Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Updated Oct 04, 2025
This air fryer turkey breast recipe is easy to make and has cooking time and instructions for both bone-in turkey breast and boneless turkey breast.
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Cook turkey breast in the air fryer!
A friend texted me the other day asking if you can make turkey in an air fryer, and yes, you definitely can. This air fryer turkey breast recipe is great when you don’t need a whole bird or are cooking for a smaller group. I added instructions for air frying both bone-in breasts and boneless breasts. Both are quick, easy, and come out juicy with crispy skin every time.
I still love the tradition of roasting a full turkey for Thanksgiving, but sometimes it’s just too much. This air fryer turkey breast has all the flavor of the classic seasoned with butter, garlic, herbs, and spices without the all-day commitment.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Ingredients
- Turkey breast: You can make either boneless or bone-in turkey breast in the air fryer. And you can use fresh or frozen turkey. If it’s frozen, make sure you thaw it thoroughly before cooking. If you prefer dark meat, you can use turkey thighs instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the weight.
- Butter: I recommend unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Read my tips on how to soften butter so it mixes with the seasonings and spreads onto the turkey easily.
- Garlic: Here’s how to mince garlic so it mixes into the butter well.
- Herbs: I use fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme. You could also use oregano, tarragon, or dill. If you use dried herbs, use half the amount listed in the recipe.
- Seasonings: Paprika (either sweet or smoky), salt, and pepper.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4–6 pound turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ tsp fresh sage chopped, about 5 leaves
- 1 ½ tsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the turkey breast from its packaging. Leave the netting on to help keep it together while cooking (for boneless). Place it in a large bowl and pat dry well with paper towels. Let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- If using a bone-in turkey with ribs attached, it's best to spatchcock the breast. Place the turkey breast side down and use a sharp chef's knife to score the sternum. Use your hands to press down on both sides to pop open the rib cage. Then, flip it over and press down firmly to flatten the breasts out.
- To a separate small bowl, add the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Spread the butter mixture evenly all over the turkey breast.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350ºF.
- For boneless turkey breast: Cook skin side down for 15 minutes. Flip the turkey breast over and continue air frying for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- For bone-in turkey breast: Cook skin side down for 30 minutes. Flip the turkey breast over and continue air frying for another 30–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Remove from the air fryer, tent with foil, and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment
Notes
- My Top Tip: Use a thermometer. A meat thermometer will tell you if your turkey breast is done or underdone without any guesswork. You want to cook it to at least 165ºF.
- Storage: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for a few minutes. It also tastes great cold!
- Freezing: Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe material or use a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the air fryer, or eat it cold.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Add citrus zest. Stir some grated lemon, orange, or lime zest into the butter mixture. Read my tips on how to zest citrus.
- Make a crispy crust. Mix breadcrumbs or crushed nuts with olive oil and press onto the turkey breast before air-frying.
- Use browned butter. You can swap the softened butter for cooled browned butter, which adds a nutty, caramelized flavor! To make browned butter, add it to a pan over medium heat and swirl the pan occasionally until the butter is foamy and golden brown.
Recipe Tips
- Use a thermometer. A meat thermometer will tell you if your turkey breast is done or underdone without any guesswork. You want to cook it to at least 165ºF.
- Tent it with foil. If the turkey breast is browning too quickly in the air fryer, tent it with foil. That way, it can continue to cook without the skin burning.
- Let it rest before slicing. This lets the meat absorb the juices so they don’t pool out of the turkey when you cut it.
Serving Ideas
- Gravy: Classic Turkey Gravy, Mushroom Gravy, Beef Gravy
- Potatoes: Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
- Sides: Cranberry Orange Sauce, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower Casserole
FAQs
Nope, it creates extra work and could possibly contaminate your sink. Patting it dry with paper towels is enough. The high temperature in the oven will cook off any bacteria that may be on the turkey.
Adjust the cook time per pound. It will take about 10 minutes per pound.
You don’t have to, but I highly recommend it. It will help the turkey breast cook faster and more evenly.
Comments
Tasted so delicious
So glad you liked it, Darli!