’Tis the season of loosened belts and post-dinner naps. That said, to avoid the discomfort of your stomach feeling like a bowl full of jelly, look to a kitchen range with an Air Fry setting—so that you can still enjoy all of your deep-fried favorites (hello, donuts!) and savory grub (it’s good to see you, pork chops!) with none of the guilt.
This year, we challenge you to use this innovative oven setting to prepare the perfect holiday turkey. Once you have a grasp of this tech, you can even make air-fried turkey legs and air-fried turkey wings to enjoy as leftovers (we know those post-Thanksgiving turkey hoagies can get old real quick).
Check out which top-notch appliance brands offer kitchen ranges with Air Fry tech—and stay tuned for our favorite air-frying recipe for the perfect holiday turkey!
Air frying turkeys has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional oven roasting This cooking method produces a tender, juicy turkey with crispy skin in a fraction of the time But can you get those same great results using an oven instead of an air fryer? The short answer is yes – with a few modifications, your standard oven can mimic air frying for delicious holiday birds.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to air fry a turkey in the oven. You’ll learn about the benefits of air frying, how to prepare your turkey, recommended cook times, temperature guidelines, safety tips, and more. Follow these simple instructions for a mouthwatering oven-air-fried turkey that will be the star of your holiday table.
Why Air Fry a Turkey in the Oven?
Using your oven to air fry a turkey offers several advantages over roasting:
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Shorter cook time – Oven air frying cooks the turkey faster thanks to the constant circulation of hot air. You can cut cooking time by up to 30%.
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Crispier skin – The high heat of an air fry style oven ensures the turkey skin gets ultra crispy.
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Juicier meat – Quick cooking locks in moisture so the turkey stays tender and succulent.
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Versatility – You can air fry a whole turkey or just parts like breasts and drumsticks
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Convenience – No special equipment needed! Just use your regular oven.
Turkey Prep for Oven Air Frying
Properly preparing the turkey is an essential first step for successful oven air frying
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Thaw – Ensure turkey is completely thawed before cooking if frozen. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours per 4 pounds.
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Dry and season – Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Generously coat with olive oil and seasonings. Get into all the nooks and crannies.
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Use a rack – Place turkey on a roasting or cooling rack inside a roasting pan. This allows air circulation.
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Tuck wings – Tuck the wing tips under the body so they don’t burn.
Your turkey is now ready for oven air frying!
Oven Air Fry Time and Temperature
When air frying a turkey in the oven, use these guidelines:
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Temperature – Cook at 400°F to properly mimic air frying. This high heat cooks the turkey fast and crisps the skin.
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Time – Calculate 15-18 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey will take 3-3.5 hours. For just breasts, cook 18-20 minutes per lb.
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Flip halfway – Rotate the turkey halfway during cooking for even browning and cooking.
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Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches 165°F at the thighs.
Adjust cook times as needed based on the size of your turkey and your oven’s capabilities.
Oven Air Fried Turkey Safety Tips
Take these precautions for a safely cooked oven air fried turkey:
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No stuffing inside – Cook stuffing separately to prevent bacterial growth.
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Use a thermometer – Insert it in the innermost thigh to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F.
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Don’t defrost at room temp – Defrost thawed turkeys in the fridge, not on the counter.
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Cook within 2 days – Cook thawed turkeys within 1-2 days for food safety.
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Wash hands and utensils – Prevent cross-contamination with proper sanitization.
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Store leftovers promptly – Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Get Perfectly Air Fried Results Every Time
Follow this straightforward oven air fry turkey method and you’ll get rave reviews every holiday! Juicy, tender meat with golden crispy skin in way less time than the traditional oven roast.
The key is using high heat to mimic an air fryer. Rely on an instant-read thermometer to eliminate any guesswork on doneness. Always follow proper thawing, handling and storage guidelines.
Now that you know how to perfectly air fry a turkey in the oven, you can enjoy hassle-free holidays ahead! Impress your guests with your culinary skills using this simple oven “hack”.
Whole Turkey: 6
Turkey Breast: 3
Air Fryer Oven: 9
Traditional Oven: 2
Crispy Skin: 2
Juicy Meat: 2
High Heat: 2
Instant-read Thermometer: 1
Food Safety: 1
Frigidaire Gallery
Known for their time-saving features, Frigidaire Gallery appliances also deliver a luxe appearance to exude both beauty and brains. Kitchen ranges with Air Fry tech are available in classic stainless steel and black stainless, boasting both freestanding and built-in installations—in case you’re looking for a cost-effective option or vying for a flush-inset kitchen design, respectively.
In addition to offering electric and gas options, Frigidaire Gallery’s Air Fry line includes induction stovetops so that you can quickly prepare all the Thanksgiving staples, including cranberry sauce, creamy gravy, and garlic mashed potatoes, before you hear the first doorbell ring.
If you’re partial to wall ovens, this brand manufactured electric double- and single-oven configurations (FGET3069UF and FGEW3069UF) with you in mind.
Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey with Air Fry (Recipe)
As promised, here is our favorite recipe for the perfect holiday turkey. Put your Air Fry oven setting to work, and take heed to the following ingredient quantities and directions:
Can you cook a TURKEY in an AIR FRYER?
FAQ
How long does it take to air fry a turkey in an oven?
Place the turkey inside your air-frying oven and roast at 350 degrees for 2½ to 3 hours.Oct 27, 2020
How do you air fry in the oven?
To ensure that you achieve similar levels of crispiness as you would with an air fryer, use a perforated tray or basket to allow the hot air to circulate thoroughly on the entire food surface. If you don’t have a perforated tray or basket, use a dark or nonstick tray with low sides, or an oven-safe cooling rack.
Is it better to bake or air fry a turkey?
Roast your turkey in the air fryer = big savings on energy bills. It is estimated that the air fryer can be as much as 50% less expensive to run than the oven.
How to air fry a turkey in a LG oven?
Coat the turkey with the mayonnaise mixture and be sure to get under the skin. Place turkey into a preheated 360° air fryer for 15 minutes and flip it every 15 minutes until your turkey reaches a temperature of 165° (for my 3 pound turkey it took 45 minutes) Rest the turkey for 10 minutes before slicing then serve.
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?
How do you cook a turkey breast in an air fryer?
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned turkey breast-side up into the air fryer basket. Make sure that it fits comfortably and is not too cramped. If needed, you can remove the oven rack from the air fryer to create more space. Close the air fryer and set the timer to cook the turkey.
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.
Is air frying a Turkey better than deep frying?
Time-Saving: Cooking a turkey in an air fryer oven is significantly quicker than using a traditional oven. The hot air circulation technology ensures even cooking and reduces cooking time by up to 25%. Healthy Option: Air frying requires minimal oil compared to deep-frying, making it a healthier alternative.
How long does it take to air Fry a Turkey?
Rosemary, thyme and sage are perfect for turkey. You can also rub olive oil or butter under the skin to keep the meat extra moist as it cooks. One of the best things about air frying turkey is how quickly it cooks compared to the oven. As a general rule of thumb, plan on cooking time of approximately 30 minutes per pound.
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).