This simple air fryer turkey breast recipe creates super crispy skin with wonderfully tender and juicy meat! This recipe is perfect for Sunday dinner or if you’re having a smaller holiday gathering and don’t want to roast an entire turkey. The trick? Cook the turkey breast skin side down for 30 minutes, then flip it halfway through cooking to evenly crisp the skin.
I love the tradition of serving turkey for Thanksgiving and the holidays.
But unless I need to feed a small crowd, I don’t always want to go through the hassle of cooking a whole bird. That’s when I turn to my Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe!
The skin comes out crisp and evenly golden brown, while the meat stays juicy and tender. (Just like in these Air Fryer Chicken Legs.)
Air Fryer Bone-In Turkey Breast is delicious enough to enjoy as your main course, or you can use it in recipes like turkey salad, or cook it to have meat for sandwiches.
Either way, once you see how easy it is to prep and how delicious the final result is, it might become your new favorite holiday (or Tuesday night) tradition.
Looking for more holiday recipe ideas? Don't miss my air fryer stuffing, mascarpone mashed potatoes, Ninja Foodi green beans, and white chocolate bark.
Tips & Tricks
- Give the turkey enough time to defrost. You’ll want to allow about 1 day of thawing in the refrigerator for every 4 pounds.
- Apply the dry brine the night before to help draw the moisture out of the skin. The salt will permeate the fibers of the meat and result in juicier meat.
- Heat up the serving plate to 100°F to 120°F (depending on the type of plate) while the turkey is resting to keep the meat warm longer.
- Use an Instant Read Thermometer to determine when your turkey is done. A recipe will give you a good idea, but the cooking time will always vary depending on the size of the breast and type of air fryer. That’s why a thermometer is always your best bet.
- Make sure the bottom of the air fryer is clean so that as you’re cooking turkey breast in the air fryer, you can use it to collect any drippings for gravy. If you’re using an oven-style air fryer, put a tray below it.
- Make sure the top of the meat is below the top of the basket before you start cooking. Trying to force a to-big turkey into an air fryer is not a good idea.
- Want to mix things up? Rosemary, sage, poultry seasoning, and thyme all work well when you air fry turkey.
Let's Talk Food Saftey
The FDA recommends cooking turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. However, because the temperature will continue to rise about 5°F as the turkey rests, I like to take my turkey out at 160°F. This ensures it never ends up overcooked or dry.
How to Cook Turkey Breast In An Air Fryer
In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
Sprinkle the seasonings all over the turkey, then refrigerate for at least several hours, ideally overnight.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Brush the turkey with 2 tablespoons of butter.
Place the turkey skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes.
Flip, brush with any remaining butter, and cook for another 25 minutes to 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Note: Adjust the cooking time if you have a boneless turkey breast. Boneless turkey usually has a net on it and will take a bit longer per pound than bone in. You can chicken out this Ninja Foodi Grill Turkey recipe, which uses boneless turkey.
Tent the turkey with foil and allow it to rest for 30 to 50 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.
How To Carve a Turkey Breast
First, run your knife down both sides of the backbone to separate the breast. After that, slice from the top to the bottom of the breast so you can pull all of it away from the bone.
After that, you’re ready to slice and serve! Just make sure you’ve given the turkey plenty of time to rest so you won’t lose all those savory juices.
Juicy & Tender Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone-In)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 bone-in turkey breast 4 to 6 pounds
- ¼ cup butter melted and divided
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasonings all over the turkey. Ideally, refrigerated overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Brush with 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook skin side down for 30 minutes.
- Flip and brush with any remaining butter. Cook for another 25 to 45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
- Tent with foil and allow to rest for 30 to 50 minutes before serving.
Stan Adelman says
I followed your recipe for air fryer bone in turkey breast for Thanksgiving today. I must say that my family and I all loved it and I have to add that it was the best turkey I’ve ever eaten. Crispy and beautiful looking on the outside and so moist and juicy inside. I will be making my turkeys like this from now on. Thank you.
Deloris says
I'm 65 and new to air frying. Thanks for posting your recipes!
Yvette Neary says
Which model of Ninja Foodi Air Fryer did you use for this recipe? I have the Ninja Foodi Smart XL 6-in-one Grill but the 4 lb bone-in breast doesn't fit in it.
Wendy Polisi says
I love the Foodi Grill, but you are correct - it doesn't have the same capacity as many air fryers. I cooked this in my Ninja 10 in 1 Air Fryer Oven, but I've also made it in my Phillips XXL. I have a boneless turkey recipe for the Foodi Grill if that helps. https://wendypolisi.com/ninja-foodi-grill-turkey-breast/
Beverly says
I have the Ninja Foodi Pro Smart XL Grill and I am able to roast a 1/2 bone in turkey breast that turns out perfectly every time. I either buy the 1/2 breast or spatchcock a full one and freeze 1/2 for another time. I have not used the air crisp function. I season and oil under the skin and on top then place on the grill plate and select the roast function using the temp probe and "chicken" setting.
Wendy Polisi says
I love the Foodi grill. It is the perfect size for a 1/2 turkey breast. (Or a boneless one.)
Pat Pugliese says
Easy, great recipe. Quick and delicious dinner! I made this recipe several times.
Wendy Polisi says
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Linda Wyrick says
If I want to use traditional herbs, how is the best way to do that?
n.s. says
easy and delicious. I would cut back in the salt. I added rosemary and thyme. Will make again.
Farmer’s wife says
Easy recipe; great tips for success. Skin was crispy and meat was juicy. Thank you!
Wendy Polisi says
I am so glad you enjoyed it. Happy Thanksgiving!