I still remember the first time I decided to put a whole turkey into my air fryer—it felt like a bold experiment, but the results completely won me over. Juicy meat, golden crispy skin, and all of it done in a fraction of the time compared to the oven. It’s the kind of cooking adventure that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Cooking a turkey usually means tying up the oven for hours, but with the air fryer, the process feels refreshingly simple and efficient. Not only does it cook evenly, but it also frees up precious oven space for all those delicious sides we love during the holidays. If you’ve been looking for a way to simplify your turkey-making without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is going to be a game-changer.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Whole Turkey: Choose a smaller bird that fits into your air fryer basket—usually 10–12 pounds or less. A fresh or fully thawed turkey is ideal for even cooking and best texture.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: This adds rich flavor and helps create that irresistible golden-brown skin. Olive oil gives a lighter, slightly fruity note, while butter adds a deeper richness.
Garlic Powder: A simple way to boost flavor without overpowering the turkey. Garlic powder blends smoothly into rubs, giving the turkey a savory base.
Onion Powder: It enhances the natural flavors of the meat with a mild sweetness that balances the seasoning.
Paprika: Besides lending a beautiful color to the skin, paprika adds a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with turkey.
Dried Thyme: This herb works beautifully with poultry, adding an earthy note that makes the turkey taste more complex.
Salt and Pepper: The essentials. Salt brings out the turkey’s natural juices, while freshly ground pepper adds a warm bite.
Chicken Broth (optional): A splash at the bottom of the air fryer basket can help keep the turkey extra moist while cooking.
Ingredients List
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 pounds, thawed)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Whole Turkey
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and ensures the skin crisps up beautifully. Make sure the turkey is fully thawed if it was frozen.
Step 2: Season the Bird
Rub the turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Massage this seasoning blend generously onto the entire turkey, including under the skin if possible.
Step 3: Preheat and Position
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey breast-side down into the basket to start. This positioning helps keep the breast meat juicy.
Step 4: Cook in Two Stages
Cook for about 45 minutes breast-side down, then carefully flip the turkey breast-side up. Continue cooking for another 45–60 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey. The skin should be golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the breast should read 165°F (74°C). If it’s not there yet, continue cooking in 10-minute increments.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once done, let the turkey rest for 15–20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps every slice tender.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Always check the size of your air fryer basket before buying your turkey—smaller turkeys work best.
- Use a digital meat thermometer for accuracy; it’s the best way to avoid overcooking.
- Tucking the wings under the turkey can prevent them from burning.
- For even more flavor, rub a little seasoning mix under the skin directly onto the meat.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have enough height, you can spatchcock (butterfly) the turkey to fit it in more easily.
- Don’t skip the resting time—this is what keeps the meat juicy.
FAQs
Can I cook a frozen turkey in the air fryer?
No, the turkey must be completely thawed to ensure it cooks evenly and safely.
What size turkey fits in an air fryer?
Most air fryers can handle up to a 12-pound turkey, but always measure your basket before purchasing.
How do I keep the turkey from drying out?
Rubbing with oil or butter, seasoning under the skin, and letting it rest after cooking are key to keeping it moist.
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Not necessarily, since the air fryer circulates hot air evenly. But you can brush on a little extra butter halfway through for extra golden skin.
Can I stuff the turkey?
It’s not recommended to stuff a turkey when using the air fryer, as it may prevent the inside from cooking properly.