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Crispy Air-Fried Turkey Breast with Lemon Pepper or Herb Rub

Air fried turkey breast is an excellent option for a healthy, flavorful lunch or dinner. This air fryer turkey breast cooks quickly and stays juicy—perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a simple family meal.

Air Fried Turkey Breast Recipe in the Air Fryer with Lemon Pepper or Herbs in a basket

Air Fried Turkey Breast Recipe

Making boneless turkey breast in the air fryer is fast, simple, and economical. When cooked correctly, the skin crisps nicely while the meat remains tender and juicy. An air-fried turkey breast is ideal for feeding a family and makes excellent leftovers for sandwiches. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a high-quality turkey dish without long oven times or expensive pre-made options.

Air Fried Turkey Breast Recipe in the Air Fryer with Lemon Pepper or Herbs on a plate

Video: Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

Best Air Fryer Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

An air-fried turkey breast is a great choice for a small Thanksgiving or holiday meal. A single breast serves two to three people, so it’s perfect for a compact celebration or when oven space is limited. The air fryer frees up oven capacity and shortens cooking time while delivering a moist, flavorful turkey. For small gatherings, this method keeps the meal simple and satisfying.

Fresh or Frozen?

Both fresh and previously frozen raw turkey breasts work well in the air fryer. Important points to remember:

  1. If using a frozen turkey breast, thaw it completely through the center before cooking to avoid undercooked meat.
  2. Choose a turkey breast size that fits comfortably in your air fryer. A piece that’s too large can sit too close to the heating element, risking over-browning on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
  3. After your first cook, you’ll have a better sense of the ideal breast size for your specific air fryer model.

Air Fried Turkey Breast Recipe in the Air Fryer with Lemon Pepper or Herbs on a plate

Air Fried Turkey Breast Recipe in the Air Fryer with Lemon Pepper or Herbs | @BestRecipeBox

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper or Herbed Turkey Breast

Yield:
6 Servings
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Based on a 3-pound deboned turkey breast (or 4 pounds bone-in). Keep the skin on when possible to help retain moisture during cooking. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds de-boned uncooked turkey breast *see recipe head note
  • 2 Tablespoons oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper or dried herb seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Instructions

  • Pat the turkey dry.
  • Combine oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon pepper or herbs, and salt in a bowl or plastic bag. Add the turkey and coat it completely. If possible, marinate 1–2 hours.
  • Lightly oil the air fryer basket. Remove the turkey from the marinade and place it skin-side down in the basket.
  • Air fry at 350°F for 25 minutes. Flip the turkey skin-side up and air fry another 25–35 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F. For bone-in breasts, add 5–10 minutes if needed.
  • Note: To prevent drying (especially for skinless breasts), spray the top and edges with a little oil a couple of times during cooking to help retain moisture.
  • Note on size: Some breasts come in multiple pieces or have a tenderloin attached. Smaller pieces cook faster. To create a whole-looking breast, tie pieces together with kitchen string before marinating.

Video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 400kcal,
Carbohydrates: 1g,
Protein: 50g,
Fat: 21g
(other values available in original nutrition panel)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Air Fryer
Calories: 400

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  • This recipe was originally published in 2019.