Making turkey breast in the air fryer is so easy. I love roasted turkey, but we seem to only have it as a holiday meal. I look forward to making the big meal each year, and knowing we will have leftover turkey. Although, I don’t have the hours to roast a turkey, even a small one for dinner. But with a cooking time under an hour, I feel like we can enjoy turkey breast as a weekly recipe. And this boneless breast, comes out with the most perfect brown skin and tender meat. CLICK HERE to grab the BEGINNERS BOOK of recipes for the Air Fryer!!

What you need to make turkey breast in the air fryer

Even if you don’t have a larger air fryer, this turkey breast fit in my Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer and my Instant Pot 6 quart Vortex air fryer.  The baskets are around 8 inches in diameter and could easily hand this small turkey.  Using fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage is always my first choice. But if I don’t have fresh herbs available, I use McCormick’s for almost all of my dried herbs and spices.  Find this recipe along with over 35 others for the ULTIMATE list of Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes. To make this recipe, besides an air fryer, you will need:

boneless turkey breastunsalted butter, meltedsaltthymerosemarysageblack pepper

I also recommend a digital meat thermometer. It really takes the guessing out of most air fryer recipes, and ensures your meat is cooked properly by accurately reading internal temperature.  

How to make air fryer turkey breast

To make this a juicy turkey breast, with crispy skin, and full of flavor,  I begin with an herb butter. Grab a small bowl and melt the butter. Then, combine the herbs and spices with the melted butter, stirring together.  Pat the breast dry with a paper towel. Then brush the top and bottom turkey skin with the herb butter mixture. Be sure to completely coat the turkey on both sides. Next, place the turkey in the air fryer basket, or on a baking tray and place in the air fryer. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit , with a cook time of 30 minutes on each side. The outside will become golden brown, but confirm doneness with a digital thermometer. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.  Let the turkey breast rest for about 5 minutes before carving.  One side note about seasoning this turkey breast, is that there are so many options of flavorings. You can add garlic powder, and of course, use more or less of other seasonings to your taste. 

What can I serve with turkey breast?

Turkey breast is great with air fryer potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more!

What is the boneless turkey breast ratio per person? 

A good rule of thumb for servings, is to figure about ½ a pound per person. If the turkey breast is bone-in, then figure one pound per person. I usually try to find a 3 to 5 pound turkey breast, which is all that will fit in my basket.

How should I store leftover turkey breast?

To save leftovers, keep the turkey breast stored in an air tight container for 3-5 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. You can also reheat the breast meat with a few tablespoons of chicken stock and fresh herbed butter to help keep it moist. 

Why make an air fried turkey breast?

You can make this easy dinner as a weeknight meal, or as a holiday meal for just a few people. Air frying turkey breast frees up precious oven space too.  You can choose to do bone-in or boneless turkey breast.  I have used Jenni-O’s turkey breast from a package, making for an even easier dinner.   Click Here to Get the Top Ten Air Fryer Questions Answered MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:

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