Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Bone-in turkey breast rubbed with herb butter and air fried to golden, juicy perfection without heating the whole oven.
air-fryer Timer
Set for 50 mins @ 360°F (182°C) (Flip at 25m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 6 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Pat a 3-4 lb bone-in turkey breast dry. Mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and smoked paprika.
Rub herb butter all over and under the skin. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Air fry breast-side down at 360°F for 25 minutes, then flip breast-side up for 25 more minutes.
Turkey is done when internal temp reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
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.
Use softened butter, not melted. Softened butter holds the herbs in place and stays where you rub it instead of running off.
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.
Getting butter under the skin bastes the meat from the inside as it cooks, keeping the breast incredibly moist.
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.
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.
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.
Resting is not optional. Cutting too early lets all the juices run out onto the board instead of staying in the meat.
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.
Slice thin and serve with gravy for dipping. Turkey breast is naturally mild, so most kids love it as-is.
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Steamed green beans with butter
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.