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Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast

by Victoria

If you’re craving perfectly cooked turkey breast but don’t want the hassle of roasting a whole bird, you’ll love this Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe. It’s one of those dishes that makes the holidays feel easy, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you tender, juicy turkey with that crave-worthy crispy skin. The best part? It’s a recipe that works whether it’s a festive meal or a cozy dinner for two!

Picture this: just a handful of seasonings, a quick prep, and a shorter cook time than you’d think. You’ll have that warm, savory turkey flavor without heating up the entire kitchen! Whether you’re short on time or just want an easier cleanup, this recipe lets you skip the hassle of traditional roasting while still delivering on flavor.

The air fryer locks in moisture and browns the outside beautifully, creating a perfect balance of tender meat and crisp, golden skin. Pair it with your favorite sides for a simple, satisfying meal that’s as close to effortless as it gets. Trust me, this will be your new go-to way to prepare turkey breast, no matter the season!


Recipe Rundown

This Air Fryer Turkey Breast is a game-changer, giving you that golden, juicy turkey flavor in less time and with less effort than traditional roasting. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful turkey breast that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners. Plus, the air fryer’s quick cooking time keeps the meat tender and the skin delightfully crispy.

The Family Favorite Story

I first whipped up this air fryer turkey breast when I wanted something festive but not a full-scale turkey ordeal. My family loved it so much that we’ve made it our “mini holiday” tradition! Now, even on a busy weeknight, I can bring those cozy, holiday vibes to the table in no time. It’s especially a hit when I’m pressed for time but want a special meal without fuss.


Why This Air Fryer Turkey Breast?

This recipe is everything you want in a turkey dish—moist, full of flavor, and ready in under an hour.

  • Quick and Simple: Just a few ingredients and about 30–40 minutes of cooking time.
  • Tender and Crispy: The air fryer’s magic keeps the turkey moist inside with a golden, crispy outside.
  • Holiday Feel Anytime: Perfect for smaller gatherings or whenever you’re craving a festive flavor without the effort of roasting a whole bird.

Tips

  • Season Well: Don’t be afraid to add extra seasoning if you prefer a bolder flavor.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your turkey is perfectly cooked without overcooking.
  • Resting Time: Resting after cooking keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Herbs: Swap thyme with rosemary, sage, or a combination for a different aromatic profile.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a bit of a kick.
  • Boneless Option: Use a boneless turkey breast and reduce the cooking time by 5–10 minutes, checking frequently.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Reduce Oil: Use a spray oil mist lightly if you want to lower the fat content.
  • Low Sodium: Use a salt substitute or reduce the amount of salt if you’re watching sodium intake.

Closing

And there you have it! Perfectly juicy, crispy, and so easy, this air fryer turkey breast will become your new favorite way to cook turkey. Be sure to try it with some of our other holiday-inspired sides, and let us know how it turned out!

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Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast


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  • Author: Victoria
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Description

If you’re craving perfectly cooked turkey breast but don’t want the hassle of roasting a whole bird, you’ll love this Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds boneless turkey breast
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Remove the turkey breast from the packaging, setting aside the gravy packet if included.
Place the turkey on a large plate, pat it dry with paper towels, and adjust the netting on the outside to make removal easier after cooking.
Do not remove the netting.
Preheat an air fryer to 360 degrees F. For easy cleanup, line the basket with foil.
In a small bowl, add olive oil, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to combine and allow the oil to rest.
Rub the herb oil on all sides of the turkey breast.
Place the breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes.
Open the air fryer, carefully flip the turkey breast, and cook for an additional 20-35 minutes.
Test the thickest part of the turkey with a meat thermometer, removing it when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Cook an additional 3-6 minutes if necessary to reach 165 degrees F.
Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before removing the netting and slicing.
Serve with the warmed gravy packet, if desired.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 75

Nutrition

  • Calories: 402
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 69g

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