Air Fryer Turkey Breast makes Thanksgiving (or any roast dinner) quick and simple. The air fryer delivers juicy, tender meat with a crisp, golden skin while freeing up oven space for side dishes. For larger turkey breasts (7–9 pounds) I prefer a bigger air fryer like a Ninja Foodi Grill, which is handy outdoors in warm weather.
There are many ways to cook a turkey breast, but the air fryer is one of the fastest, most reliable methods. If you prefer smoky flavor, a smoker is another great option—my Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast is a favorite alternative. The air fryer is a versatile small appliance; try it for omelettes, poutine, or this turkey breast recipe for easy results.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
The air fryer consistently produces a perfectly cooked turkey breast with exceptionally crisp skin. It’s a straightforward method that works even if you don’t have a smoker, and it’s much safer and healthier than deep-frying a turkey.
Leftovers are convenient and versatile—use them for sandwiches, salads, casseroles, or quesadillas. They store well and make quick meals later in the week.
How to Make Turkey Breast in Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, then season both sides with salt and your preferred seasoning salt or spice blend.
Step 3: Place the breast skin-side down and cook for 20 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 30–45 more minutes depending on size).
Best Air Fryer Tips
Use the air fryer for many simple meals—bacon-wrapped chicken, steak, chicken breasts for batch-cooking, or even hard‑boiled eggs. Cooked chicken can be used in salads, quesadillas, or burrito bowls for easy lunches.
Check your air fryer manual—some models require preheating while others don’t. If food burns or cooks unevenly, preheating or incorrect temperature settings are often the cause.
Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding the basket. Arrange food in a single layer so hot air can circulate and cook evenly.
Turkey Thaw Times Cheat Sheet
Plan ahead and thaw turkey in the refrigerator according to weight:
20–24 pounds — place in the fridge the Friday before Thanksgiving
16–19 pounds — place in the fridge the Saturday before Thanksgiving
12–15 pounds — place in the fridge the Sunday before Thanksgiving
4–11 pounds — place in the fridge the Monday before Thanksgiving
What to serve with Air Fryer Turkey Breast?
Serve the turkey breast with a variety of sides. Suggestions include:
Pasta Salads: Italian pasta salad, Mexican macaroni salad, BLT pasta salad, or shrimp and pea orzo salad.
Crock Pot Sides: Slow-cooker mac and cheese or calico beans.
Cold Salads: Berry cheesecake salad or classic potato salad.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. If you stuff the bird, make sure the cavity is packed tightly and nothing protrudes. Use the same temperature and monitor the internal temperature carefully to ensure both meat and stuffing reach safe temperatures.
Cooking time varies by air fryer and breast size. Smaller breasts (around 3–4 lb) can finish in about an hour; larger pieces will need additional time. The best indicator is internal temperature: cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes—reheating in the air fryer is convenient, but check that the turkey fits comfortably in your unit. Reheat at a moderate temperature until warmed through without drying out.
Store leftovers in clean, airtight containers or freezer bags in the refrigerator or freezer. Label and date containers for best practice.
Other Air Fryer Recipes to Try
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Air Fryer Desserts
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Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
-
2 Ingredient Berry Cobbler
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Best Air Fryer Appetizers
If you try this Air Fryer Turkey Breast, leave a star rating and a comment—feedback helps others and helps improve the recipe.
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Turkey Breast (7 pounds)
Description
Air Fryer Turkey Breast is a quick, reliable way to prepare a flavorful roast with crisp skin and tender meat.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pound turkey breast, bone-in, skin-on (thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or seasoning of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Rub olive oil all over the turkey breast, then season both sides with salt and seasoning salt.
- Place the breast skin-side down and cook for 20 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 30–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove and let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Notes
Nutrition info provided is for a 3–4 oz serving. Adjust portions and use a nutrition calculator if you need specific values for larger servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 382 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 17 g