Air frying a frozen turkey breast is a quick and easy way to cook a juicy and flavorful holiday centerpiece. With minimal preparation needed, air frying cuts down cooking time without sacrificing taste. Follow these simple steps for foolproof results.
What You’ll Need
- Frozen Butterball turkey breast (2-3 lbs)
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
- Seasonings of choice (salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, etc)
Make sure the turkey breast is completely frozen before cooking. Do not thaw. The frozen state helps the turkey cook evenly.
Seasonings like salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage and poultry seasoning are all great options. Get creative with your favorite herb and spice combos!
Instructions
- Take the frozen turkey breast out of the packaging. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Spray liberally all over with olive oil or avocado oil spray. Make sure to get underside and sides.
- Generously season with desired seasonings, pressing lightly so they adhere.
- Place breast in the air fryer basket. Make sure it sits flat. No need to flip.
- Air fry at 370°F for 40-60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Check temperature periodically by poking a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
- Once done, remove from air fryer and let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking time depends on the size of the breast, but plan for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound. So a 3 pound breast will take 36-45 minutes. Check the temperature periodically with a meat thermometer until it’s 165°F in the thickest part.
Tips for the Best Results
- Pat turkey completely dry before seasoning – this helps the seasoning stick better.
- Spray oil generously all over to promote browning.
- Use lots of seasoning -frozen turkey needs bold flavor.
- Air fry at a high temp (370°F) the entire time for crispy skin.
- Cook to 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Let rest before slicing to preserve juices.
Following these simple tips will ensure you get a beautifully browned, juicy and delicious air fried turkey breast every time. Your guests will be amazed at the crispy skin and succulent texture!
Flavor Variations
One of the best parts of air frying turkey is how easy it is to give it exciting new flavors. Here are some yummy seasoning combinations to try:
| Flavor | Seasoning Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Italian Herb | Dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, fennel seed |
| Spicy Southwestern | Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne |
| Lemon Pepper | Lemon zest, cracked black pepper, thyme |
| Jamaican Jerk | Jerk seasoning blend, allspice, garlic, brown sugar |
| Salsa | Cumin, chili powder, garlic, paprika, oregano |
| Cajun | Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic, oregano, thyme |
| Mediterranean | Oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest |
Get creative with spice rubs, herbs and zesty flavors to make each turkey breast unique. The air fryer seals in all that delicious flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Air fried turkey breast makes for a gorgeous main course, but also shines in these easy recipes:
- Sandwiches – Slice up the turkey and pile high on sandwich bread or rolls with cranberry sauce, gravy or savory fillings like bacon and goat cheese.
- Salads – Dice or shred the turkey and toss with greens, vegetables, nuts, cheese and tangy vinaigrettes.
- Turkey tacos – Chop or shred the turkey and mix with salsa, avocado and other taco toppings for an easy weeknight meal.
- Quesadillas or flatbreads – Dice the turkey and combine with cheese, onions, peppers and seasoning. Stuff in tortillas or flatbreads and cook until crisp.
- Omelets or breakfast bowls – Dice the turkey and add it to omelets, burrito bowls, hash or other breakfast dishes.
- Turkey pizza – Top homemade or store-bought pizza crust with turkey, veggies, cheese and sauce for a fun dinner.
Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. The cooked turkey can also be frozen in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
Common Questions
What size turkey breast should I buy?
For the air fryer, stick to turkey breasts in the 2-3 pound range. Anything larger may not fit properly in the air fryer basket. Smaller breasts under 2 pounds work as well.
Should I brine the turkey first?
Brining is not necessary when air frying turkey breasts, unlike whole turkeys. The high heat helps seal in moisture, so simple seasoning is all you need.
Can I stuff the turkey breast?
Stuffing turkey breasts before air frying is not recommended, as the stuffing will likely not cook through. Cook stuffing separately to enjoy alongside the sliced turkey.
Is air fried turkey healthy?
Air frying is one of the healthiest ways to cook turkey! With little or no oil required, air fried turkey breasts are much lower in fat and calories than deep fried or traditionally roasted turkey.
How long does air fried turkey last?
Properly stored leftovers will last 3-4 days refrigerated and 2-3 months in the freezer. Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving.
Conclusion
Air frying makes cooking juicy, flavorful turkey breasts so easy. With just a simple spray of oil and seasoning, you can enjoy deliciously crispy turkey in under an hour. Plus, it frees up your oven for sides and other dishes. Let your imagination run wild with different herb and spice rubs. Leftovers will become your new favorite sandwich and salad topping! Give this easy method a try this holiday season, or anytime you have a craving for turkey.