This post is generously sponsored by Canadian Turkey and I was compensated for my time in creating this recipe. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Recipe Rebel possible! Can we just take a moment to appreciate how very versatile turkey is? It’s the perfect healthy and lean protein for meal planning but it also makes a fabulous main course for a holiday feast. It can be baked, roasted, fried, grilled, slow-cooked, pressure-cooked, or smoked. It can also be incorporated into so many different comfort food meals: turkey chili mac and cheese, turkey pot pie, air fryer turkey nuggets, turkey noodle soup, and so much more! Whether you’re enjoying turkey as a healthy, everyday meal or serving it up for the holidays, it’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family! This air fryer turkey breast recipe is another delicious way to enjoy turkey. It’s seasoned to perfection with a simple blend of spices, then air fried until juicy in the middle and crispy on the outside! For more quick and easy fall turkey recipes, visit ThinkTurkey.ca.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Breast:
Seasoned Salt, Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley, Dried Thyme, Paprika, and Black Pepper: a simple and versatile seasoning blend that gives the turkey just the right amount of flavor. Turkey Breast: I use boneless, skin-on turkey breast. Oil: you just need a little bit of oil to grease the air fryer basket so the turkey doesn’t stick.
How to cook turkey breast in the air fryer
Turkey breast cooking time
You’ll air fry the turkey breast for an initial 20 minutes, flip it, and then air fry for another 15-25 minutes. The total time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the turkey breast you’re using. The key is to make sure it doesn’t over-cook. Since turkey is lean meat, it tends to dry out more quickly than fattier types of meat. I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey. Once it reads 165ºF, it’s done cooking!
Should you brine the turkey?
It isn’t necessary, but you can if you want! Soaking the turkey in a brine helps it absorb more moisture and flavor and reduces the risk of it drying out if it overcooks slightly. This air fryer turkey breast is plenty flavorful on its own, but if you want to brine it, check out my turkey brine recipe! You will only need a small portion of this brine (about ¼ or 1/3), and I don’t recommend brining longer than 10 hours.
Can you use frozen turkey?
Technically, yes, but I recommend fresh or thawed turkey for the best results. Frozen turkey breast won’t hold the seasonings as well and will take much longer to cook all the way through. If all you have is frozen turkey, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge or follow these simple steps to thaw it quickly:
Place the turkey into a large sealable storage bag, then set the bag into a bowl filled with cold water. Let the turkey sit in the water until it has fully thawed. Change the water out every 20 minutes so it doesn’t get too warm.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Check out my Crockpot Turkey, Sous Vide Turkey Breast & Apple Cider Gravy or Roast Turkey Breast with Cranberry Marinade.
What to serve with turkey breast
Whether you’re cooking for the holidays or simply putting together a healthy and well-balanced meal for the family, this air fryer turkey breast is the perfect entree to serve next to a couple of simple side dishes. Here are a few of our favorites:
Garlic Herb Instant Pot Potatoes Mom’s Homemade Buns Honey Glazed Carrots Homemade Creamed Corn Garlic Mashed Potatoes
How to store
Leftover cooked turkey will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, first thaw in the fridge if frozen, then warm one of the following ways:
Oven: Wrap in foil or place into a covered oven-safe baking dish with a couple splashes of poultry broth and bake at 300ºF for 30 minutes. Stovetop: Add a little bit of poultry broth to a skillet, top with turkey, and simmer until the turkey is cooked through. Microwave: Cut the turkey into smaller pieces and place into a microwave-safe dish with some poultry broth to moisten. Microwave until warmed all the way through.
More air fryer recipes you’ll love
Air Fryer Baked Potato Air Fryer Pork Chops Air Fryer Potatoes Air Fryer Potato Wedges
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