Forget the hours of roasting and basting! This juicy air fryer turkey breast recipe delivers all the flavor of a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, but in a fraction of the time and with way less effort. Perfect for smaller gatherings or those who simply want a more streamlined holiday meal, this air fryer method will become your new go-to.
Why Choose Air Fryer Turkey?
Let's face it, Thanksgiving dinner can be a bit… overwhelming. This method takes away a lot of the stress.
Time-Saving Convenience
Who wants to spend hours slaving over a hot oven? With an air fryer, your perfectly cooked turkey breast is ready in under an hour. Think of all the extra time you'll have to relax and catch up with loved ones (or, you know, sneak in an extra slice of pie).
Effortless Cooking
No more basting, no more worrying about dry meat. The air fryer does all the work for you, creating a beautifully browned, juicy turkey breast with minimal effort. Seriously, it’s almost too easy!
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Herb Butter
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
For the Turkey Breast
- 2 ¾ pounds skin-on, bone-in split turkey breast
Making the Herb Butter
This flavorful herb butter is the secret weapon for a truly delicious turkey breast. Combine the softened butter with the fresh rosemary, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash it all together until it’s well combined. Easy peasy!
Preparing the Turkey Breast
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Then, generously rub the herb butter all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin as well for maximum flavor.
Air Frying the Turkey Breast
Initial Cooking (Skin-Side Down)
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey breast skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 20 minutes.
Flipping and Finishing (Skin-Side Up)
Carefully flip the turkey breast over so that it's skin-side up. Continue cooking for another 18 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part near the bone registers 165°F (74°C).
Checking for Doneness
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your turkey breast is cooked to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, near the bone, but not touching it. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Resting and Serving
Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a platter and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Letting it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
What to Serve with Your Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Need some side dish inspiration? Here are a few quick and easy options:
Quick and Easy Side Dishes
Simple Broccolini
Roasted or sautéed broccolini is a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey.
Microwave Sweet Potato Chips
For a healthy and convenient side, try making sweet potato chips in the microwave. They're crispy, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
These glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness and tang to your meal. They’re easy to make and can be roasted alongside the turkey if you have a larger air fryer.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If your turkey breast is too large, you may need to cook it in batches. You can also adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your turkey breast. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoy your delicious and easy air fryer turkey breast! This Thanksgiving game-changer will make your holiday meal prep a breeze.
