Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (2024)

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This air fryer turkey breast recipe is going to become your new favorite way to make a quick turkey. It is just so incredibly good and flavorful. Plus, I’m sharing how to make gravy from the drippings too!

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I’ve been loving myairfryerso much that I left it sitting on the counter instead of putting it away.

I got a turkey breast, and was going to be making my instant pot turkey breast recipe (also super good btw). My husband walked by and saw the turkey out (thawing) and said “do you think you the turkey would work in the air fryer?” I had to try it!!

And in case you don’t have an air fryer, I’ve heard that Instant Pot came out with an Air Fryer attachment lid, so you can always try that.

The end result of making a turkey breast in the air fryer was so flavorful and delicious – juicy meat and a beautiful brown skin – that we’ve been making turkey breasts for regular weeknight meals too (leftovers slice up beautifully for sandwiches!)

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (2)

What ingredients do you need for an air fryer turkey breast?

For the turkey:

  • Turkey breast roast – if yours comes with the giblets and twine, be sure to remove those. And you can use a turkey breast with or without bones; certainly boneless is easier to work with (my preference)!
  • EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil- this simple pantry ingredient is used to make the delicious seasonings stick
  • Garlic salt and onion powder– making the turkey breast extra flavorful!

For the gravy:

  • Flour – flour helps the gravy thicken up.
  • Soy sauce – this is my favorite unexpected ingredient in gravy. Soy sauce adds a bit of saltiness to help cut the fats in the gravy, and gives gravy a nice light brown color.
  • Milk – the milks makes the gravy creamy, we use whole milk but you could use a different fat level if you’d prefer.
  • Chicken stock – if you don’t have any stock, you can simply use water for this as well.
  • Turkey drippings – the drippings come right from making your turkey breast and help make the most delicious gravy (I just pour them directly from the air fryer into the pan)
  • Salt and pepper – you just need a quick dash for the gravy.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (3)

Ok, so how do I make turkey in an air fryer?

For the turkey:

  1. Remove giblets and any string. Pat dry. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Rub both sides of the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle seasonings between two sides. Place in air fryer basket (make sure it doesn’t touch the top of air fryer!)

  2. Cook at 350 for 25 minutes, then use tongs and flip the turkey breast and cook for another 20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165 in the biggest/thickest part of the turkey breast. Remove from basket and place on a cutting board with foil tented over it and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing/serving.

  3. While turkey rests make the gravy.

For the gravy:

  1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and then add in flour – it will be very thick, whisk vigorously until a smooth paste forms.

  2. Slowly add in soy sauce, milk, broth and turkey drippings from theairfryerand seasonings and whisk until no lumps remain. Cook, stirring until gravy comes to a slow boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency (mine usually is about 5 minutes).

  3. If it gets too thick, add in a little more milk.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (4)

Nick usually only eats turkey because he feels like he “has to” on Thanksgiving, and even then only eats the dark meat, so he was skeptical to say the least. He said he surprised himself by wanting seconds of this turkey breast made in theairfryer!!!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (5)

Here are some tips to help you make this air fryer turkey breast:

  • There are so many different types of air fryers; please make sure to check that the turkey breast roast doesn’t touch the top of the air fryer. You can cut the roast to fit if it doesn’t. My air fryer (3qt basket) fit a 3-5 lb turkey breast roast no problems.
  • If the turkey breast comes in giblets or wrapped in twine, remove both before cooking.
  • You can use a turkey breast with or without a bone for this recipe. I used one without a bone because it’s a lot easier tocut/serve and cook.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly. Be sure to check the internal temperature; for turkey it should be at 165. I like to use a digital thermometer. I love that air fryers are so easy to open and check (vs. an instant pot where you can’t easily open the lid until the end).
  • As the turkey rests after it is done cooking, make the gravy out of the drippings.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (6)

All I have to say is yes yes yes and yes! Turkey in the air fryer is super easy, super flavorful with juicy meat and crispy skin. It is perfection and great for a small family thanksgiving meal or for making any time really.

I’m making another one this week and am going to be using leftovers to make Thanksgiving leftover breakfast sandwiches and paninis with air fryer turkey breast, brie, and leftover cranberry sauce. Sometimes leftovers are the best part!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (7)

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

This turkey is just so incredibly good. I'm sharing how to make an air fryer turkey breast recipe and how to make gravy from the drippings (it's actually so easy).

4.50 from 8 votes

Print Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Rest: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3-5 lb. turkey breast roast giblets and twine removed, with or without bones
  • 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

For the gravy

  • 2 Tbs butter
  • 2 Tbs flour
  • 1 Tbs soy sauce
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water or chicken stock
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup turkey drippings
  • dash salt and pepper

Instructions

For the turkey

  • Remove giblets and any string. Pat dry. Sprayairfryerbasket with cooking spray. Rub both sides of the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle seasonings between two sides. Place inairfryerbasket (make sure it doesn't touch the top ofairfryer!)

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (8)

  • Cook at 350 for 25 minutes, then use tongs and flip the turkey breast and cook for another 20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165 in the biggest/thickest part of the turkey breast. Remove from basket and place on a cutting board with foil tented over it and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing/serving.

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (9)

  • While turkey rests make the gravy.

For the gravy

  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and then add in flour - it will be very thick, whisk vigorously until a smooth paste forms.

  • Slowly add in soy sauce, milk, broth and turkey drippings from theairfryerand seasonings and whisk until no lumps remain. Cook, stirring until gravy comes to a slow boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency (mine usually is about 5 minutes).

