Air frying a whole turkey is a great way to cook a juicy and flavorful bird in a fraction of the time needed for traditional oven roasting. With an air fryer, you can have a fully cooked turkey dinner on the table in just 2-3 hours rather than 4-6 hours in a regular oven.
How Long Does it Take to Air Fry a Whole Turkey?
The exact air fryer turkey cooking time will depend on a few factors:
- Turkey size – A small 10-12 lb turkey will cook faster than a large 20 lb turkey.
- Air fryer capacity – Make sure your turkey fits and allow for air circulation.
- Temperature – Air frying at a higher temp of 400°F will be faster than lower temps like 350°F.
Taking these factors into account, here are some general turkey air frying times as a guide:
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 10-12 lbs | 2-2.5 hours |
| 12-14 lbs | 2.5-3 hours |
| 14-16 lbs | 3-3.5 hours |
| 18-20 lbs | 3.5-4 hours |
Keep in mind that the times above are approximate. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the turkey breast reaches 165°F and the thighs reach 175°F before removing it.
Tips for Air Frying a Whole Turkey
Follow these tips to ensure your air fried turkey turns out juicy, tender and full of flavor:
- Brine the turkey – Soaking in a saltwater brine ensures seasoned and moist meat.
- Pat turkey dry – This helps the skin get crispy in the air fryer.
- Rub with oil and seasonings – Coat all over with olive oil and sprinkle on garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme etc.
- Air fry at 400°F – The high heat crisps the skin nicely.
- Flip halfway – Rotating the turkey halfway through cooking evens out browning.
- Make pan drippings gravy – Simmer the juices from the air fryer basket to make a flavorful gravy.
Trussing the Turkey for Air Frying
Trussing brings the turkey legs and wings close to the body with kitchen string or twine. This serves a few purposes for air frying:
- Creates a more compact shape so the turkey fits in the air fryer basket.
- Allows the turkey to cook more evenly since the thickness is consistent.
- Helps the skin crisp up better and browner.
Here are the basic steps for trussing a turkey for air frying:
- Lay turkey breast side up on a work surface.
- Tuck the wings under the body so they stay close.
- Take a piece of twine and loop it around the ends of the drumsticks, pulling them close together.
- Flip turkey over and tie legs together with twine.
- Loop twine around the whole body to keep wings and legs in place.
Best Practices for Air Frying a Turkey
Follow these best practices when cooking a whole turkey in an air fryer:
- Completely thaw turkey in fridge 1-2 days before air frying.
- Remove giblets from the cavities before cooking.
- Separate drumsticks for more even cooking if needed.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook turkey breast side down first for juicier meat.
- Allow 10-15 minutes rest before carving.
Common Air Fryer Turkey Mistakes
It’s easy to end up with less than ideal results when air frying a turkey if you make some common mistakes like:
- Not checking internal temp – Always use a meat thermometer for doneness.
- Overcrowding – Leave space for air circulation in the basket.
- Not preheating – Preheating ensures proper crisping.
- Rubbing oil on skin too late – Oil skin before seasoning for optimal browning.
- Cooking too hot – Temps over 400°F can burn the outside before inside is done.
Making Leftover Air Fried Turkey Taste Good
Leftover turkey often dries out in the fridge but there are ways to keep your air fried turkey tasting delicious for days after:
- Carve turkey off the bone before refrigerating to prevent drying out.
- Portion turkey into shallow airtight containers for quick chilling.
- Pour juices from air fryer over turkey or keep turkey moist with gravy.
- Use within 3-4 days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave with broth.
- Shred or chop turkey to reheat in soups, casseroles, sandwiches etc.
Can You Air Fry a Turkey Breast?
You certainly can air fry just a turkey breast! This is a great option for smaller households. Here’s how long to air fry turkey breast:
- 2-3 lbs turkey breast – 60-80 minutes
- 4-6 lbs turkey breast – 80-100 minutes
Turkey breast has less fat than legs and wings, so be sure to brush with oil before air frying to prevent drying out. Baste occasionally and use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
Conclusion
Air frying makes cooking a juicy, delicious turkey easier than ever with cook times clocking in around 2-4 hours depending on size. For best results, remember to thaw completely, truss, rub with oil and seasonings, preheat air fryer, cook at 400°F flipping halfway, and always use a meat thermometer. Following proper techniques will reward you with a perfectly air fried turkey any day of the year.