This post contains affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.
How to air fry a turkey breast for the most tender and juicy turkey with golden crispy skin. Cook a turkey in under an hour in an air fryer.
I love air frying a turkey but sometimes I just want to cook a smaller turkey breast for 2-4 people. I started air frying a turkey breast in my 6 qt air fryer. It cooks in under an hour and is so delicious.
I like to use a boneless turkey breast usually about 3 lbs and I make a herb butter turkey rub. The turkey stays juicy and moist and the out side and skin gets a nice golden crispiness to it.
What’s great about this is you can cook a turkey breast year round there’s no need to wait for Thanksgiving or another holiday to feed a crowd. Or if you are having a smaller more intimate Thanksgiving a turkey breast could be the right size Turkey for your dinner. If you are looking for other ways to make a turkey breast try making it in the crockpot . It’s one of other favorite ways to make it!
Want to cook a whole turkey in an air fryer? Check out how this air fryer turkey you can also air fry a turkey tenderloin. Another favorite way to cook a turkey is in an electric roaster.
Have leftovers? I love to make turkey tetrazzini with leftover turkey breast.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Ingredients
- Turkey Breast– I prefer boneless but a bone in works as well. Most 6 qt air fryers can hold a 3-6 lb turkey breast.
- Butter– Softened unsalted butter
- Herbs– Fresh thyme, rosemary and sage are best but dry herbs will work in a pinch.
- Salt and Pepper– I use sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.
How To Cook A Turkey Breast In An Air Fryer?
- Let turkey stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat the air fryer to 350º F. Remove turkey breast from packaging, removing the gravy packet.
- Leave the netting on the turkey. This helps the boneless turkey breast keep it’s shape. Pat the turkey dry with a paper towel.
- Combine softened butter, chopped herbs, salt and pepper.
- Rub herb butter all over the turkey.
- Place the turkey skin side down into the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes. Flip turkey breast and cook for another 30-40 minutes, depending on the size.
- When internal temperature of the turkey is at 165º F remove turkey and transfer to a cutting board. Let turkey rest 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-6 lb Turkey Breast, I prefer boneless
- ¼ Cup Butter, unsalted and softened
- 1 Tablespoon Thyme, Chopped and fresh
- 1 Tablespoon Rosemary, Chopped and fresh
- 1 Tablespoon Sage, Chopped and fresh
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Remove turkey from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 350º F.
- Remove turkey breast from packaging, removing the gravy packet. Leave the string netting on the turkey this helps the boneless turkey breast keep it's shape. Pat the turkey dry with a paper towel.
- Combine softened butter, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt and pepper.
- Rub herb butter all over the turkey breast.
- Place skin side down in the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Flip turkey breast in the air fryer and cook for another 30-40 minutes, depending on the size.
- When internal temperature of the turkey is at 165º F remove turkey and transfer to a cutting board.
- Let turkey rest 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video
Nutrition
To cook a turkey I set the air fryer to 350º F and select the air fryer function. Wait about 10 minutes for the air fryer to preheat.
Don’t use a frozen turkey make sure to thaw it out. Air frying a frozen turkey will result in dry meat that takes much longer to cook.
1-2 days in the refrigerator in packaging. Looking to thaw it quicker? Leave the turkey breast in its packaging and submerge it in cold water for 3-5 hours. Change water ever 30-45 minutes. Once thawed place back in the the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it.
A 3 lb turkey breast will feed 4 people.
