Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Save time by making turkey breast in the air fryer! Done in less than an hour, this air fryer turkey breast is super moist & delicious!

 

Using the air fryer to cook a delicious turkey breast is a no-brainer! It is done in a fraction of the time as roasting, it is stays super moist and delicious! Many options on seasoning and size, but this recipe can be tailored to your liking. Using a boneless or bone-in turkey breast is up to you as well, and there are directions for both.

Serve this delicious air fryer turkey breast with Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus, Air Fryer Roasted Carrots, One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta, or Loaded Mashed Potatoes for the perfect meal!

This delicious turkey breast has ZERO carbs so it falls into the KETO and low carb diet. With 55 grams of protein and 369 calories per serving, it is super healthy, delicious, and the perfect main course!

With this recipe there is no brining needed, and it cooks in less than an hour in the Air Fryer.

How to make Turkey Breast in the Air Fryer:

**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**

• Mix together the herb butter and set aside. Using fresh herbs will really enhance the flavor of the turkey!

• Remove the turkey breast from the packaging. For a boneless breast, there will likely be netting around it to hold it together. It is fine to cook with this netting on the turkey, but if you chose to remove it, the cooking time might decrease a few minutes (since it won't be so tightly packed together).

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (If you don't have a preheat function, just run the air fryer at 350 degrees for 2-3 minutes before adding the turkey).
• Slather the herb butter all over the entire turkey breast, making sure to cover all of the sides.
• Place the turkey breast into the Air Fryer, skin side down. Close and cook at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

• Open the air fryer and flip the turkey breast over, then close and add 25 minutes to the cook time (I remove the netting at this time, but it can be left on as well). After the time is up, check the internal temperature using a digital thermometer. It should read at least 160 degrees F.
  • My turkey breast was 4lbs and I had to add an extra 5 minutes, so it was 30 minutes more after flipping.
• Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 10-15 minutes. In this time the turkey will continue to cook internally and should come up to at least 165 degrees F. Carve the turkey breast with a sharp knife and serve!

How to defrost a frozen turkey breast:

Remove the turkey breast from the freeze, and place on a plate or in a bag in the refrigerator. It takes about 24-26 hours to defrost so plan with this time in mind. Do NOT place the turkey on the counter and leave to defrost.

Pro tips for cooking turkey breast in the air fryer:

• Make sure the turkey breast is between 3-5 pounds.
• Use a turkey breast WITH skin attached. Using a skinless breast will dry out quickly.
• Use at least a 5 quart Air Fryer.
• Mix the herb butter with seasonings right before you spread it on the turkey breast.
• Make sure the turkey breast is fully defrosted.
• Take the internal temperature of the turkey breast after cooking using a digital thermometer. It should read 160 degrees F, and after resting for 10-15 minutes the temperature should come up to at least 165 degrees F.

What to serve with Air Fryer Turkey Breast:

This turkey breast is great year-round, however I love it at Thanksgiving! Traditional Thanksgiving sides are perfect such as Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Roasted Carrots (easy side dish), or Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, however this turkey breast is delicious for other sides as well including:

• Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup!
• Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
• Spinach Casserole
• Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus (2 ingredients)
• One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta
• Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
• Chick-fil-A Coleslaw (copycat recipe)
• Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms

There are tons of recipes that are great for using the turkey as well:

• Make these delicious Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese sandwiches with the slices turkey!
• Turkey Club Egg Rolls (with frying and Air Fryer directions) are perfect for left over turkey breast!
• Turkey Cranberry Quesadillas are delicious any time of the year, but perfect for Thanksgiving leftover as well!
• California Grilled Cheese (Turkey, Avocado, Tomato) is perfect for this sliced turkey!
• Shred the turkey breast and use it in this delicious Chicken Salad!

What type of Air Fryer should I use for this recipe?

There are many Air Fryers to choose from, but I love my PowerXL Vortex Air fryer! Here are some other great options:

• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven, 6 Quart: 6-in-1, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, Non-stick and Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Stainless Steel
• COSORI Air Fryer 5.8QT - Large Hot Electric Oven Oilless Cooker with 8 Quick Setting Recommendation