Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Herbs

If you’re looking to simplify your holiday turkey preparation or just craving a turkey dinner without all the fuss, this Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe is the perfect solution. Using the air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process, but it also delivers incredibly juicy meat with a beautifully crisp skin. Seasoned with fresh herbs and a touch of Dijon mustard, this turkey breast has a depth of flavor that’s perfect for any festive meal. Plus, it’s an ideal size for a smaller gathering or a weeknight family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cooking a turkey breast in the air fryer gives you a perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful result in much less time than traditional roasting. This method is especially great if you want a quick yet impressive main dish with minimal clean-up. With fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme, this turkey breast is aromatic and deliciously savory. And if you’re in the mood to elevate it, serve it with a creamy mushroom gravy for an extra touch of comfort.

Ingredients

  • 1 (4-6 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, ribs removed* or 1 (3 lb) boneless roast
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Mushroom Gravy, optional for serving

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Turkey

  1. Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.
  2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help it crisp up in the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for at least 5 minutes. Preheating helps the turkey start cooking right away for an even, golden-brown finish.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

  1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
  2. Rub this herb mixture evenly over the entire turkey breast, coating it generously for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

  1. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. (If using a turkey breast with ribs still attached, see notes below.)
  2. Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the turkey breast over to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Step 5: Continue Cooking

  1. Continue cooking the turkey for an additional 30-50 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 155°F. Remember, the temperature will rise as it rests.
  2. Note: A boneless turkey breast with netting may take longer to cook than a bone-in turkey breast without netting.

Step 6: Rest and Carve

  1. Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a cutting board and cover it with foil.
  2. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
  3. To carve, slice along each side of the breastbone to remove the breast meat in large pieces, then cut crosswise into slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your air fryer turkey breast hot or at room temperature. Pair it with mushroom gravy for a classic, savory addition, or enjoy it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Recipe Notes

  • If Using Bone-In Turkey with Ribs Attached: Place the turkey in the air fryer breast-side down, and check for doneness with a thermometer in the thickest part.
  • Herb Substitutions: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half as dried herbs are more concentrated.
  • Storage Tip: Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s delicious in sandwiches, wraps, or salads!

Nutrition Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50-70 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Calories: 250 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 6 servings

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Turkey Breast with a blend of fresh herbs and Dijon mustard is a fantastic choice for any occasion, from holiday dinners to a comforting weeknight meal. The air fryer makes it so simple and efficient, yielding tender, flavorful meat with a crispy skin that’s sure to impress. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes and a cozy mushroom gravy for the ultimate meal experience.

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Air Fryer Turkey Breast


  • Author: Dulcia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

This Air Fryer Turkey Breast combines fresh herbs and a hint of Dijon to create a perfectly seasoned, juicy centerpiece for any holiday table. With a crispy skin and tender meat, this turkey breast is both flavorful and simple to prepare. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a golden, crisp exterior that pairs well with any side dish or gravy.


Ingredients

Scale

1 (4-6 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, ribs removed* or 1 (3 lb) boneless roast**
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Mushroom Gravy, optional for serving


Instructions

Prep the Turkey: Remove turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for at least 5 minutes.
Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, black pepper, and mustard. Rub the mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
Cook in Air Fryer: Place the turkey in the air fryer basket, skin-side down (see notes if using a turkey with ribs still attached). Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the turkey over.
Continue Cooking: Cook for an additional 30-50 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat reads 155°F (temperature will rise as it rests). Note: Boneless turkey breast with netting may take longer to cook than bone-in turkey breast without netting.
Rest and Carve: Transfer turkey to a cutting board and cover with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. To carve, slice along each side of the breastbone to remove breast meat in large pieces, then cut crosswise into slices.
Serve hot or at room temperature, with mushroom gravy if desired.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-70 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250
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