Cooking turkey steaks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil. This makes air fryers an excellent choice for cooking leaner cuts of meat like turkey steaks.
When using an air fryer to cook turkey steaks, there are a few key factors that impact the total cooking time:
Thickness of the Turkey Steaks
The thickness of the turkey steaks is one of the biggest determinants of how long they will take to cook. Thinner steaks will cook faster than thicker steaks since heat has less meat to penetrate through. Most turkey steaks available at grocery stores range from 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick. Thinner 1/2 inch steaks may only need 7-9 minutes in an air fryer, while thicker 1 inch steaks may need 11-14 minutes.
Amount of Turkey Steaks
Cooking more turkey steaks at once will increase the overall cooking time. When the air fryer basket is packed with steaks, it will take longer for the hot air to properly circulate around each piece of meat. For best results, try to leave some space between steaks for air flow. You may need to increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes if cooking a full batch of steaks.
Temperature Setting
Higher temperatures will decrease cooking time, while lower temps will increase time. Most air fryers reach a maximum temperature of 400°F. Cooking turkey steaks between 380-400°F is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while fully cooking the interior. Lower temperatures around 350°F will result in a longer cooking time.
Brining
Soaking turkey steaks in a saltwater brine before air frying infuses flavor and prevents the lean meat from drying out. However, brined turkey steaks may take slightly longer to cook due to the extra moisture content. You may need to add 1-2 minutes onto the cooking time for brined steaks.
Doneness Preference
The final internal temperature you cook the turkey steaks to will also impact total cook time. The safe minimum temperature for fully cooked turkey is 165°F, but many people prefer pulling poultry off the heat around 155-160°F for a more tender, juicy texture. Cook times will need adjusting based on your desired final doneness.
Air Fryer Turkey Steak Cook Times
Taking all those factors into account, here are some general guidelines for how long to cook turkey steaks in an air fryer:
| Turkey Steak Thickness | Cook Time at 380°F |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 7-9 minutes |
| 3/4 inch | 9-11 minutes |
| 1 inch | 11-14 minutes |
For best results, flip the turkey steaks halfway through cooking. Also keep in mind that the times above are for fresh, raw turkey steaks. Frozen steaks will take at least 50% longer to reach food-safe temperatures. Monitoring the internal temperature using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm doneness.
Tips for Air Frying Turkey Steaks
Here are some additional tips for crispy, juicy air fryer turkey steaks:
Brush Steaks with Oil
Coating the turkey steaks with a light layer of oil helps promote browning and crisping in the air fryer. Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter work well.
Preheat Air Fryer Properly
Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding food. This allows the air to fully heat up for best results.
Use Meat Thermometer
An instant read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness. Test temperature in thickest part of steaks.
Allow Steaks to Rest
Letting the turkey steaks rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute for a juicier texture. The internal temp will rise a bit during this time.
Adjust Cook Time as Needed
The cook times above are guidelines, but temperatures and steak thickness can vary. Check for doneness early and adjust cook time up or down as needed.
Season Steaks Before and After
Season turkey steaks before air frying but also sprinkle with a little fresh salt and pepper after cooking for maximum flavor.
Use Wire Racks for Air Flow
Cooking turkey steaks on a wire rack fitted inside the air fryer basket promotes better air circulation.
Flip Steaks Halfway Through
Ensure even cooking by flipping turkey steaks over halfway during the air fryer cook time.
Sample Air Fryer Turkey Steak Recipe
To put all this info into action, here is a flavorful recipe for juicy garlic thyme turkey steaks using an air fryer:
Ingredients:
– 2 turkey breast steaks, 1 inch thick
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
1. Pat turkey steaks dry with paper towels and trim off any excess fat.
2. Make garlic thyme marinade by combining olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper in small bowl.
3. Place steaks in large zip top bag or baking dish. Pour marinade over top and turn to coat both sides. Marinate 15 minutes, flipping bag over halfway through.
4. Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Lightly grease fryer basket with oil or cooking spray.
5. Place marinated turkey steaks in single layer in fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
6. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping steaks halfway through. Turkey steaks are done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Conclusion
Cooking turkey steaks in an air fryer is a fast, healthy and easy process with foolproof results. Thinner steaks will be done in just 7-9 minutes while a full 1-inch cutlet takes 11-14 minutes at 380°F. Brushing the steaks lightly in oil, preheating the air fryer, flipping halfway through, and using a meat thermometer are keys to success. With the right cook time for your preferred thickness, seasonings and proper air fryer techniques, you can enjoy quick and delicious turkey steaks any night of the week.