Why Air Fryer Turkey Breast Works
Preheat Air Fryer for 5 minutes before adding the turkey. Makes a huge difference in getting that crispy skin from the start.
Bone-in turkey breast cooks more evenly than boneless turkey breast because the bone conducts heat directly to the center. Keeps the meat juicy while the outside browns.
- Done in 60 minutes total
- Skin gets golden and crispy
- No oven heating required
- Air Fryer turkey breast with crispy skin guaranteed
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp. Only way to know for sure when it hits 165°F without cutting into it.
What You Need for Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer turkey breast needs a bone-in turkey breast with skin still on for the best texture and moisture retention. The ribs should be removed so it fits in most basket-style air fryers.
✔ Turkey breast : bone-in with skin, about 4 pounds, ribs removed for easier fitting
✔ Olive oil : helps the herb butter rub stick and promotes browning
✔ Poultry seasoning : I use Bell’s brand which has no salt, found at any Hornbacher’s
The bone-in version stays about 20% juicier than boneless turkey breast because the bone protects the meat during cooking.
Most grocery stores sell turkey breast with ribs already removed, but if yours has them, ask the butcher to take them off.
How to Cook Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer turkey breast cooks faster than oven roasting once you get the herb butter rub on and the basket preheated to 350°F.
- Preheat Air Fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes
- Pat turkey breast completely dry with paper towels
- Rub olive oil all over the skin and under it if possible
- Season generously with poultry seasoning and kosher salt
- Place breast skin-side up in basket
- Cook 50-60 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F
- Rest and carve after 10 minutes under foil tent
Don’t skip the resting time. The internal temp will rise another 5 degrees and the juices redistribute through the meat.
Flip halfway? No need. Keep it skin-side up the whole time for maximum crispiness on top.
Ways to Change Air Fryer Turkey Breast
How long to air fry turkey breast per pound varies by thickness, but the general rule is 12-15 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 4-pound breast takes about 50-60 minutes, a 3-pounder needs 36-45 minutes. Use the meat thermometer as your guide, not just the clock.
What temperature for Air Fryer turkey breast works best? Tested at 325°F, 350°F, and 375°F (vegetables like air fryer butternut squash prefer 400°F). The 350°F sweet spot gives you crispy skin without burning while the inside cooks through. Higher temps dry it out, lower temps take forever and the skin stays rubbery.
Want boneless turkey breast instead? Cut the cooking time to 35-40 minutes for a 2-pound boneless piece. Check internal temp at 30 minutes to avoid overcooking since there’s no bone to slow heat transfer.
Getting the Temperature Perfect
Air Fryer turkey breast time and temp at 350°F for 50-60 minutes handles most 4-pound breasts. Smaller breasts take less time, bigger ones need more.
The 165°F internal temp is non-negotiable for food safety. Stick the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. First time I made this, I pulled it at 155°F thinking carryover would finish it, but that’s cutting it too close.
Look for golden brown skin with slight charring on the high points. The skin should feel crispy to the touch, not soft or rubbery. If it’s not browning after 40 minutes, bump the temp to 375°F for the last 15 minutes.
Rest and carve after a 10-minute rest under a foil tent. Skipping this step makes the juices run out when you slice, leaving dry meat on the plate.
What Goes with Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer turkey breast works perfectly for small family dinner without a full bird. We made this last November when Jessica’s parents visited and it fed all four of us with leftovers.
Roasted vegetables
Brussels sprouts and air fryer potatoes and carrots roasted in the Air Fryer while the turkey rests. Takes 15 minutes at 400°F, timing works out perfectly. Lily picks out the carrots and leaves the Brussels sprouts, but at least she tries them.
Mashed potatoes and gravy
The classic pairing that never fails. Make the potatoes on the stove while the turkey cooks, use the drippings from the Air Fryer basket for gravy. Adds maybe 10 minutes of extra work but worth it for the flavor.
Cranberry sauce
Store-bought works fine, or make fresh if you have time. Jessica makes a batch every family dinner with orange zest, takes 20 minutes and tastes way better than canned. Lily calls it “red jelly” and actually eats it.
Works for regular weeknight dinners too, not just holidays. Slice leftovers for sandwiches all week, or add potatoes O’Brien air fryer for breakfast.
Storing Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer turkey breast keeps better than oven-roasted because the texture stays firmer. Let it cool completely before storing.
Storage
- At room temperature: 2 hours max before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth
- In the fridge: 3-4 days in airtight container, sliced or whole
- In the freezer: 2-3 months wrapped tight in foil then freezer bags, better sliced before freezing
Reheating
Air Fryer at 325°F for 8-10 minutes brings back moisture without drying it out further. Add a tablespoon of chicken broth before reheating to keep it juicy. Microwave works for quick reheating but expect dryer texture, 60-90 seconds on 50% power.
Oven takes 20 minutes at 325°F covered in foil. Too long for weeknight lunches but works for reheating a full breast for dinner.
Anti-waste tip
Shred leftover turkey and freeze in portions for quick soup or casseroles. Thaws in 10 minutes under warm water, perfect for last-minute meals.
Buddy gets the scraps after we’ve had our fill. He’s learned to wait patiently by the kitchen counter.
Full Recipe for Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer turkey breast delivers juicy meat with crispy golden skin in about 60 minutes. The bone-in version stays moist while the herb butter rub creates flavor. Perfect for small family dinner or weekly meal prep, costs about $12 versus $30 for a whole bird.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 4 pound turkey breast, bone-in with skin ribs removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 0.5 tablespoon dry poultry seasoning Bell’s brand, no salt added
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Remove the turkey breast from packaging and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Rub olive oil all over the skin and gently under the skin where possible.
- Season evenly with kosher salt and poultry seasoning on all sides.
- Place the turkey breast skin-side up in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350°F for 50 minutes without opening the basket.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer in the thickest part (avoid the bone). Continue cooking until it reaches 165°F, about 50–60 minutes total.
- Remove, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes to jump-start crisping.
- Cook skin-side up the entire time; no flipping needed.
- General timing: 12–15 minutes per pound at 350°F; always confirm 165°F internal temp.
- If the skin isn’t browning after ~40 minutes, increase to 375°F for the last 10–15 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes under a foil tent so juices redistribute.
- For boneless turkey breast (~2 lb), start checking at 30 minutes; expect 35–40 minutes total.
Questions About Air Fryer Turkey Breast
When I started testing Air Fryer turkey breast for our small family dinner, I had the same questions most people search for. Here’s what actually works.
How long to air fry turkey breast per pound at 350F?
12-15 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 4-pound breast takes 50-60 minutes, check internal temp at 165°F with meat thermometer.
What temperature for Air Fryer turkey breast?
350°F works best. Tested at 325°F and 375°F, the 350°F gives crispy skin without drying out the meat.
Why is my Air Fryer turkey breast dry?
Overcooking past 165°F or skipping the 10-minute rest. Use bone-in for juicier results, boneless dries out faster.
Air Fryer turkey breast vs oven cooking time?
Air Fryer saves 30 minutes. Oven takes 90 minutes at 350°F, Air Fryer needs only 60 minutes for same size breast.
Rate This Method
Air Fryer turkey breast saved family dinner after I tested the timing four times. Rate it below if you try this method, helps other people find what actually works for small dinners.
Drop a comment if you test different seasonings or cooking times. Always looking for variations that work with different Air Fryer models. Tag #AirFryerPlates or @AirFryerPlates with your crispy skin results.
