The tenderloin, a boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast, is one of the most tender parts of a turkey. It’s favored by turkey connoisseurs because it can be cooked in so many different ways. The tenderloin is a staple in a variety of cuisines, which is a testament to its versatility.
Cooking the turkey tenderloin in an air fryer is an excellent idea, as its tenderness and juiciness will shine through when it’s done. Our turkey breast tenderloins come seasoned and pre-marinated, and you can add seasoning and spices to your preference.
Read on to see how to cook turkey tenderloin in an air fryer and for some serving suggestions!
Cooking turkey breast in an air fryer rotisserie is a great way to make this lean protein juicy, flavorful and easy. With an air fryer rotisserie, you don’t have to worry about basting or flipping the turkey – the hot air circulates around it evenly to cook it to perfection.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through every step of making deliciously juicy turkey breast in an air fryer rotisserie, from choosing the right cut of meat to serving techniques. Follow these tips and you’ll have a quick weeknight dinner ready in about an hour!
Benefits of Cooking Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer Rotisserie
Here are some of the reasons why an air fryer rotisserie is the best way to cook turkey breast
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Even cooking – The rotating basket moves the turkey breast around, allowing it to cook evenly from all sides. No more dry spots!
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Self basting – The turkey breast essentially bastes itself in its own juices as it rotates This keeps it incredibly moist and flavorful
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Perfectly browned exterior – The hot air circulating at high speeds browns and crisps up the skin beautifully
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Hands-free – Once you load up the rotisserie basket, the air fryer does all the work. No need to flip, rotate or baste the turkey manually.
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Faster cooking – The turkey breast cooks much faster than oven roasting. You can have juicy, tender meat ready in under an hour!
Choosing the Right Turkey Breast
While you can use a whole bone-in or boneless turkey breast, I prefer using boneless turkey breast halves for the air fryer rotisserie. Here’s why:
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They are uniform in thickness so cook evenly.
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Take less time to cook than bone-in.
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Easy to find in stores.
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Simple to slice and serve.
Look for turkey breast halves that are around 2-3 lbs. Anything larger may not fit in the air fryer basket properly.
Ingredients
- 2-3 lb boneless, skin-on turkey breast half
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Easy Step-by-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for foolproof juicy turkey breast every time.
Step 1: Pat the Turkey Breast Dry
Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin.
Step 2: Apply a Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder. Generously coat the turkey breast with this dry rub on all sides.
Step 3: Refrigerate for 30 Minutes
Let the rubbed turkey breast rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer to 380°F
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. This high temperature helps sear and brown the turkey breast beautifully.
Step 5: Load Turkey Breast in Basket
Place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer rotisserie basket. Make sure it fits snugly and securely.
Step 6: Cook for 18-22 Minutes Per Pound
For a 3 lb turkey breast, cook at 380°F for 54-66 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once the internal temp reaches 165°F, remove turkey from the air fryer. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
And that’s it! Follow these simple steps and your air fryer will do the hard work of cooking you a perfectly juicy, tender turkey breast.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
Apply these tips to get the most out of your air fryer rotisserie turkey breast:
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Brine the turkey breast for 1-2 hours before cooking to make it extra juicy.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the temp – breast should reach 165°F.
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Let the cooked turkey rest before slicing to retain juices.
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Flip the breast halfway during cooking for even browning.
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Add a drip pan under the rotisserie basket to catch drippings.
Serving and Storage Tips
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Slice the turkey breast across the grain for tender meat.
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Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce for delicious flavor.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
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Store turkey breast for 3-4 days in the fridge.
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Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven until 165°F.
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Freeze sliced turkey breast in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
Delicious Pairings for Turkey Breast
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving juicy turkey breast straight out of the air fryer. Here are some delicious pairings:
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Classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies.
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Fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
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Pasta salad with pesto or creamy dressing.
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Hearty whole grains like quinoa or barley.
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crusty rolls to soak up the tasty juices.
With an air fryer rotisserie, you can now enjoy incredibly moist and flavorful turkey breast any night of the week. Follow this guide for tips on choosing the right cut, seasoning, cooking times and temperature. In less than an hour, you’ll have a quick and healthy weeknight dinner ready for the whole family to enjoy.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH AIR FRYER TURKEY TENDERLOINS
Turkey breast tenderloins are an incredibly versatile protein. They can be served in a variety of dishes, including salads, entrees, and even on sandwiches. They can be cooked in relatively short order, with a cook time of 30 minutes or less. No wonder turkey tenderloins are a household staple.
If you’re looking for turkey breast tenderloin inspiration, here are a few great recipes to consider.
Air Fryer Turkey – Pampered Chef Air Fryer Rotisserie Turkey Breast [2020]
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast on a rotisserie?
Place turkey on rotisserie and cook over medium heat until instant read thermometer registers 155°F in thickest part of the breast, 2 to 3 hours.
How long do you cook a turkey breast in the air fryer?
In an air fryer preheated to 350 degrees F, the turkey breast should be done after about 38 minutes (20 minutes on one side, 18 minutes on the other).
Is the air fryer better than the oven for turkey breast?
I would say even dare to say that it tastes better than turkey roasted in the oven. Better yet, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven takes the cooking out of your hands and cooks a 4-pound breast in just 50 minutes. All you have to do is flip the breast halfway through cooking.