I have a small turkey breast I want to cook in the air fryer. The turkey breast is in a cooking bag. Do I need to take it out of the bag to cook it? Can the turkey breast be cooked from frozen or do I need to thaw it first?
Yes You Can Cook a Delicious Turkey in an Air Fryer – Here’s How
The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s almost time to start planning that festive turkey dinner. But who wants to spend all day tending to a bird in the oven when you could be enjoying time with friends and family? This year, consider using an air fryer to cook your turkey – you’ll free up oven space, avoid heating up the kitchen, and enjoy juicy, flavorful results with little effort.
In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook a turkey in an air fryer including
- Air fryer turkey basics
- Selecting the right size turkey
- Prepping and seasoning your bird
- Step-by-step air frying instructions
- Doneness tips
- Resting, carving, and serving
Let’s get started! With the right techniques, you’ll see how easy and effective it is to cook turkey in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Turkey Basics
An air fryer uses super heated air circulated at high speed to cook food. This allows food to get crispy and browned without the oil of deep frying. Air fryers can fit a small to medium-sized turkey breast or whole bird easily.
Benefits of cooking turkey in an air fryer include:
- Faster cook time – Turkey cooks more quickly compared to roasting
- Crispy skin – The circulating air helps skin get browned and crispy
- Moist meat – Air frying keeps meat tender and juicy
- Versatility – Can cook a turkey breast, whole bird, pieces, or leftovers
- Ease – Simple to operate and doesn’t heat up kitchen as much as oven
While not traditional, air fried turkey can be quite tasty. Let’s look at how to choose the right size bird.
Choosing the Right Size Turkey for Your Air Fryer
When selecting a turkey to cook in your air fryer, smaller is better. You need enough room for air circulation to cook the bird evenly. Here are some size guidelines:
- Whole turkeys – 8 to 14 pounds
- Turkey breasts – 5 to 7 pounds
Consider how many people you are serving; err on the smaller side if unsure. You can always cook a second smaller turkey if needed. Also look at the capacity of your model – check your manual for size limits.
For very large gatherings, air fry multiple smaller turkeys rather than one giant bird. This allows you to get perfect doneness on each.
Preparing Your Turkey for Air Frying
Proper prep is key for achieving maximum flavor and a beautifully cooked bird. Follow these tips:
- Thaw completely if frozen – Give plenty of thaw time in fridge
- Pat dry – Removes moisture for crispy skin
- Trim excess fat – Reduces splatter; save for gravy
- Season generously – Inside cavity and under skin; use a dry rub
- Oil lightly – A high smoke point oil helps browning
Some people choose to brine or marinate their turkey for added moisture and flavor. Just account for any extra thaw time needed if starting from frozen.
How to Cook a Turkey in an Air Fryer – Step by Step
Once your turkey is prepped, it’s time to start air frying. Follow these foolproof steps:
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Pre-heat air fryer to 360°F. This gets it nice and hot for crispy skin.
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Place turkey breast-side up on a trivet or rack in the basket. This allows air circulation under and around.
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Cook 20-25 minutes per pound, adjusting time as needed. Check temperature periodically with a meat thermometer.
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Baste occasionally with pan juices if desired. Cautiously remove basket to spoon juices over turkey.
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Cook until thermometer inserted at thickest part of breast and thigh reads 165°F. If browning too fast, tent with foil.
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Once done, let rest 20+ minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for added moisture.
It’s that simple! Just be sure to keep an eye on doneness and adjust cook time as needed based on size. Now let’s go over some ways to test for done-ness.
Testing Your Turkey for Doneness
With air frying, turkey cooks more rapidly than roasting so pay close attention to doneness. Here are 3 ways to test:
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Temperature – Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest area of breast and thigh to check for 165°F. This is the best indicator of doneness.
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Color – The skin will be golden brown and crispy when done. Meat will look white with no traces of pink.
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Juices – Use a knife to cut into the thickest part of the thigh. If the meat is done, juices will run clear with no traces of pink.
If the turkey is underdone, return it to the air fryer in 10 minute intervals until it passes these doneness tests. Letting the turkey rest properly once pulled from the fryer allows juices to reabsorb for maximum moisture and flavor.
Carving and Serving Your Air Fried Turkey
You did it – your turkey is perfectly cooked! Follow these last tips for carving and serving:
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Allow turkey to rest 20+ minutes before carving. This redistributes juices.
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Carve breast meat first by making thin vertical slices. Then remove leg quarters.
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Serve with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
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Use pan juices to make a flavorful gravy to complement your meal.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and enjoy turkey sandwiches or casseroles later in the week.
Air frying makes getting a
Re: Turkey Breast in Air Fryer
Hi @shades57633 I think I need to ask a couple more questions to make sure I understand your questions correctly.
When you say the turkey breast is in a cooking bag, are you referring to the casing that the turkey originally came in? Also in an air fryer, I personally would not fry a frozen turkey breast as the heat is so intense and concentrated I would be concerned about ensuring it is properly cooked all the way through.
Also, here is a link to an additional thread which provides instructions on how to cook a turkey breast in an air fryer:
Good luck and I hope you enjoy your turkey tomorrow! . . .
Can you cook a TURKEY in an AIR FRYER?
FAQ
How long does it take to air fry a turkey?
- Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature
- Place the turkey in the fryer basket
- Cook until the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature
Is air frying a turkey worth it?
- The turkey breast cooks evenly thanks to the circulation of hot air.
- Air Frying frees up precious oven space during holiday cooking.
- The skin gets golden brown and is totally delicious!
- Clean-up is easy since the air fryer basket can go into the dishwasher.
What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?
An airfryer’s fan blows much more intensely and quickly. Anything liquid or loose (eg: a slice of cheese before it’s melted) would fly around at high speed and risk getting stuck in the heating element.
Can you put turkey in foil in the air fryer?
Yep! You can line the tray under it or wrap it up. Foil is fine in an air fryer.
Can you cook a Turkey in an air fryer oven?
Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer oven. Air fryer ovens are versatile appliances that can handle large cuts of meat like a turkey. However, it’s important to make sure that the turkey fits comfortably in the oven without touching the heating elements. How do I prepare the turkey before cooking in an air fryer oven?
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
How do you cook a 12 pound turkey in an air fryer?
Follow these simple steps: Placement: Place the seasoned turkey on the air fryer oven’s rack, ensuring it’s not touching the sides. Cooking Time: Cook your turkey at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 20 minutes per pound. A 12-pound turkey will take around 4 hours to reach the ideal internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Should you flip a Turkey in an air fryer?
It is not necessary to flip the turkey while cooking in an air fryer oven. The oven’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking and browning on all sides of the turkey. Opening the oven to flip the turkey may disrupt the cooking process and result in a less evenly cooked bird.
What temperature should a Turkey be in an air fryer?
The thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when the turkey is fully cooked. If the turkey has not reached the desired temperature, place it back in the air fryer and continue cooking in 10-15 minute intervals until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember to keep an eye on the turkey’s skin during this time.
How do you cook a Turkey skin in an air fryer?
To achieve crispy turkey skin in an air fryer, start by patting the turkey dry with paper towels before applying any oil or seasoning. Removing moisture from the skin helps it crisp up beautifully. Next, lightly coat the skin with a high-smoke point oil and season generously.