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You can have this easy Roasted Air Fryer Turkey Breast on the table in less than an hour. Loaded with flavor, juicy and tender every time. Use boneless or bone-in turkey breast.
Enjoy this skin-on turkey breast dinner any night of the week in less time, with instructions to make it boneless or bone-in as well as oven instructions in case you don’t have an air fryer, I’ve got you covered 😉 .
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Boneless Turkey Breast
Air fryer boneless turkey breast is a main dish you can make without spending hours in the kitchen. Why wait until Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas?
Why You Will Love this Easy Recipe
- Boneless or Bone-in | For your convenience, I have included instructions for both bone-in and boneless breast meat.
- Quick Healthy Meal | High protein, low-carb and low-calorie, in about an, hour.
- Turkey Any Day | Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving. You can make this turkey breast in air fryer for Christmas or any day of the week.
If you love air fryer recipes like me, try these easy recipes; Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes to go along with your turkey and a side of Air Fryer Asparagus and maybe you also want some dark meat, try Air Fryer Turkey Thighs and these Air Fryer Turkey Legs.
Tips for Two
- Having a smaller Thanksgiving meal this year? This air fryer turkey breast recipe is perfect for two. And if you have leftovers, bonus! – I highly suggest making my Leftover Turkey Tacos. This makes an easy weeknight meal.
Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Bone-In or Boneless Turkey Breast in Air Fryer
- Bone-in Breast or Boneless Turkey Breast | Choose about a 3 pound boneless turkey breast or up to a 4 pound bone-in turkey breast. Just be sure either one you choose is thawed completely.
- Butter | When cooking a turkey breast or even a chicken breast, white meat can get dry. That is why I use softened butter to keep the bird moist, adding amazing flavor as well!
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper | Classic and essential seasonings
- Garlic Powder | Use garlic powder to blend with dried spices, or minced garlic if you want to use fresh garlic cloves.
- Herbs | This recipe calls for rosemary, thyme, and sage.
- Smoked Paprika | Not only does paprika add a rich flavor, but it helps the color of the turkey skin too!
- Nutmeg | I love freshly grated nutmeg. But you can use ground nutmeg.
Healthy Twist
- Air Fryer Method | The air fryer won’t dry your turkey out, causing additional basting with butter, oils, and juices.
How to Make Boneless Turkey Breast in Air Fryer
Start by preheating the air fryer to 360° F (182°C) and preparing the seasonings and the bird.
Fresh Tip
- Every air fryer heats and cooks slightly differently. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to determine the correct doneness of your air fryer turkey.
Step 1 | Prepare the Fresh Turkey Breast
To start, you will want your turkey to be at room temperature. So go ahead and take it out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit for approximately 30 to 60 minutes while you get the remainder of the recipe prepared.
Once the meat is room temp, remove it from the packaging, rinse and pat it down with paper towels inside and out to remove the excess moisture.
Step 2 | Spice Mixture
While the bird sits on the counter, you’ll have time to get the spice rub ingredients measured and into a small mixing bowl.
Then add the softened butter to the spices and mix it well.
Rub the herb butter mixture as much under the skin as you are able and leave a little bit to rub over the top of the skin as well.This works for both bone-in and boneless.
Step 3 | Cooking Turkey in the Air Fryer
Bone-in Turkey breast instructions:
Place the herb butter seasoned bone-in meat skin side up in a 360° F (182°C) preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, then turn and flip the breast. Continue air frying for 20 minutes or so* until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165° F.
Boneless Turkey Breast instructions:
Place the boneless butter-coated turkey breast in the air fryer for an hour, air frying 360° F (182°C). Rotate and turn the meat about every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165° F with your meat thermometer.
Cooking time will vary based on the size of your turkey breast and whether it is boneless or bone-in. Just make sure to use an accurate instant-read thermometer, making sure it reaches 165° F.
Step 4 | Turkey Rest Time
Once the turkey is all done in the air fryer, carefully remove it and set it on a cutting board. Tent the entire turkey breast with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Pro Tips
- If the boneless turkey breast you choose has a string net on it, that is alright. Leave it on and tuck that seasoning butter in as much as possible under the skin and all over.
