small turkey breast. Larger ones will need 40-50 minutes.
If you are new to the Air Fryer world, I’ve got you covered. I answer all the questions, like how to use an Air Fryer, what you can cook in an Air Fryer, and even the best Air Fryers on the market. Make sure to check out my post How to Use An Air Fryer for all the details.
You could serve your air fryer turkey with any sort of side, depending on what type of dish you are going for. If you prefer to keep things light, serve your turkey with a veggie like roasted cauliflower, grilled asparagus, or green beans.
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit more comforting and hearty, I’d pair it with some sort of potato! You could go with mashed potatoes or grilled potatoes. It’s just like Thanksgiving dinner. So delicious and hits the spot every time.
Other Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- The Best French Fries in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Home Fries
- Air Fryer Nachos
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter softened
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried rosemary
- 2-3 pound boneless turkey breast
- Minced parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine the softened butter, garlic salt, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary in a shallow bowl. Stir together until fully incorporated.
- Generously coat the turkey breast with the seasoned butter (I used my hands, but you can use a firm pastry brush or a spoon). Place turkey in the air fryer, skin side down.
- Cook for 15-25 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This time will be really dependent on the size of your turkey breast (I used a 3 pound turkey breast and it took me about 50 minutes total).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the air fryer and slicing.
- Plate and serve with minced parsley as a garnish, optional.
Jenn’s Notes
- To Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze leftovers for 1-2 months. Do so, in a freezer safe bag or airtight container, once the turkey has fully cooled.
- To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can reheat in the air fryer for a great crunch!
How long for a bone-in 4 lb turkey breast?