How Long to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer for Perfectly Juicy Results

Cooking boneless turkey breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious and moist turkey meat anytime. With an air fryer, you can skip the hassle of roasting a whole turkey while still achieving tender, juicy results in a fraction of the time.

When using an air fryer to prepare turkey breast, proper cooking time is essential for safety and ideal texture Undercooking leaves the meat dry and underdone in the center while overcooking produces tough, stringy turkey Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to cook boneless turkey breast in the air fryer for perfect doneness every time.

Factors That Affect Air Fryer Turkey Breast Cook Times

Several key factors impact the cook times for boneless turkey breast in an air fryer:

• Turkey breast size – The general recommendation is to cook turkey breast for 18-20 minutes per pound. A 1-pound breast takes 18-20 minutes a 2-pound takes 36-40 minutes and so on.

• Boneless vs. bone-in – Boneless turkey cooks faster since the meat lays flatter and cooks more evenly. Bone-in takes a bit longer since the bone shields some of the meat.

• Breast shape – Evenly shaped breasts cook faster than irregular ones with very thick and thin parts.

• Air fryer wattage – Higher wattage air fryers will cook faster than lower wattage models. Check your manual.

• Altitude – Turkey cooks faster at lower altitudes. Add about 5 minutes if cooking above 3000 feet.

Cooking Frozen Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer

For quick and easy prep, many people opt to cook frozen boneless turkey breast in their air fryer. Here are some tips:

• Increase cook time by 50%. A 1-pound frozen breast takes 30 minutes instead of 20 minutes.

• Let the breast sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before cooking so the surface thaws slightly. This promotes even cooking.

• Spray or brush the breast with oil before seasoning and cooking for crisper skin.

• Verify doneness by checking the internal temp. Cook longer if needed until it reaches 165°F.

• Allow a few minutes for carryover cooking as the temp will keep rising after removal from the air fryer.

Checking Doneness of Turkey Breast

Monitoring temperature is the best way to confirm boneless turkey breast is fully cooked:

• Use an instant read thermometer to check the thickest part, avoiding any bones.

• Turkey breast is safe to eat at 165°F, according to USDA.

• If the breast registers 155°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest 5 minutes. The temp will coast to 165°F.

• Overcooked turkey over 170°F will be dry and tough. Under 150°F is undercooked.

These visual cues also indicate doneness:

• The meat easily pulls away from the bones (if bone-in).

• The juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

• The meat shows no traces of pink when sliced.

Average Air Fryer Cook Times

Based on the factors above, here are general air fryer cook times for boneless turkey breast:

• 1 pound – 18-22 minutes at 370°F

• 2 pounds – 36-44 minutes at 350°F

• 3 pounds – 55-65 minutes at 335°F

• 4 pounds – 70-85 minutes at 325°F

• 5 pounds – 85-100 minutes at 320°F

Always rely on an instant read thermometer rather than just cook time. Cook times vary based on the exact cut, shape, and thickness.

For the juiciest results, brine the turkey breast before cooking. A simple saltwater brine infuses flavor and moisture into the meat.

Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast Recipe

This straightforward recipe produces juicy, seasoned boneless turkey breast with crispy skin:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lb boneless, skin-on turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Brush all over with oil.
2. Sprinkle with seasonings and rub in.
3. Place breast in air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for estimated time based on weight.
4. Check temp after 85% of cook time. Finish cooking until 165°F.
5. Remove turkey from air fryer and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Monitor temperature and cook time closely based on the size and shape of your breast for ideal doneness.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Follow these tips for the most juicy, flavorful boneless turkey breast:

• Brine the breast overnight in a saltwater solution
• Pat very dry before cooking for crispy skin
• Rub the skin with oil or butter before seasoning
• Cook at lower temps (300-350°F) to prevent overcooking
• Use an instant read thermometer to verify doneness
• Allow to rest before slicing for juicier meat
• Slice across the grain for tenderest texture
• Save drippings to make gravy or sauce

With the right cook time based on weight and shape, boneless turkey breast makes for a quick and easy main course from the air fryer. Enjoy all the great flavor, moisture and crispy skin you love from oven roasting but with much shorter cook time. Monitor temperature closely and adjust time as needed for the very best results.