This Air Fryer Turkey Breast is an easy, moist, flavor filled turkey breast that leaves your oven free for other recipes. Perfect for a small holiday meal, or even for a weeknight dinner!
Feeding a smaller crowd for Thanksgiving? You can also check out this Roast Turkey Breast with Herbed Butter if you have the oven space!
I love a good traditional Thanksgiving meal. Give me the turkey, the rolls, and all of the sides.
But what do you do if you you are feeding a smaller group? A turkey is a pretty big undertaking, and sometimes you just don’t need that much food.
And sometimes, you’d rather use the oven space on stuffing and pies.
That’s when this Air Fryer Turkey Breast comes in handy! A super easy recipe that is made in the air fryer, freeing up that oven space for the other recipes. And it’s the perfect size to feed 4-6 people.
Ingredients
Turkey Breast: I like to use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe simply because most bone-in breasts are too big to fit into an air fryer. Most boneless turkey breasts are 3-4 pounds, and this should fit in most air fryer baskets.
Mayonnaise: I like to use mayonnaise in this recipe because it really sticks to the turkey, and helps to keep it nice and moist. You can always use softened butter, but the mayonnaise really works well here!
Seasonings: You can get creative here and use different spices, or switch in some fresh herbs instead of all dried like I did. I use thyme, rosemary, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and the spices.
- Spread the mixture over the whole turkey in an even layer.
- Place the turkey in your air fryer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Turn the turkey over, and continue to cook until the thickest part of the turkey registers 165ºF on an instant read thermometer. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
Most boneless turkey breasts come wrapped in a netting. Mine in the picture above did not, but this was actually the first time I’ve found one that was not wrapped. If your turkey breast does have the netting, leave it on until after the turkey is cooked.
This is a recipe that you really want an instant read thermometer to check the doneness of the turkey. You don’t want a dry turkey, but you also don’t want a raw turkey. I have a thermometer that I got online that was inexpensive and has actually worked better than the more expensive one I bought in the past.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Leftovers can also be frozen! Place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
You can reheat the turkey in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. It may dry out a bit when reheating, so make sure you save some gravy to serve over it.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
The BEST Sweet Potato Casserole
Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage
Sausage Stuffing with Cranberries and Apples
Green Bean Casserole
Pumpkin Pie
Cranberry Sauce
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salt, thyme, rosemary, sage, poultry seasoning, and pepper.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the turkey breast on all sides.
- Place the turkey in the basket of your air fryer. Cook for 30 minutes at 350ºF. Turn the breast over, and continue to cook until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast registers 165ºF, about 30 more minutes.
- Remove the turkey from the air fryer basket and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Marie says
Still looking to purchase an air fryer. What brand do you recommend?
Deborah says
I haven’t done any sort of testing, but I have the Gourmia brand. I bought mine at Costco. I haven’t had any issues with it at all!