Air Fryer Turkey Breast

This recipe yields tender and juicy meat in under an hour, making it a quick and satisfying option for any meal. A versatile recipe, ideal for both intimate celebrations and quick weeknight meals?
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ingredients Needed Recipe Substitutions Step by Step Process Brittany’s Tips!With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, air fryer turkey breast is a delight on its own, but why not elevate the experience with some carefully curated accompaniments? Mashed sweet potatoes, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with toasted pecans, provide a delightful contrast in textures. For a savory twist, try pairing it with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil, salt, and a pinch of cumin. Alternatively, serve it alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. The possibilities are endless!Storing Leftovers Frequently Asked Questions What’s Next for Your Air Fryer? From crispy fried chicken to decadent desserts, these innovative air fryer recipes will take your cooking game to the next level.

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I’m thrilled to be sharing my mouth-watering air-fried turkey breast recipe with you again, as it was an absolute hit when I first posted it last year. The air fryer yields a delectably crisp-skinned turkey breast, expertly balancing texture with succulent, tender meat. Incredibly, this recipe can be prepared and served within the span of just sixty minutes, cementing its status as a resounding success in my eyes.

For a more intimate holiday gathering, this dish serves as an ideal centerpiece. Savor the flavors of a classic Thanksgiving feast by pairing roasted turkey with creamy mashed potatoes, tender green beans, savory sourdough stuffing, and a tangy cranberry sauce that’s sure to be your new holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A whole turkey can require a lengthy three-plus hours of oven time, yet, with an air fryer, you can enjoy a succulent and perfectly cooked turkey breast in under 60 minutes.
– No brining required! Effortlessly merge the harmonious blend of herbs into a rich butter mixture, then lavish it generously upon the succulent turkey breast, allowing its aromatic essence to penetrate every crevice before cooking. Easy peasy!
Packed with a rich tapestry of flavors courtesy of the luscious herb butter, crafted from a harmonious blend of fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme.
No bland turkey on our watch! The air fryer achieves culinary wizardry by effortlessly crispening the skin while preserving the meat’s natural moisture and tenderness.
Whether a small gathering or an everyday meal, this recipe shines when a full turkey isn’t required, making it perfect for a variety of occasions.

Ingredients Needed

I cooked a 2- to 3-pound boneless turkey breast with the skin intact for this specific dish. This portion perfectly fits the air fryer’s dimensions, cooking consistently throughout its surface.
Soaked in a pat of softened butter, the turkey’s skin is primed to remain succulent and bursting with flavor as the butter’s richness seeps beneath its surface, simultaneously crisping the exterior to a golden brown perfection.
And to further elevate the turkey breast’s inherent flavor profile and harmoniously meld with the other ingredients.
Freshly minced garlic contributes a depth of rich, savory character to the herb butter.
You’ll require a trio of fresh herbs – finely minced sage, thyme, and rosemary – to add depth to your dish. Their aroma brings a timeless herb flavour that harmonizes exquisitely with roasted turkey.

Recipe Substitutions

If seeking a dairy-free choice, consider substituting butter with a plant-based equivalent or opting for olive oil instead. While I haven’t experimented with using olive oil on turkey, it’s likely to impart a rich, savory taste and help retain juiciness in the meat.
If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, a reliable alternative is using dried herbs instead. Since dried herbs are significantly more concentrated than their fresh counterparts, a much smaller amount is required to achieve the desired flavor profile: simply sprinkle approximately 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary, thyme, and sage each over your dish. While fresh herbs often impart the most vibrant flavors, dried alternatives can still yield satisfying results.
Ready to infuse some flavor into that turkey breast by marinating it? Discover a bold twist on traditional chicken marinades with this innovative recipe!

Step by Step Process

The mixture of softened butter, salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs in a small bowl awaits. Mix together to combine.

Gently pat the turkey breast dry with a clean paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Using an air fryer allows for a crispy texture on the skin while cooking the chicken to perfection.

Gently manipulate the skin with a teaspoon or your fingertips to create a subtle separation, then massage the herb butter blend evenly across the turkey breast, ensuring thorough coverage.

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 3-4 minutes. Cook the turkey breast in the air fryer with the skin facing upwards, allowing it to cook undisturbed for 20 minutes before flipping it over and continuing to cook for an additional 20 minutes. The recommended internal temperature for cooked turkey breast is indeed 165°F.

Brittany’s Tips!

When storing a frozen turkey breast, allow it to thaw slowly and safely overnight in the refrigerator.
This recipe is designed for a 3-pound boneless turkey breast. Regardless of the size of your turkey breast, it’s crucial to monitor its progress and employ an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature accurately.
Ensure that you thoroughly pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels prior to seasoning. It’s crucial to master this step when cooking with an air fryer, as it enables optimal seasoning adhesion and ensures the coveted crispy skin.
To avoid the disappointment of undercooked or overcooked turkey, it’s crucial to monitor its internal temperature carefully, checking it a few minutes earlier to ensure a perfectly cooked bird. Are you sure your turkey should reach an internal temperature of exactly 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption? When cooking chicken breasts, I prefer to remove them from my air fryer once they reach an internal temperature of 155°F in their thickest part, as they will continue to cook slightly during the resting period and eventually reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Allow the cooked meat to rest for approximately 10 minutes, permitting the natural redistribution of its rich juices and a gentle elevation in temperature.

With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, air fryer turkey breast is a delight on its own, but why not elevate the experience with some carefully curated accompaniments? Mashed sweet potatoes, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with toasted pecans, provide a delightful contrast in textures. For a savory twist, try pairing it with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil, salt, and a pinch of cumin. Alternatively, serve it alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. The possibilities are endless!

Don’t overlook the supporting cast: you need the perfect sides to elevate your turkey breast game! Here are some ideas:

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover turkey safely by placing it in an airtight container within two hours of cooking and refrigerating at 40°F (4°C) or below, ensuring its freshness for consumption within 3-4 days. Ensure the turkey has reached a temperature of at least room temperature prior to refrigeration.
If you’re not ready to consume your leftover turkey immediately, consider freezing it for later enjoyment. Store sliced or shredded turkey breast in an airtight, freezer-safe container or zip-top plastic bag, labelling it with the date, and keep it at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below for a maximum of three months.
Reheat leftover turkey to perfection by utilizing the air fryer’s precise temperature control or the stovetop’s quick reheating capabilities, ensuring a juicy and flavorful experience. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave is also an option. When reheating a frozen turkey, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can! A bone-in turkey breast also thrives in an air fryer’s controlled heat and crispiness, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional roasting methods. While cooking time for a bone-in turkey breast may vary slightly compared to a boneless alternative, it’s essential to monitor the internal temperature carefully to guarantee a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

By preheating the air fryer for a few minutes beforehand, you guarantee a seamless start to cooking your turkey breast, ultimately yielding that coveted crispy skin.

To ensure a tender and succulent turkey breast, it’s crucial to apply the herb butter beneath the skin and avoid overcooking it? Verify the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; once it hits 165°F, carefully remove it from the air fryer and permit it to rest for exactly 10 minutes prior to slicing. This technique helps to secure moisture within the meat.