When it comes to getting juicy, perfectly seasoned turkey without the oven, the air fryer is my secret weapon. I’ve been air-frying since the early days, back when folks were still side-eyeing the idea. I can promise you this Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe works with little effort. Whether you’re using bone-in or boneless, it comes out golden, tender, and full of flavor every single time.
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If you can make Air Fryer Whole Chicken in the air fryer, then air fried turkey will be just as easy!
I love to make turkey breast using my Instant Pot or air fryer. Be sure to check out my Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe, too!
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Ingredients
- Turkey Breast Bone-in or boneless.
- Olive Oil
- Poultry Seasoning
- Ground Sage
- Thyme
- Salt and Pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prep the turkey breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, this is key for getting that golden, crispy skin. Drizzle olive oil all over, rubbing it in to make sure the seasoning sticks and the meat stays juicy.
- Season generously: In a small bowl, combine poultry seasoning, ground sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle that mix all over the turkey, front and back, and use your hands to work it into every inch. Don’t be shy, this is what builds big flavor.
- Air fry to perfection: Place the turkey breast skin-side up in the basket. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part. If the skin starts browning too fast, tent a piece of foil loosely over the top.
- Rest before slicing: Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This helps lock in all those flavorful juices so every slice stays tender.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice it up and serve with your favorite sides, whether it’s for a holiday spread or just a weeknight dinner, this turkey breast always comes out juicy, seasoned just right, and full of that homemade flavor.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone-in or Boneless)
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get my FREE Thanksgiving menu, exactly what I'm cooking, plus my tips for making it a stress-free meal seasoned to perfection. Let me do the planning for you!
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound turkey breast Bone-in or boneless.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rub the olive oil over both sides of the turkey breast. Sprinkle the seasonings onto both sides and rub them into the turkey.
- Place the turkey skin-side down in the air fryer. Air fry for 25 minutes on 350 degrees.
- Open the air fryer and flip the turkey. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. Test the thickest part of the turkey breast using a meat thermometer. Ensure the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Mine was finished right at 45 minutes of total cook time.
- Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe Tips
Use whatever fits your vibe, classic poultry seasoning, Cajun, lemon pepper, or my favorite: a mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of brown sugar. Keep it flavorful, not bland.
Cook the turkey breast at 350 degrees.
Ultimately, you will want to cook the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Cook the turkey skin-side down for 25 minutes. Flip it and then cook it for an additional 20-30 minutes. Mine was finished right at 45 minutes of total cook time.
These tips for slicing and carving up a turkey breast will work well for any poultry that needs slicing! So this isn't a skill you only need around the holidays.
Always wait 10-15 minutes before slicing into the turkey. If you slice it up too soon you are going to waste all of the juices that have been running wild inside that turkey! This will really dry out your turkey.
You will make your first cut right at the breast bone of the turkey. Find the breast bone and run your knife alongside, so swipe the meat away from the bone. You will have to follow the knife along the top and bottom to fully release.
Pull the meat away from the carcass. Now, slice the turkey into smaller pieces. I always slice against the grain of the meat. You can find more Tips on How to Carve a Turkey Breast here.
It’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If it’s frozen solid, the outside will overcook before the inside gets done. Let it thaw completely in the fridge before seasoning and air frying.
Absolutely! Both work beautifully in the air fryer. Bone-in gives you a little extra flavor and juiciness, while boneless cooks a bit faster and slices up neatly. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size and thickness of your breast.
You can if you want to, but you don’t have to. A simple olive oil rub and well-seasoned spice blend will still give you juicy, flavorful turkey. The air fryer locks in moisture beautifully.
If the skin is browning too quickly before the inside finishes cooking, you can tent it loosely with foil halfway through. But don’t start with foil, you want that skin to crisp up first.
Don’t skip the oil rub. It helps the seasoning stick and keeps the meat moist. Also, let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing so those juices settle back in.
Turkey breasts only usually don't make much in drippings. If yours does then yes, catch the drippings with something like foil and then use my Turkey Gravy from Drippings recipe. If not use my Yellow Gravy recipe.
The turkey will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can leave it sliced, or shred or dice it and place in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Leftover turkey is great to have on hand to toss on salads or to throw into soups!
Pair With These Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cornbread
Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread
Air Fryer Green Beans
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern Cornbread
Instant Pot Southern Green Beans
Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes
More Holiday and Thanksgiving Recipes
Air Fryer Ribs
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Breast
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Be sure to check out my post on 20 Quick and Easy Air Fryer Holiday Recipes.