- Dry the turkey well before you season it or the butter will not stick to it!
- Thaw a frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator for 2 days. If you need it faster, place the unopened turkey in a bath of cold water.
For more on thawing a turkey, check out my Turkey Thawing Guide here with free Turkey Guide Printable.
More great air fryer recipes you will love!
We love our air fryer! Try this air fryer barbecue chicken, or these pigs in blankets with three dipping sauces or this popular air fryer halibut.
Variations & Substitutions
Use your favorite seasonings like Chipotle or Creole seasonings!
Replace the butter with mayonnaise.
Try using fresh herbs instead of dried herbs.
Use your favorite: bone-in turkey breast or boneless turkey breast. Turkey breasts come in different sizes and shapes, so make sure to cook it to the correct temperature (165° F) — some larger breasts will take longer and some air fryers cook slightly differently.
Pro Tip if Using Countertop Air Fryer Oven
Storage Tips
For leftover turkey, store cooled, cooked turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze | Place cooled turkey breast in an airtight container, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
How to Reheat Turkey Breast without Drying it Out
Air Fryer Method | Set the air fryer to 325° F (165° C), and wrap desired turkey breast slices inside a foil pocket with a pat of butter or a little broth. Reheat for about 6-10 minutes, and turn the turkey meat halfway through.
Oven Method | Place the desired number of slices of turkey in an oven-safe baking dish, add a pat or two of butter or a little turkey or chicken broth, cover with foil. Reheat in a 325° F (165° C) oven for 20-35 minutes, depending on amount of turkey.
How to Roast Turkey Breast in the Oven
Maybe you haven’t bought an air fryer yet, you can still make this tender, juicy and flavorful turkey breast.
Preheat the oven to 450° F (230° C) and place a roasting rack in a roasting pan or a 9×13 inch pan. You might want to spray the rack with a little spray oil, I love Avocado oil — it’s great at high heat.
Place your herb butter rubbed turkey breast skin side up on the roasting rack and roast for 20 minutes. Then cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and roast another 30-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from oven, let rest, tented with foil for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Recommended Equipment to Air Fry Turkey Breast
- Turn yourInstant Potinto an air fryer with thisair fryer lid— one less appliance!
- Cosori Air Fryeris the next up, a dedicated air fryer with a larger square basket.
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer& Indoor Grill — a nice wide and easy to operate air fryer. What I made these French toast sticks in.
- My favoriteBreville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro(it does it all!), love, love this air fryer, countertop oven.
- Meat Thermometer| Invest in one, they come in so handy for turkey’s or grilling. Use aninstant read thermometeror aprobe style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook boneless turkey breast in air fryer?
Cook the boneless turkey breast (about 3 pounds) for about an hour in the air fryer, at 360° F, turning every 15 minutes.
How many people will a turkey breast recipe feed?
Most people will eat about ½-¾ of a pound. So, this recipe is perfect for 2- 4 people depending on their appetites.
Can you air fry a boneless turkey breast?
Yes! Follow the instructions in this easy recipe and you will have tender, juicy and not dried out turkey breast!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast
- Classic Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- Fall Harvest Salad or try this Harvest Wild Rice Salad
- Autumn Squash Soup
- Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin
- Potatoes au Gratin (Potatoes Dauphinoise)
- Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
- Southern-Style Green Beans
- Don’t forget the classic Pumpkin Custard Pie or this juicy Apple Pie Recipe.
More Turkey Recipes + Leftover Turkey Recipes
- Check out this post on How to Spatchco*ck a Turkey from Num’s the Word
- Easy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole (or leftover turkey)
- Easy Oven Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Healthy Leftover Turkey Recipes
- How to Make Gravy from Scratch {Turkey Giblet Gravy}
- Turkey Divan Recipe (or chicken)
- Best Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
Every air fryer heats a bit differently; use a meat thermometer to determine doneness. Remove the turkey when it reaches 160-165° F (it will continue cooking). Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Tent it with aluminum foil and allow the turkey to rest on a cutting board for 10-20 minutes, it will continue to cook, especially bone-in turkey breasts. It’s done once it reaches 165°F.
