I’ve always loved the rich, juicy flavor of turkey, but cooking a whole bird can feel like too much effort for a smaller meal. That’s where this air fryer boneless turkey breast recipe saves the day—it delivers all the flavor of a holiday roast without the fuss. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
When I first tried making turkey breast in the air fryer, I was amazed at how tender and golden-brown it turned out. The skin crisps beautifully while the inside stays moist, and the seasoning creates that cozy, comforting flavor you’d expect from an oven roast. If you’re looking for a recipe that balances convenience with delicious results, this is one you’ll want to bookmark.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Boneless turkey breast: A boneless turkey breast is the star of this dish. It’s lean, cooks evenly in the air fryer, and makes slicing a breeze. Look for a breast around 2–3 pounds for the best balance of cooking time and portion size.
Olive oil: This helps lock in moisture and gives the turkey that beautiful golden-brown finish. It also helps the seasonings cling to the surface.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle, savory flavor that complements turkey without overpowering it. It’s the base of the seasoning blend and enhances every bite.
Paprika: A dash of paprika adds a mild smokiness and rich color. It’s one of those little touches that makes the turkey look as good as it tastes.
Dried thyme: This herb pairs perfectly with poultry. It brings an earthy, slightly minty note that makes the turkey taste warm and fragrant.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential. Salt enhances the natural flavor of the turkey, while freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients List
- 1 boneless turkey breast (2–3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast
Step 1: Prepare the turkey
Pat the boneless turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a crispy, golden crust in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season generously
Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, coating all sides. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over the turkey and rub it in to ensure even coverage.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking right from the start.
Step 4: Cook the turkey
Place the turkey breast skin side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 40–50 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey breast. Halfway through, check and rotate if needed to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Check for doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Step 6: Rest before slicing
Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Always use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- If your turkey breast is larger, add extra cooking time in 5-minute intervals.
- You can swap dried thyme for rosemary or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- For extra crispy skin, brush with a little melted butter before air frying.
- Don’t skip the resting period—cutting too soon will make the juices run out.
- If your air fryer is small, cook the turkey breast in halves for even results.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast instead?
Yes, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook. A bone-in breast may need an additional 15–20 minutes in the air fryer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the turkey breast, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the air fryer at 300°F until warmed through.
What can I serve with air fryer turkey breast?
It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Slice the turkey, wrap tightly in foil, and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.