Mary says
I just picked up one that my store had for 99 cents a lb but it weighs 6 lbs, do you think I will just have to cook longer or how do you think I need to adjust?
staysnatched says
You may need to adjust the timing. Use a meat thermometer and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
GatorMom says
I have an air fryer and an instant pot. I see you have recipes for both. Which do you prefer for making the turkey breast? This will be my first time making just a breast and not having to cook the whole thing in the oven!
staysnatched says
I’m a huge fan of crispy skin, so I like the air fryer better.
Joni says
You inspired me! I used a wet brine, then rubbed it with poultry seasoning and pepper, then put in in my air fryer and prayed! So sorry I don’t have a picture to post, as everyone grabbed slices before I could stop them! It was FANTASTIC! I will never roast a turkey in the oven again!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Ginette says
Merry Christmas to you! I had a two pound rolled, boneless, turkey breast. Done in 50 minutes. I also put a little water under the basket to keep it moist, and onced cooked, I used the liquid as a base for my gravy. My husband, who is not a big fan of turkey, loved it. I will definitely make this again.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I love what you did with the gravy.
Thomas says
Two years ago I bought an extra turkey (12lb) when they were on sale just before Thanksgiving, cut it into it's various parts and vacuum sealed them individually, throwing them in the freezer for later use..
For Christmas 2019 we went a little non-traditional and had beef short ribs as the main course (folks are a little burned out on turkey at Christmas). Not wanting to be completely without turkey I pulled a turkey breast out of the freezer to accompany the meal.
After thawing the vacuum bagged breast in room temp water for a few hours the breast was totally thawed. I cut a small slit in the bag and poured in a brine of 3 cups water, 4 Tbsp kosher salt and 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning (I didn't have any poultry seasoning). I placed this in the refrigerator overnight.
Just over an hour before sitting down for Christmas dinner I pulled the bag out of the refrigerator, patted the breast dry and followed your recipe (except again, I replaced the poultry seasoning with Creole seasoning because it's what I had on hand). The breast reached 160degrees in about 50 minutes.
Following a 15 minute rest I cut into the moistest turkey breast I've ever cooked. While the short ribs were appreciated, EVERYONE LOVED the turkey. Thank you!
staysnatched says
Wow! Sounds amazing! And thank you so much for sharing. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
gloria randall says
hello Brandi! i am a senior citizen and would like to purchase a bone-in half breast of turkey. do you know what stores on line sell for home delivery
staysnatched says
I would check Shipt and Instacart. They are grocery delivery services that work for local grocery stores.
Shauna says
Brandi’s recipe made my first turkey breast cooking experience seamless and far less terrifying than I thought it would be. The best was juicy with a crispy skin and done in less than an hour! Highly recommend.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you and the family enjoyed it.
Felicia says
You’ve outdone yourself with this one. I used that injector seasoning you posted and then followed your directions for air frying. It’s juicy, flavorful and the skin is crisp. Way better than roasting a turkey and much healthier than deep frying it. Now my non turkey eating family wants some but I don’t want to share. I lined up my menu with all of your leftover tips.
staysnatched says
haha I'm with you! No sharing.
Barbara B says
Hi!!! I made your recipe for the air fryer turkey breast for my family on Thanksgiving and although I only eat seafood, I must tell you that I was tempted to try a piece bc it looked so delicious!! My family said it was delicious!! Thanks for all that you do!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Jess says
Perfect weeknight meal for the family! Crispy,juicy,easy,and quick. What more could you ask for?
Tracy Hansen says
What injector do you use? I'm going to make a 3lb boneless turkey breast roast. We usually fry a turkey, but peanut oil is so expensive this year!
staysnatched says
tony chachere's
Precia says
So this was the winner!! We did 2 breasts this Thanksgiving. One in the air fryer and one in the oven. My boys make fun of my air fryer obsession and said it was just wrong as they saw me putting it in. But guess what!?! The only leftovers was the oven one because it wasn’t nearly as good and Brandi is awesome!! I don’t think we’ll do it any other way now. I feel like even when I’m messing with my own old recipes in the air fryer to see if it will work in there, I’ll reference one of Brandi’s that similar to get the cooking temps and times right. I am thankful for Brandi and Stay Snatched.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad it was a winner.
Rhoda says
Best turkey breast I ever had. My breast was 3.20 pounds. I cooked it for a total of 40 minutes. Juicy! crisp skin!
Really delicious.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad it turned out delicious!
Ashley says
We had a smaller crowd for thanksgiving this year and I knew I was going to try this recipe immediately! It was PERFECT! We used the marinade and Cajun seasoning from your Cajun Turkey recipe and it was amazing! We don’t even have leftovers!
staysnatched says
That's such a great way to prepare it!