Air-Fryer Turkey Breast

Remove the guesswork this Thanksgiving, and make this easy and straightforward Air-Fryer Turkey Breast!

Anyone who knows me can tell you that I absolutely love the holidays, and I don’t just mean Christmas; I love all holidays, from the Fourth of July to Diwali, and the Day of the Dead to Thanksgiving, there is no holiday I do not love!

However, certain traditions are so closely tied to specific holidays that people rarely think of doing them at any other time of year. One such tradition is cooking turkey for Thanksgiving. Is it because roasting a turkey is such a labor-intensive process that takes hours to complete? Or do the turkey populations across America need a full twelve months to be replenished for the next feast?

I’m not a huge fan of preparing a full turkey every Thanksgiving, and every year I wonder if there is an easier way to achieve succulent, tender turkey meat without all the fuss. Then, as if the heavens had heard me, I realized I could probably prepare this notoriously tricky meat in my handy, dandy air fryer!

This air-fryer turkey breast recipe brings the juiciest turkey with crispy, golden skin straight to your plate with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for Thanksgiving or just craving some poultry perfection on a random Tuesday, this dish is a game-changer.

With the air fryer doing all the heavy lifting, there’s no need to worry about hours of oven time. Just set it, flip it, and let your trusty air fryer take care of the rest!

Is Air-Fryer Turkey Breast Healthy?

You bet! Turkey breast is naturally lean, packed with protein, and a great source of B vitamins and selenium. Using an air fryer instead of traditional frying slashes the need for extra oil, keeping things light while still giving you that irresistible crispiness. Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, and the minimal dry seasoning keeps unnecessary sugars and flavorings you’d find in store-bought rubs or marinades at bay.

Want to make this air-fryer turkey breast even healthier? Opt for a no-salt poultry seasoning or reduce the kosher salt if you’re watching your sodium intake. You can also pair this turkey with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. Pro tip: If you’re trying to cut back on fat, go skinless when serving the breast, though you’ll miss out on that glorious crunch.

How To Make Your Own Poultry Seasoning

Let’s talk poultry seasoning. Why make your own? For starters, store-bought blends can sneak in unnecessary sugars and extra sodium. Crafting your own allows you to customize the blend to your liking and control exactly what goes into it. Plus, it’s a cinch to whip up with pantry staples you probably already have.

The classic poultry seasoning mix includes sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. You can also include optional spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seeds.

Simply combine equal parts of these dried herbs (except the nutmeg, which only needs a tiny amount) in a spice grinder or a bowl. Store your DIY mix in an airtight jar, and you’ll have a fresh, aromatic seasoning ready to elevate not just turkey but chicken, stuffing, and even roasted veggies!

Serving Suggestions

The options are endless, but for me, Homemade Cranberry Sauce will always help bring out the bright flavors of this air-fryer turkey breast. I love to have it for leftovers the day after Thanksgiving, especially in a sandwich with Cauliflower Stuffing, some Mashed Potatoes, and some Green Bean Casserole crammed in. No judging! For something a little lighter, make an Avocado-Pesto Pasta Salad with Zucchini Noodles or this simple Pasta Salad for lunch and stir in chunks of air-fryer turkey breast before digging in.

Recipe