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Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Bone-in turkey breast rubbed with herb butter and air fried to golden, juicy perfection without heating the whole oven.

High proteinEasyServes 6
Cook temp
360°F
182°C · preheat
Total time
70 min
10 prep · 50 cook · 10 rest
Flip at
25 min
of 50 min cook
Pull at
165°F
USDA safe minimum
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Meal Instructions Kitchen · 29 Aug 2026 · Reviewed for USDA food safetyPrint card
Watch the technique7:09

Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone-In) - How To Make A Turkey Breast · Kelly's Cookin'
Kelly demonstrates prepping a bone-in turkey breast with seasoned butter and flipping it in the air fryer basket for crisp skin.

At A Glance // The Quick Brief
Fluff-Free Execution
  • Target //Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 1 hr 10 mins (flip at 25 mins).
  • Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 165°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 10 mins before slicing.
  • Golden Rule //This is Thanksgiving-quality turkey breast on a random Tuesday night. The air fryer gives you crispy skin and juicy meat in under an hour with no roasting pan cleanup.
  • Family Tweak //Slice thin and serve with gravy for dipping. Turkey breast is naturally mild, so most kids love it as-is.

Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pieceBone-In Turkey Breast, 3-4 lbs
  • 3 tbspButter, softened
  • 2 clovesGarlic, minced
  • 1 tspFresh Rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tspFresh Thyme, chopped
  • 1 tspFresh Sage, chopped
  • 1/2 tspSmoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tspKosher Salt
  • 1/4 tspBlack Pepper
  • 1 tspOlive Oil

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50:00

Get to the point

  1. 1

    Pat a 3-4 lb bone-in turkey breast dry. Mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and smoked paprika.

  2. 2

    Rub herb butter all over and under the skin. Season generously with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Air fry breast-side down at 360°F for 25 minutes, then flip breast-side up for 25 more minutes.

  4. 4

    Turkey is done when internal temp reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Critical flip markFlip at exactly 25 minutes.

Step by step

Tap a step to cross it off

  1. Make the Herb Butter

    Mix 3 tbsp softened butter with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp each chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

    Why

    Use softened butter, not melted. Softened butter holds the herbs in place and stays where you rub it instead of running off.

  2. Prep the Turkey

    Pat a 3-4 lb bone-in turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin from the meat with your fingers. Spread half the herb butter under the skin directly on the meat. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the skin. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil.

    Why

    Getting butter under the skin bastes the meat from the inside as it cooks, keeping the breast incredibly moist.

  3. Air Fry

    Place the turkey breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 25 minutes. Flip breast-side up and cook for another 25 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part.

    Why

    Starting breast-side down lets the juices run into the white meat during the first half, then flipping crisps the skin in the second half.

  4. Rest and Carve

    Remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. The internal temperature will rise another 5 degrees during resting. Carve against the grain into 1/2-inch slices.

    Why

    Resting is not optional. Cutting too early lets all the juices run out onto the board instead of staying in the meat.

Dad pro tip
This is Thanksgiving-quality turkey breast on a random Tuesday night. The air fryer gives you crispy skin and juicy meat in under an hour with no roasting pan cleanup.
Kid & toddler adjustment
Slice thin and serve with gravy for dipping. Turkey breast is naturally mild, so most kids love it as-is.
Serve with
Mashed potatoes and gravy · Cranberry sauce · Steamed green beans with butter
Reheating
Slice and reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Add a pat of butter on top to keep it moist.
Calories
290
Protein
44 g
Carbs
1 g
Fat
12 g

Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #171082. Cook-time basis: Tested in 6-qt basket air fryer at 360°F (182°C) with a 3.5 lb bone-in turkey breast. USDA FSIS 165°F target.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reheat leftover air fryer turkey breast without ruining the texture?

Slice and reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Add a pat of butter on top to keep it moist.

What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?

Confirm internal core temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.

How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?

Slice thin and serve with gravy for dipping. Turkey breast is naturally mild, so most kids love it as-is.

What are the best side dishes to serve with this?

Recommended sides include Mashed potatoes and gravy, Cranberry sauce, Steamed green beans with butter.

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