  • If it gets too thick, add in a little more milk.

Notes

The nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.

Note: nutrition facts are calculated for the turkey breast only. Nutrition for gravy not noted.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 73g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 1250mg | Sugar: 1g

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Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (13)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hector J. Múzquiz says

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (14)
    Excellent recipe and very tasty

    Reply

    • Sweetphi says

      So happy you liked this recipe, thank you for taking the time to leave feedback!

      Reply

  2. Cheryl says

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (15)
    So easy, very juicy. We like it for sandwiches.

    Reply

    • Sweetphi says

      We love it for sandwiches too, so yummy! Thank you for taking the time to come and leave feedback, I truly appreciate it!!

      Reply

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  1. […] Air fryer turkey breast – I cannot believe how amazing this was! Nick loved it and he has always proclaimed that he doesn’t love turkey. […]

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Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe - Sweetphi (2024)

FAQs

Can you cook a Butterball turkey breast in the air fryer? ›

Place breast in air fryer basket, skin side up. Set air-fryer temperature to 400° F. Cook 45-60 minutes, about 7-10 minutes per pound, until a food thermometer inserted registers 165° F. Let stand for 10 minutes before carving.

How to cook turkey breast in big easy air fryer? ›

Instructions
  1. Rub 1/2 tablespoon of oil all over the turkey breast. ...
  2. Preheat the air fryer 350F and cook skin side down 20 minutes, turn over and cook until the internal temperature is 160F using an instant-read thermometer about 30 to 40 minutes more depending on the size of your breast.
Nov 2, 2019

Do you cover turkey breast when baking? ›

Some recipes instruct you to cover only the turkey breast rather than the whole bird because the former cooks more quickly than the dark meat and is prone to drying out. In either case, remove the foil tent during the last 30 minutes of roasting time to encourage the crispiest skin possible.

Do you cook a Butterball turkey breast covered or uncovered? ›

Roast turkey breast uncovered according to package directions or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reaches 170°F.

Do you wash a Butterball turkey breast before cooking? ›

Wash your hands, but not the turkey! Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer. However, it's virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods and utensils.

What is the best way to cook a butterball boneless turkey breast? ›

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. ...
  2. In a small bowl, stir together butter, thyme, lemon peel, and salt until well combined.
  3. Pat roast dry. ...
  4. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 170°F about 1 hour and 20 minutes. ...
  5. Tip: The butter mixture can be combined the night before.

How long does it take to cook a 3lb butterball boneless turkey breast? ›

Convection Oven 325°
WeightCook Time (Unstuffed)Cook Time (Stuffed)
3-5½ lbs.1½ -2 hrs.1¾-2½ hrs.
5½-9 lbs.2-2½ hrs.2½-3¼ hrs.
18-22 lbs.2½-3 hrs.3¼-3¾ hrs.
22-24 lbs.3-3½ hrs.3¾-4¼ hrs.

How long does it take to cook a butterball turkey breast? ›

3/4 - 1.5 hours. Check temperature with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 140° F. Carve and serve immediately.

How big of a turkey will fit in an air fryer? ›

If the bird is too cramped, or touching the sides, you won't get an even roast and you could even increase your risk of food poisoning from the meat not being cooked properly. As a guide, and in my experience, a bird that weighs around 9-10 pounds or less can fit in most family-size air fryers.

Can you air fry a turkey in the oven? ›

The answer is yes! With an oven or range that has Air Fry mode, you'll be able to crisp up your turkey in just a few hours on Thanksgiving morning.

Should I cover my turkey with aluminum foil while cooking? ›

But if you are roasting the turkey, be it whole turkey, breast, or leg on a regular roasting pan, foil is a good option. Basically the foil works in the same way a lid works—by trapping steam so the turkey stays moist throughout the roasting process. Simply tent the foil so that it loosely covers the whole turkey.

Should I cover turkey breast with aluminum foil? ›

Cover the turkey to prevent over-browning.

If the skin over the breast meat begins to brown too darkly toward the end of cooking, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent scorching.

How do you keep turkey breasts from drying out? ›

Start in a hot heated oven at 450 degrees F, then lower the heat to 350 degrees F just before you put the turkey in the oven. The initial high heat will help brown the skin, then the lower heat will help cook the turkey breast on the inside without drying it out.

How long do you cook a Butterball turkey breast? ›

Bake until vegetables are tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest portion of breast registers 170°F (2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes for a 6-pound turkey breast). Place turkey breast on large cutting board.

How long to cook a 8 lb Butterball turkey breast in oven? ›

Regular Oven 350°
WeightCook Time Baked (Thawed)Cook Time Smoked (Thawed)
8-10 lbs.¾-1½ hrs.¾-1½ hrs.
10-14 lbs.1-1½ hrs.1-1½ hrs.
14-18 lbs.1½-2 hrs.1½-2 hrs.

How do you cook a butterball frozen turkey breast? ›

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Cook from Frozen. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove plastic bag. Do not remove inside netting.
  3. Place breast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Brush with oil to prevent drying.
  4. Do not cover. ...
  5. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before removing the netting and slicing.

How to cook butterball all natural turkey breast? ›

Preparation Instructions

Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place in pan and bake 50 to 60 minutes until internal temperature in thickest part of tenderloin reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. Grilling: Preheat grill. Sear 5 to 8 minutes on each side.

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