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Learn how to make an Air Fryer Turkey Breast with this simple & easy recipe tutorial! Make a seasoned turkey breast in a fraction of the time with this easy air fryer method and only a few ingredients. Boneless turkey breast with crispy skin is a great option for a smaller Thanksgiving crowd or for an easy weeknight dinner for the family.

For another turkey breast dinner recipe be sure and check out this very popular recipe for Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Breast.

A sliced turkey breast with rosemary and cranberries around it.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

Free up precious oven space for the upcoming holidays and make a turkey breast in the air fryer with my easy-to-follow recipe tutorial with lots of tips! It takes less time than a whole turkey breast in the oven!

Air fryer turkey breast is a delicious choice for a holiday dinner (like Thanksgiving dinner) when you have a smaller crowd to feed, or if you just want to save the oven space. The best part is that it is also easy enough to make for dinner any night of the week.

Let’s learn how to make the best turkey with this air fryer method for a perfect turkey dinner.

A fork holding some turkey on it over a white plate.

Ingredients Needed & Substitution Ideas

  1. Boneless Turkey Breast : We used a 3 pound frozen boneless turkey breast (which was completely thawed) for this recipe. Be sure to leave the oven-safe mesh netting on the turkey while cooking. You will remove it before you carve the turkey. You can substitute the boneless breast with a bone-in turkey breast but your cooking time will vary based on the size of the turkey breast, and wether it’s bone-in and/or skin-on. Be sure to cook thoroughly until the correct internal temperature before consuming. 
  2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil : Helps creates a crispy exterior and a juicy turkey breast. 
  3. Poultry Seasoning, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper : Simple dried seasonings that help enhance the flavor of the entire turkey.
  4. Garlic Clove : For the best fresh flavor use a garlic clove that has been minced or pressed. You can also use chopped garlic from a jar or garlic paste. If you want to use all dried seasonings then substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for 1 garlic clove. 
  5. Fresh Rosemary Sprigs : This is an optional garnish but I highly recommend using it (which is why I have added it to the ingredient list). It’s used as a garnish for serving. 
Labeled ingredients

How To Make Tender Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Recipe Card Below)

Remove the turkey from the fridge and allow to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. If the turkey is frozen, make sure to let it thaw completely before making this recipe. You need to be using a thawed turkey to begin this recipe. 

In a small bowl combine the olive oil, poultry seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic clove with a whisk. 

Process images showing how to make this turkey recipe.

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Some air fryers don’t have the preheat option, so if yours doesn’t then skip this step. 

Rub the olive oil mixture all over the turkey breast to coat it thoroughly. 

Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes. Carefully flip the turkey breast and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. 

Process images showing how to make this turkey recipe.

Remove the turkey from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. 

Process images showing how to make this turkey recipe.

Cut the mesh netting off of the turkey breast and carve the turkey, garnish with rosemary sprigs or other fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Process images showing how to make this turkey recipe.
Process images showing how to make this turkey recipe.

How To Store Leftover Turkey Breast

You can store any leftover turkey inside the fridge, inside an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days. 

Process images showing how to make this turkey recipe.

Recipe Tips For Easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast

  • Use An Instant Read Thermometer or Meat Thermometer : The only way to ensure that the turkey is not overcooked, or undercooked, is to use a thermometer to check for the safe internal temperature. It needs to be at least 165 degrees F for safe consuming. 
  • Season The Turkey : The best way to get juicy meat and tender meat is to make sure that you thoroughly rub the olive oil seasoning blend on both sides of the turkey breast. This will also help achieve crispy skin too!
  • Dry The Turkey : After the turkey has sat at room temperature for 30 minutes, be sure to take paper towels and dab both sides of the turkey dry. This will help the oil blend stick and soak into the turkey. 
  • Use A Thawed Turkey Breast and Not Frozen : This recipe is not designed for a frozen turkey breast. If it is frozen, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for at least 24-48 hours before you plan to make the recipe. In addition, you will also need to plan for the 30 minutes for the turkey to sit out at room temperature. 
A plated cooked turkey breast with rosemary.

Serving Suggestions For Turkey Breast

This recipe makes for a delicious weeknight dinner when served alongside some Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes and some sort of vegetable like Slow Cooker Sweet Carrots and Honey Butter Skillet Corn. Be sure and serve it with your favorite gravy or cranberry sauce.

It’s also a Thanksgiving dinner favorite when served alongside all the classic side dishes like Cranberry FluffNo Mushroom Green Bean Casserole, and these buttery fluffy One Hour Rolls. Don’t forget dessert with my Pecan Cream Pie and this super crazy delicious Raspberry Cream Pie. To complete the Thanksgiving feast make this Citrus Cranberry Punch too.

Overhead picture of the turkey breast skin.

More Turkey Dinner Recipes

Inside of a boneless turkey breast on a white plate.

Air Fryer Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

A sliced turkey breast with rosemary and cranberries around it.
Together As Family Logo

Air Fryer Turkey Breast


Author Jessica – Together as Family
Course Air Fryer, Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 33 minutes
Servings 6
Learn how to make an Air Fryer Turkey Breast with this simple & easy recipe tutorial! Make a seasoned turkey breast in a fraction of the time with this easy air fryer method and only a few ingredients. Boneless turkey breast with crispy skin is a great option for a smaller Thanksgiving crowd or for an easy weeknight dinner for the family.

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pound boneless turkey breast
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove (minced or pressed)
  • fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prep : Remove the turkey from the fridge and allow to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
    * If the turkey is frozen, make sure to let it thaw completely before making this recipe. You need to be using a thawed turkey for the 30 minute time. Not frozen.
    3 pound boneless turkey breast
  • In a small bowl combine the olive oil, poultry seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic clove with a whisk. 
    3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 garlic clove
  • Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
    * Some air fryers don't have the preheat option, so if yours doesn't then skip this step. 
  • Rub the olive oil mixture all over the turkey breast to coat it thoroughly on both sides.
    * If the turkey breast has a mesh netting on it, leave it on as it's oven-safe and will help the turkey hold its shape while cooking.
  • Place the turkey breast, skin side down, into the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes. Carefully flip the turkey breast and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. 
  • Remove the turkey from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. 
  • Cut the mesh netting off of the turkey breast before carving and slicing. Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Enjoy!
    fresh rosemary sprigs

Notes

  • Use An Instant Read Thermometer or Meat Thermometer : The only way to ensure that the turkey is not overcooked, or undercooked, is to use a thermometer to check for the safe internal temperature. It needs to be at least 165 degrees F for safe consuming. 
  • Season The Turkey : The best way to get juicy meat and tender meat is to make sure that you thoroughly rub the olive oil seasoning blend on both sides of the turkey breast. This will also help achieve crispy skin too!
  • Dry The Turkey : After the turkey has sat at room temperature for 30 minutes, be sure to take paper towels and dab both sides of the turkey dry. This will help the oil blend stick and soak into the turkey. 
  • Use A Thawed Turkey Breast and Not Frozen : This recipe is not designed for a frozen turkey breast. If it is frozen, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for at least 24-48 hours before you plan to make the recipe. In addition, you will also need to plan for the 30 minutes for the turkey to sit out at room temperature. 

Nutrition

Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 1243mg | Potassium: 560mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

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