Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast

In the world of culinary delights, the quest for the perfect turkey dish never ends. Today, we are sharing a recipe that combines simplicity with the power of herbs to elevate the humble turkey breast to a gourmet level. The Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast is not just a recipe; it’s a journey towards creating a succulent, flavorful feast that promises to be the star of any dining table. This dish is perfect for those who cherish the essence of herbs and the convenience of air frying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients required to make this aromatic and tender turkey breast:

Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g), at room temperature. This will be the base for our herb butter.
Shallot: 1 small, minced. Shallots add a subtle depth that complements the herbs beautifully.
Dried Thyme, Sage, and Rosemary: 1 teaspoon of thyme and ½ teaspoon each of sage and rosemary. These herbs are the heart of the recipe, providing a classic and aromatic flavor.
Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon. It brings a mild, savory note that enhances the overall taste.
Kosher Salt and Pepper: ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper for seasoning.
Turkey Breast: 1 bone-in (4-5 pounds) with skin on. This will be our canvas for the herb butter masterpiece.

Directions: Step-by-Step to Perfection

The process of making this dish is as straightforward as it is rewarding. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect blend of flavor and texture:

Preparation of the Herb Butter: Start by mixing the room-temperature butter with the minced shallot, dried thyme, sage, rosemary, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse the turkey with moisture and a burst of flavors.
Preparing the Turkey Breast: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast without removing it. This step is crucial for ensuring that the herb butter generously coats the meat underneath the skin, locking in the flavors and moisture during cooking.
Applying the Herb Butter: Spread the herb butter mixture both underneath the skin and on the outside of the turkey breast. The butter will melt during cooking, bathing the turkey in its rich, aromatic juices.
Air Frying to Perfection: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket and cook, turning every 15 minutes, to ensure even cooking. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which signifies that the turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the turkey breast to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every slice is moist and flavorful.

Cooking Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: This recipe yields about 8 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings.
Calories: Each serving contains approximately 365 kcal, making it a delicious and guilt-free centerpiece for your meal.

Final Thoughts

The Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of cooking. With its crisp skin, moist interior, and herbaceous aroma, it promises to satisfy the palates of both the health-conscious and the flavor-seekers. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!