This Air fryer turkey breast recipe is perfectly seasoned and turns out juicy and tender; with an incredible top crust and crispy skin.
Prep Time
5minutes mins
Cook Time
40minutes mins
Total Time
45minutes mins
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American
Servings
6 servings
Calories
178 kcal
Ingredients
1x
2x
3x
1 Turkey breast 3-4 pounds. bone-in or boneless, with skin
2 Tablespoons Olive oil
1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dry rosemary
1 teaspoon dry thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary for garnish
4 sprins of fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Turkey Breast
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Rub with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray.
Using your hands or a food basting brush, brush the oil and seasoning mix all over the turkey breast
Season generously with your chosen spices. Try to reach under the skin, if possible. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
seasoned raw turkey breast
Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Cook the turkey. Place turkey breast onto the air fryer basket or tray skin side down. Airfry mode at 375F for 20 minutes. Open air fryer. Flip the turkey to the other side (skin side up) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73.9 °C), and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
turkey breast in air fryer
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes to retain juices. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
cut up turkey breast with crispy golden brown skin
Notes
If your turkey breast is 4 to 5 pounds, it may require more cooking time. After 35-40 minutes, cover it with aluminum foil (to prevent burning skin) and cook for an extra 10-15 minutes. Until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
I would like to suggest two of my favorite Variations
Garlic Butter Turkey: For extra richness, use garlic butter (mix butter with minced garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt) to coat the turkey breast before seasoning it. This adds a savory depth and helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
Sweet and Savory Turkey: For a more balanced flavor, mix in a little brown sugar or honey to your seasoning. This creates a sweet glaze that complements the savory turkey, especially if you’re adding a smoky element like paprika.
Should I brine the turkey breast?
Brining a turkey breast is totally up to you, but it can really make a difference if you want your turkey to be extra juicy and flavorful. Brining helps the meat absorb moisture, so it stays tender during cooking. It also infuses the turkey with all kinds of tasty flavors from the salt, sugar, and any spices or herbs you add to the brine. That said, if you’re short on time, you can skip the brine and still end up with a delicious turkey breast, especially if you season it well. So, if you have the time, go for it, but it’s not absolutely necessary to make a great meal. The recipe for the brine is inside the post.
Nutrition
Calories: 178kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 298mg
Potassium: 327mg
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 0.1g
Vitamin A: 119IU
Vitamin C: 0.1mg
Calcium: 21mg