Want to enjoy turkey year round? My easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe is done in under an hour from start to finish. This is ideal if you are feeding 2-4 people and don’t want to cook a larger turkey.
If you have been following me for a while, you know I’ve found a new favorite countertop kitchen appliance, and that appliance is an Air Fryer. I have had so much fun learning, experiment, and cooking with my Air Fryer. Whether it’s the holidays and I’m cooking for just my family of 4 or maybe it’s during the year and we are craving turkey. I love my Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe. It comes together in under an hour and is full of flavor.
The only downfall is that I can’t cook my Air Fryer Acorn Squash, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, or even my Air Fryer Green Beans during the same time. That is, unless you have a second air fryer!
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Why this Recipe Works
This half turkey breast recipe is great for just 2-4 people.
A few seasonings and butter is all you need for a flavorful turkey breast.
You can make a full turkey dinner in under an hours time!
Ingredients
- Turkey Breast – A whole smaller turkey breast can be placed inside the Air Fryer. Make sure you buy a turkey breast that will fit inside your model of air fryer.
- Spices – I like to use a rub of salt, garlic powder, black pepper that is known as House Seasoning mixed with paprika.
- Oil – Because I’m Air Frying I like to use avocado oil spray to ensure the turkey stays moist and browns nicely.
Directions
First, preheat the Air Fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small bowl place the softened butter and combine with the seasonings. Mix together until well blended.
Begin to massage the butter mixture over the top of the turkey breast and underneath the skin.
Place the turkey breast, skin side up and cook for 40 minutes flipping halfway through. This is what it will look like at the half way point before flipping.
Remove from the Air Fryer and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Quick Turkey Brine
In case you forgot to brine the turkey breast, no worries. I’ve followed my basic turkey brine recipe and just let it soak for 1-2 hours before cooking. This still provided me with a tender and juicy turkey breast.
Recommended Air Fryer
Many people ask me, what air fryer they should buy? This really depends on what you are planning to cook and for how many people. I always suggest at least a 6 quart but a larger capacity will give you so many more options. The 6 quart works for my family, but I would gladly upgrade to a 10 quart in a blink of an eye if the price was right.
I say this because when I’m heating up say chicken strips and fries on the weekends, I could cook more at once!
I use the Instant Vortex 6 Quart Air Fryer Oven (basket) as my every day Air Fryer. I love this Air Fryer because it’s nonstick and the basket is dishwasher-safe. This Air Fryer preheats fast and cooking temperature ranges of 120 to 400° F. If you are looking for an Air Fryer I highly suggest buying a basket style Air Fryer.
Recipe FAQs
No, unfortunately, you cannot put an frozen turkey breast in an air fryer. It will not cook properly and result in a burnt turkey breast.
Yes, you can cook a half turkey breast in an air fryer and depending on what size Air Fryer you have you may be able to cook a full turkey breast. Both will be cooked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The half turkey breast will take about 40 minutes where a full turkey breast will take 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, you can absolutely use different seasonings on a turkey breast. I love my traditional house seasoning paired with paprika but you can use just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Another popular option is poultry seasoning or any other flavor blend you might like.
Tips & Tricks
Here are my favorite tips and tricks whenever I make a turkey breast in the Air Fryer.
- Half Turkey Breast – Depending on the size of your Air Fryer will depend on what size turkey breast you can fit in it. I have a 6 quart Air Fryer, so a 3 pound half turkey breast fits in it perfectly.
- Brineing – I always brine my turkey breast before cooking. This will ensure a nice juice and flavorful turkey.
New to Air Frying?
Are you new to Air Frying? If so, check out my Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners guide. It is full of useful tips, tricks, resources, and over 20+ recipes ranging from breakfast, main dishes, side dishes, and even dessert!
Sides that Go with Turkey
If you make this Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 3 pound Half Turkey Breast
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl place the softened butter and combine with the seasonings. Mix together until well blended. Begin to massage the butter mixture over the top of the turkey breast and underneath the skin.½ teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ cup Unsalted Butter, 3 pound Half Turkey Breast
- Place the turkey breast, skin side up and cook for 40 minutes flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the Air Fryer and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Half Turkey Breast – Depending on the size of your Air Fryer will depend on what size turkey breast you can fit in it. I have a 6 quart Air Fryer, so a 3 pound half turkey breast fits in it perfectly.
- Brineing – I always brine my turkey breast before cooking. This will ensure a nice juice and flavorful turkey.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!