Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

I absolutely love how this air fryer turkey breast recipe turns out every single time. The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer while the meat stays tender and juicy inside—it’s like roasting a turkey but way faster and without heating up your whole kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for a simple weeknight dinner or a small holiday gathering, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how foolproof it is. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated steps, and the turkey breast comes out perfectly cooked with a mouthwatering seasoning blend. If you’re curious about an easy way to get moist, flavorful turkey without the stress, this Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe is definitely worth giving a shot!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe, a handful of simple ingredients come together to create juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy skin. I always recommend using fresh or high-quality poultry seasoning if you can find it, because it really brings out the best flavors.

• Turkey breast (on the bone with skin): The bone helps keep the meat moist, and the skin crisps up wonderfully in the air fryer.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives that golden, crispy texture to the skin.
• Kosher salt: You’ll want a coarse salt for even seasoning and better flavor absorption.
• Dry turkey or poultry seasoning: I use Bell’s brand because it has no added salt, which lets me control the saltiness more easily.

Variations

I love encouraging friends to make this recipe their own. You can easily play around with different herbs, add citrus zest, or switch up the seasoning blend to fit your taste or dietary needs. That’s part of the fun—making it feel like your very own kitchen creation!

• Lemon Herb Twist: Adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest to the seasoning gave it a bright, fresh flavor that my family couldn’t get enough of.
• Spicy Kick: I once added smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne for a smoky heat that worked beautifully with the crispy skin.
• Salt-Free Version: If you’re watching sodium, simply skip the kosher salt and rely on salt-free poultry seasoning to keep it flavorful without extra salt.

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Turkey Breast

Start by patting your 4-pound turkey breast dry with paper towels—dry skin = crispier results. Then rub half a tablespoon of olive oil all over the turkey. Sprinkle kosher salt and your chosen poultry seasoning evenly on both sides. After seasoning, rub the remaining olive oil over the skin side to lock in moisture and help the skin brown beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 2: Cook Skin Side Down

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (about 175°C). Place the turkey breast skin side down—it’s a trick I learned that helps the underside crisp up nicely. Cook it this way for 20 minutes so the fat starts rendering out and the skin gets golden.

Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking

After the initial cook, flip the turkey breast skin side up. Continue cooking at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which usually takes between 30 to 40 more minutes depending on your air fryer and turkey breast size. I always use an instant-read thermometer here—trust me, it’s the easiest way to perfect juicy turkey every time.

Step 4: Let it Rest Before Carving

Once the turkey hits 160°F, remove it promptly and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, so when you carve it, the meat stays tender and moist instead of drying out. This is a step you don’t want to skip!

How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my turkey with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves—they add a pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up. These simple touches make the plate look inviting without overpowering the turkey’s flavor.

Side Dishes

My go-to side dishes with this air fryer turkey breast are roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, and a fresh green salad. These pairings are classic and comforting, balancing the richness of the turkey with bright, fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I served the turkey breast sliced on a platter surrounded by colorful roasted root vegetables and fresh herbs—everyone loved the display. Another time, I layered slices of turkey breast on toasted ciabatta rolls with cranberry mayo for a fun twist that felt totally festive yet casual.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover turkey in airtight containers in the fridge, which keeps it moist for up to 3-4 days. For best results, slice the turkey before storing so you can grab portions easily for quick meals or sandwiches.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I wrap sliced turkey breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

I like reheating slices gently in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture, but for the crispiest skin, popping small portions in the air fryer at 300°F for a few minutes refreshes the texture beautifully without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when I want succulent turkey without the fuss of a whole bird or long cooking times. I love sharing it with friends because it’s approachable, delivers remarkable flavor, and feels special yet effortless all at once. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the crispy skin and tender meat just as much as my family does!

Print