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Best Roasted Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe (Boneless or Bone-In)
You can have this easy Roasted Air Fryer Turkey Breast on the table in less than an hour. Loaded with flavor, juicy and tender every time. Use boneless or bone-in turkey breast.
4.97 from 27 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 6 -8 servings (about 2 slices)
Calories: 315kcal
Author: Kathleen Pope
Ingredients
Boneless or Bone-In Turkey Breast
- 3 pound boneless turkey breast thawed or 3-4 pound Bone-in Turkey Breast thawed
- 5 tablespoons butter softened, real butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon rosemary dried or 1 ½ teaspoons fresh, chopped
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried or 1 ½ teaspoons fresh, chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika regular or smoked
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg optional, but so good!
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
Bring turkey breast out and let it sit on the counter for 30-45 minutes before starting the process.
Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.
Remove turkey breast from the packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
Mix spices in a small bowl, then add softened butter, mixing well. Rub the mixture as much under the skin as you are able. Leave a little bit to rub over the top of the skin as well. On boneless turkey breasts, don't remove the netting, instead try and tuck the butter rub under skin where you can and lift and stretch netting to get as much under as possible.
Bone-In Turkey Breast
For bone-in turkey breast, place skin side up in air fryer basket and air fry for 20-25 minutes, then turn and flip and air fry an additional 20 minutes or so* until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165 degrees F.
*Cooking times will vary based on the size of your turkey breast; make sure to use an instant-read thermometer reads 165° F. If turkey is not at 160° F, continue cooking in air fryer at 10-minute intervals and take temperature, cover with aluminum if the skin browns too much. Larger turkey breasts will take longer.
Boneless Turkey Breast
Place coated boneless turkey breast in the air fryer for an hour, rotating and turning about every 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
Tent with foil if browning too much before it reaches the correct internal temperature. If needed, keep cooking in air fryer at 10 minute intervals, taking the temperature until it reaches 160-165° F. Larger turkey breasts will take longer.
Resting and Carving Instructions for Both Bone-In or Boneless Turkey Breast
Once your turkey breast reaches 160-165° F, remove either boneless or bone-in turkey breast and set on a cutting board, tenting with foil and allowing to rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
*Cooking times will vary based on the size of your turkey breast, just make sure to use a solid instant read thermometer making sure it reaches 165° F.
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.
Notes
Every air fryer heats a bit differently; remember to use a meat thermometer to determine doneness. Remove your turkey when it reaches 160° F (it will continue cooking) reaching 165°F for ideal juiciness.
Tent it with aluminum foil and allow the turkey to rest for 10-20 minutes, it will continue to cook, especially bone-in turkey breasts. It’s done once it reaches 165° F.
- If using a countertop oven air fryer such as aCuisinartorBreville, place the air fryer tray on a lower rack. Watch that it doesn’t brown too quickly, if necessary cover it with foil during last minutes of air frying.
Fresh Pro Tips
- If the boneless turkey breast you choose has a string net on it, that is alright. Leave it on and tuck that seasoning butter in as much as possible under the skin and all over.
- Dry the turkey well before you season it or the butter will not stick to it!
- Thaw a frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator for 2 days. If you need it faster, place the unopened turkey in a bath of cold water.
Storage Tips
- For leftover turkey, store cooled, cooked turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze | Place cooled turkey breast in an airtight container, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Air Fryer Reheat | Set the air fryer to 325° F, place desired turkey slices in foil packet, and reheat for 6-10 minutes, turning half way through.
- Oven Reheat | Preheat oven to 325° F (165° C), place slices in oven-safe dish, add a pat of butter or a tablespoon or two of broth, cover with foil, heat 20-35 minutes until warm.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use your favorite seasonings like Chipotle or Creole seasonings!
- Replace the butter with mayonnaise.
- Try using fresh herbs instead of dried herbs.
- Use your favorite; bone-in or boneless turkey breast. Turkey breasts come in different sizes and shapes, make sure it’s cooks to the correct temperature — some larger breasts will take longer and some air fryer’s cook slightly differently.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving (2 slices) | Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.4g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 930mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 428IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
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