Turkey breast is one of the easiest meals to prepare with an air fryer. It is also the most delicious if you are prepping for thanksgiving. The air fryer doesn’t just make the turkey breast in under an hour; it also gives the turkey a crispy crust and a juicy, flavorful inside. Even if you don’t want to make the entire turkey, an air fryer is a way. In this article, we will be revealing secret ways to cook air fryer turkey breast and answering some of the most confusing questions when it comes to making turkey.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Turkey Breast
You’ll love air fryer turkey breast because it offers a healthier alternative to traditional roasted turkey. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the turkey, cutting down on the amount of oil needed for cooking. This results in a leaner, less greasy turkey breast that still retains its juicy, tender texture.
Additionally, cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer significantly reduces the cooking time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. The air fryer also creates a crispy, golden-brown skin on the turkey, giving it that perfect crunch without the need for deep frying.
The compact size of the air fryer makes it a convenient option for smaller kitchens or for those who don’t want to use a full-size oven for just one dish. With its quick cooking time, healthier results, and crispy skin, air fryer turkey breast is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
How To Carve a Turkey Breast
To carve a turkey breast, start by placing the cooked turkey breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp, large knife, cut across the grain of the meat in thin, even slices. It’s best to start at the thicker end of the breast and work your way towards the thinner end. Make sure to use smooth, steady strokes to achieve clean, uniform slices. As you’re slicing, be mindful of the bone in the breast and use it as a guide to help you carve the meat evenly.
If you encounter any resistance while cutting, use a sawing motion to avoid tearing the meat. Once you’ve carved the entire breast, arrange the slices on a serving platter and garnish with herbs or other embellishments for a beautiful presentation. Now that you’ve mastered the art of carving a turkey breast, you can confidently serve it to your guests at Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
How To Make a Turkey Breast in the Air Fryer
To make a turkey breast in the air fryer, start by seasoning the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer basket and cook for about 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the breast.
Make sure to flip the turkey breast halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast, making sure it reaches 165°F. Once cooked, let the turkey breast rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
The air fryer provides a quick and convenient way to cook a turkey breast, producing juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. It’s a great option for those who want a smaller portion of turkey without having to roast a whole bird. Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to customize the flavor to your liking.
Ingredients
- Turkey breast
- Butter- salt or salted, we prefer salted.
- Freshly minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- First, pat the turkey breast dry using a paper towel. Then add the salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, mix the butter and garlic and rub it all over the turkey.
- Put the turkey in the air fryer basket with the skin sides face down. Cook chicken breast for twenty minutes at 350 degrees F.
- Remove the air fryer basket, flip the turkey and allow to cook for another twenty minutes.
- When the turkey is cooked 15 minutes before the set time, start checking the internal temperature using an instant meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meat should be 165 degrees F.
- If it hasn’t reached that temperature, allow it to cook for another five to ten minutes.
- Remove the turkey and allow it to rest for ten minutes. Serve and enjoy.
Can You Brine Turkey Breast?
Yes, you can brine turkey breast. Brining is a method of soaking meat in a solution of salt, sugar, and sometimes spices or herbs to enhance its flavor and moisture. Brining a turkey breast can result in juicier and more flavorful meat, as the salt solution helps to break down proteins and retain moisture during the cooking process.
To brine a turkey breast, you’ll need to create a brine solution by dissolving salt and sugar in water and then adding any desired spices or herbs. Once the brine is ready, place the turkey breast in a container and cover it with the brine solution.
Allow the turkey breast to brine for the recommended amount of time (usually 12-24 hours) in the refrigerator, then remove it, rinse it off, and pat it dry before cooking. Brining turkey breast can add an extra step to the cooking process, but the results are often worth the effort in terms of juiciness and flavor.
How to Store Turkey
You can store leftover turkey in the fridge for three to four days. For fresh turkey, you can freeze them for two to three months, but ensure to remove the bones before freezing. To reheat the leftover turkey, set the oven to 350 degrees F and reheat until the turkey is heated through. For a more juicy leftover turkey, heat the turkey with some broth wrapped in the foil.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Turkey Breast
You can serve your air fryer turkey with any of the following side dishes.
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Zucchini Casserole
- Sauteed Broccoli
- Kale Crunch Salad
- Green Beans Almondine
- Roasted Asparagus
If you like turkey recipes then, you should check our turkey recipes category where delicious and yummy recipes are displayed.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for more delicious air fryer recipes to try out? Look no further! From crispy chicken wings to perfectly golden fries, the air fryer can do it all. Try out some healthier options like air-fried vegetables or even homemade sweet potato chips. You can also explore new cuisines and flavors by trying out air fryer recipes for Asian-inspired dishes like sesame chicken or teriyaki salmon.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t worry – the air fryer has got you covered with recipes for dessert too, like apple fritters or cinnamon sugar donuts. The versatility of the air fryer makes it a great tool for cooking a wide variety of dishes, and with a little creativity, you can adapt almost any recipe to be cooked in the air fryer. With so many possibilities, the air fryer is sure to become a staple in your kitchen for quick, easy, and delicious meals.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What are the benefits of cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer?
Cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer offers several benefits. It is quicker than traditional oven roasting, uses less oil making it a healthier option, and results in a crispy skin on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside. It also frees up your oven for other dishes when you are preparing a large meal.
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in an air fryer?
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and the specific air fryer model, but generally, a turkey breast cooks in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes per pound.
What is the best temperature to cook a turkey breast in an air fryer?
The ideal temperature to cook a turkey breast in an air fryer is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This temperature allows the turkey breast to cook thoroughly and evenly, achieving a crispy skin without drying out the meat.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking a turkey breast?
Yes, it’s recommended to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the turkey breast. This ensures the air fryer reaches the correct temperature for cooking and helps to achieve a crispy skin on the turkey.
Should I use oil when cooking a turkey breast in an air fryer?
Yes, applying a small amount of oil to the turkey breast before cooking in an air fryer can help achieve a crispy skin. However, be sure to use it sparingly as one of the benefits of air frying is its ability to cook with less oil than traditional methods.
Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer?
It’s not recommended to cook a frozen turkey breast in an air fryer as it may not cook evenly, resulting in portions that are overcooked or undercooked. For best results, thoroughly thaw the turkey breast before cooking it in the air fryer.
Wrap Up!
Air frying a turkey breast may seem daunting, but with the right steps, it’s actually quite simple and straightforward. Not only does it save time and effort, but it also ensures a healthier, just-as-delicious alternative to traditionally roasted turkey. Air frying helps you achieve that crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. It also frees up your oven for other dishes, making it a perfect solution for those busy holidays. If you haven’t tried air frying your turkey breast yet, now is the time. How will you cook a turkey breast in an air fryer?
Meet Natalie P. Williams, the editor-in-chief of fryerly.com. With a background in journalism and a passion for healthy eating, Natalie has built the blog into a trusted source for air fryer cooking tips, tricks, and recipes.
