Air fryer Turkey Breast

Name: Air fryer Turkey Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound turkey breast (boneless); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper; 2 teaspoons avocado oil (or olive oil)

By Rena Awada, nutritionally reviewed by Ella Davar RD

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Nov 16, 2024

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One of my favorite recipes to make during the holiday season is this Air fryer Turkey Breast because it takes less effort and time, and it is super easy to make. Tender and juicy every time!

sliced turkey breast phone on a white platter.

My kids love the holiday season because of how many times we get to eat turkey! I like to make air-fried turkey breast because I honestly find it so easy to make and it doesnt need a whole lot of ingredients. It requires much less effort than cooking a whole turkey! If you plan on making a whole turkey then check out my Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey. If you do not have an air fryer, then make this oven roasted maple glazed turkey breast or this sheet pan herbed baked turkey breast.

Ingredients needed

Turkey breast: you can use 1-2 lbs of boneless and skinless turkey breasts. I used 1 lb.
Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, kosher salt, and ground pepper.
Oil: I prefer avocado oil over olive oil, but if you do decide to use olive oil, don’t use extra virgin. Go for the lighter ones.

How I made it

Preheat the air fryer to 350 F. Remove the turkey breast from the fridge about 40 minutes before cooking.

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning with the oil.

Step 2: Rub the turkey with the seasoned oil on all sides

seasoned turkey breast placed in an air fryer basket.

Step 3: Carefully place in the preheated air fryer basket.

turkey breast air fried in the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Cook for around 30 minutes, flipping every 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Allow the turkey to rest after cooking, then slice it.

Recipe notes

You can use 2 turkey breasts to easily double the recipe. Keep in mind to double the ingredients as well. You can either air fry them one at a time or use a bigger air fryer to cook both at the same time. If air frying both, then you will need to double up on the cook time as well. The best way I like to check for doneness is to use a food thermometer. The ideal internal temperature should be between 160-165F.
I like to allow the cooked turkey breast to sit for 10 minutes after it’s done cooking. this will allow the juices to settle and the turkey breast will be much juicier.
There is no need for marinade, but you can certainly marinate it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

fork grabbing a slice of cooked turkey breast on a plate.

How to bake it instead

Preheat the oven to 375F. Mix the seasonings in a bowl and season the turkey breast.
Next, instead of adding it to an air fryer basket, place it in a baking dish or prepared sheet pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the turkey breast. If using larger turkey breasts that are 2-4 lbs, you may need to bake them for 60 minutes. I recommend using a food thermometer to check until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
Allow the turkey breast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Note: If you want the turkey breast to have that brown and crispy outer layer, you can brown it first on a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side before adding it to the baking dish.

Cooked slices of turkey breast on a plate.

Using bone-in turkey breast

You can use bone-in turkey breast if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking anything that involves bone will require way more time to cook through. Almost double the time in some cases. This is why a food thermometer will be super helpful to use to check for doneness. Stick it to the thickest part of the breast to check until it reaches and internal temperature of 165-170 F.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bake it instead?

Yes. Follow my instructions above to bake this turkey breast instead if you do not have an air fryer. You can bake it at 375F for 40-50 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Can I prepare it ahead?

You can prepare this ahead of time and make it the day before to save time. Season the turkey breast and place it in a ziplock bag until you are ready to cook it the next day.

How long do you air fry a turkey breast?

It depends on the size of the turkey breast and whether it is boneless or not. Generally, the turkey breast will need about 10 minutes per pound at 400F. But this is just a general rule and it will depend on the size of the turkey breast. I recommend using a food thermometer in such cases to ensure the turkey is cooked through. It is usually done when it reaches 165-170 F.

How to store air fryer chicken breast?

You can store your leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge a day before when ready to serve.