How Long to Cook Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Cooking turkey breast in an air fryer is a game-changer for home cooks. The air fryer delivers tender, juicy meat with a crispy browned exterior in a fraction of the time of oven roasting.

I love using my air fryer to make turkey breast for weeknight dinners or holiday meals It’s so fast and easy, and the results are always delicious.

In this guide I’ll share everything you need to know about cooking turkey breast in an air fryer including

• Benefits of air frying turkey breast
• Factors that affect cook time
• Step-by-step instructions
• Cook time and temperature guidelines
• Tips for maximizing flavor and moisture
• How to tell when it’s done

Let’s get started!

Why Cook Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer?

Air frying turkey breast has some major advantages over oven roasting:

• Super fast cook time – Turkey breast can be done in as little as 40-50 minutes in an air fryer, compared to 2-3 hours in the oven.

• Moist and tender meat – The circulating hot air seals in moisture as it cooks. The turkey breast turns out incredibly juicy.

• Crispy browned skin – The hot air gives the turkey skin a wonderfully crispy texture.

• More flavor – Spices and seasoning get embedded deeply into the meat with air frying.

• Convenient – It frees up your oven for sides dishes and takes little effort.

• Versatile – Cook frozen turkey breast from the freezer or fresh. Perfect for weeknights or holidays.

For busy home cooks short on time, air frying makes cooking turkey breast so much easier.

Factors That Affect Turkey Breast Air Fryer Cook Time

The exact air fryer cook time depends on a few factors:

• Turkey breast size – A larger 3-4 lb breast will take longer than a 2 lb one.

• Bone-in or boneless – Boneless breasts cook faster. Bone-in may take 10-15 minutes longer.

• Frozen or thawed – Thawed turkey breast cooks much faster than frozen.

• Air fryer model – Cook times can vary slightly between different brands.

I’ll provide general cook time guidelines below, but checking with a meat thermometer is the best way to confirm doneness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Turkey Breast

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked air fryer turkey breast:

1. Thaw (if frozen)

For best results, thaw frozen turkey breast overnight in the fridge before air frying. Room temperature turkey will cook much faster.

You can cook frozen turkey breast in the air fryer, but it will take 50-100% longer.

2. Remove from packaging

Unwrap the turkey breast and discard any giblets, gravy packets or plastic ties. Pat it dry with paper towels.

3. Season the turkey breast (optional)

For flavorful turkey breast, coat all sides with olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Here are some ideas:

• Salt, pepper, poultry seasoning
• Rosemary, thyme, sage
• Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder
• Paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning

Rub the seasonings into the meat so they adhere nicely.

4. Preheat air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This helps the turkey brown faster.

5. Cook turkey breast

Place turkey breast in air fryer basket skin-side up. Set air fryer to 350°F and cook according to recommended cook times.

Flip breast halfway through cook time for even browning.

6. Check internal temperature

Turkey is safe to eat once internal temp reaches 165°F. Insert a meat thermometer in thickest part to check.

If under, cook longer and verify temp again.

7. Let rest 5-10 minutes

Once cooked, remove turkey breast and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute.

And you’re done! Now you can slice into tender, juicy air fried turkey breast.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Cook Time and Temperature Chart

Here are general guidelines for air frying turkey breast:

Turkey Breast Weight	Cook Time at 350°F
1 lb	25-35 minutes
2 lbs	35-45 minutes
3 lbs	45-60 minutes
4 lbs	55-70 minutes

• For bone-in breasts, add 15 minutes
• For frozen, increase cook time by 50%

Some key tips:

• Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cook to 165°F minimum.

• Smaller breasts under 2 lbs may cook faster than chart times.

• Adjust time as needed if turkey browns too quickly.

• Air fryers vary, so cook times are approximate.

5 Tips for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Follow these tips for moist, flavorful turkey breast with crispy browned skin:

1. Brine the turkey breast – Soaking in a saltwater brine ensures juicy meat.

2. Coat with oil – Lightly brushing with oil helps the skin get crispy.

3. Use a meat thermometer – This avoids overcooking.

4. Let rest before slicing – Resting allows juices to redistribute.

5. Cook at lower temp if browning too fast – Reducing air fryer temp to 325°F can help.

Brining, seasoning, and flipping midway through are easy ways to maximize the flavor and texture of your air fried turkey breast.

How to Tell When Turkey Breast is Done

Here are three ways to test air fryer turkey breast for doneness:

• Temperature – Insert thermometer into thickest part. Turkey is done at 165°F minimum.

• Color – The skin will be golden brown when fully cooked.

• Texture – Meat should be fork tender and juicy when thoroughly cooked.

Using an instant read thermometer is the most reliable doneness indicator.

Once your turkey breast reaches 165°F, remove it from the air fryer immediately to prevent overcooking.

The meat will continue cooking slightly as it rests.

Serving Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Turkey breast makes an easy protein option for all kinds of meals:

• Slice into cutlets for sandwiches or wraps

• Dice or shred for salads, tacos, casseroles

• Pair with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes

• Top with gravy or cranberry sauce

Slice your air fried turkey breast across the grain for tender pieces. Leftovers will keep well refrigerated for 4-5 days.

Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey Breast Every Time

Cooking turkey breast in the air fryer is an easy, fast way to enjoy deliciously moist and tender meat any night of the week.

Follow the guidelines in this article for air fryer temperature and times tailored to the size of your turkey breast.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to whip up flavorful, juicy turkey breast in your air fryer for family dinners, weeknight meals, and holiday feasts.