Planning a smaller Thanksgiving get-together? Boy, do I have the recipe for you! My air fryer turkey breast is quick, easy, and ridiculously tasty! I seasoned it with tasty Thanksgiving herbs, like sage, thyme, and rosemary, for that holiday flavor. It’s juicy, flavorful, and never dry!
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Turkey breast is so much easier to make than a whole bird, especially if you’re planning a smaller get-together. And the air fryer makes it even easier. My air fryer turkey breast is ready to eat in just about an hour– way less time than cooking a whole turkey. The seasoning is super simple and delicious, and it turns out juicy with perfectly crispy skin.
What’s in This Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe?
- Turkey Breast: I recommend a 3-pound boneless turkey breast for the best results. For a larger or smaller breast, follow the cooking recommendation of 15 minutes per pound.
- Oil: Helps the herbs stick to the turkey and helps the skin crisp up. I like olive oil for the rich flavor it imparts.
- Fresh Herbs: Sage, thyme, and rosemary add a fresh and herbal flavor to the turkey.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the turkey.
- Minced Dried Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the turkey.
- Salt + Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the turkey.
Tips for Success
- Let the herb oil sit for at least 15 minutes before rubbing it on the turkey to let the flavors develop. You can make it the day before and keep it covered in the fridge.
- The turkey breast should be at room temperature when you put it into the air fryer basket to cook. Take it out of the fridge about an hour before you want to cook it.
- Once cooked, place the breast on a chopping board and cover with foil for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will help to get it extra juicy.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also make this recipe in the oven instead. Rub the herb oil all over the breast and place it on a lined baking sheet. Cook it at 350°F for about 1 hour (20 minutes per pound).
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F air fryer for about 6 minutes, or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer turkey breast is an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving table. I like to serve it alongside other low-maintenance sides, like Instant Pot sweet potato casserole, crockpot green bean casserole, easy mashed potatoes, and make ahead turkey gravy.
All the Holiday Sides
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This holiday season be sure to check out our sides guide for all the recipes plus tips and tricks for entertaining.
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Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon minced dried onion
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, add olive oil, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to combine and allow the oil to rest.2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon minced dried onion, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Rub the herb oil on all sides of the turkey breast. Place the breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes.3 pounds boneless turkey breast
- Open the air fryer, carefully flip the turkey breast, and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Test the thickest part of the turkey with a meat thermometer, removing it when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cook an additional 3-6 minutes if necessary to reach 165°F.
- Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Video
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Air Fry a Turkey Breast Step by Step
Make the Rub: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh sage, 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of minced dried onion, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Whisk well to combine and allow the oil to rest.
Cook the Turkey: Rub the herb oil on all sides of a 3-pound boneless turkey breast. Place the breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes.
Flip the Turkey: Open the air fryer, carefully flip the turkey breast, and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Test the thickest part of the turkey with a meat thermometer, removing it when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cook an additional 3-6 minutes if necessary to reach 165°F.
Rest and Slice: Allow the turkey to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
