Air Fryer 3-Pound Turkey Breast
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 (3-pound) boneless turkey breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Turkey Breast:
Start by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the seasoning sticks well and promotes a crispy exterior.
Rub the turkey breast all over with the olive oil, making sure to coat it evenly. This helps the seasonings stick and keeps the meat juicy during cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
Air Fry the Turkey:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Place the seasoned turkey breast into the air fryer basket, skin-side up, to help achieve a crispy skin.
Air fry for 45-55 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. If your air fryer basket is too small, cook it in smaller portions. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Rest and Serve:
Remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices.
Slice the turkey breast into thin slices and serve immediately.
Pro Tips:
Avoid Overcooking: The air fryer can cook quickly, so keep an eye on your turkey and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F but doesn’t overcook and dry out.
Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, insert fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a few garlic cloves under the skin before air frying.
Crispy Skin: If you love crispy skin, increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F for the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. This will help the skin get extra crispy without overcooking the meat.
Basting for Moisture: Baste the turkey breast halfway through with melted butter or broth for added moisture and flavor.
Leftovers: Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes for great sandwiches or salads the next day.
Serving Suggestions:
Classic Sides: Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce for a complete meal.
Sandwiches: Use leftover turkey breast to make delicious sandwiches with fresh bread, a smear of cranberry sauce, and crisp lettuce.
Salads: Add sliced turkey breast to a fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette for a lighter meal. Air Fryer 3-Pound Turkey Breast