EASY & JUICY AIR FRYER TURKEY BREAST

Who says turkey is only for holidays? This air fryer turkey breast is simple, juicy, and perfect for any weeknight or small gathering.

I am SO excited about this air fryer turkey breast recipe! Honestly, it feels like such a fancy meal, but all you really did was cook it in the air fryer. That’s the magic, it’s simple, stress-free, and delivers perfect results every single time.

What makes this turkey extra special is the fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage bring the most amazing flavor that feels like a holiday feast any night of the week. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the kitchen! But don’t worry if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, I’ve got you covered with easy dried substitutions or even a shortcut using your favorite poultry seasoning blend.

This turkey is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that works for way more than just Thanksgiving. Make it for a cozy dinner, a small gathering, or even an upgraded midweek meal that feels special without the effort.

And because I know one size doesn’t fit all, I give you options for cooking a 1/4 turkey breast, a 1/2 turkey breast, or even a full turkey breast (if it fits in your air fryer). Once you try this, you’ll be looking for a reason to have it on repeat!

Don’t have an air fryer? Try our oven-roasted brined turkey breast recipe!

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

• Juicy: It turns out juicy and tender every time. No dry turkey here!
• Customizable: Fresh herbs make it feel like a holiday, but dried herbs or poultry seasoning work, too. Plus, we’re sharing how to make 1/4, 1/2, or a full turkey breast.
• Great for Many Occasions: This air fryer turkey breast is perfect for Thanksgiving, small gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: This recipe works with bone-in, boneless, skin-on, or skinless turkey breast.
• Effortless: Cooking turkey breast in the air fryer is easy! It cooks quicker in the air fryer than in the oven, and there is minimal prep work.

Ingredients Needed

• Turkey Breast: The base of this recipe is a turkey breast.
• Olive Oil: Rub olive oil on the turkey breast before adding the seasoning blend.
• Seasonings: Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Fresh Herbs: This air fryer turkey breast is packed with so much flavor from the blend of chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried instead, but use half the amount. This pre-made dried poultry rub also works great for this recipe.

Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

How To Make Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. If your turkey breast still has ribs attached, remove them.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage.

Step 3: Rub olive oil under the turkey skin, over the top, and on the bottom.

Sprinkle the herb mixture generously, making sure some gets under the skin.

Step 4: Place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer basket skin side down.

Air fry, then halfway through, flip the turkey breast, and cook it skin side up for the remainder of the time.

Step 5: Once cooked through, remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Remove the skin if desired before slicing and serving.

Portions & Cook Times

Portions: A 1/2 turkey breast (about 2-3 pounds) serves around four people, while a 1/4 breast (about 1-1.5 pounds) serves about two. Just use half the seasoning mixture for the smaller portion. A full turkey breast (around 4-6 pounds) can also be cooked in the air fryer if it fits comfortably in the basket. If using a full breast, double the herb mixture to ensure full flavor.

Cook Times:

• 1/4 turkey breast (1-1.5 pounds): 25-30 minutes at 350°F
• 1/2 turkey breast (2-3 pounds): 40-45 minutes at 350°F
• Full turkey breast (4-6 pounds, if it fits in your air fryer): 50-60 minutes at 350°F
• Start with the breast skin side down, then flip halfway through to cook skin side up for the remainder of the time
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The thickest part should reach 165°F.

Boneless Turkey Breast Option

Boneless turkey breast works great in the air fryer and is perfect if you want something quicker to carve. Most come in a mesh netting to hold their shape. Remove it before cooking to allow heat to circulate evenly. Cook times vary by size:

• Small (1-1.5 pounds): 25-30 minutes at 350°F
• Medium (2-2.5 pounds): 35-40 minutes at 350°F
• Large (3-4 pounds): 45-50 minutes at 350°F
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, ensure the thickest part reaches165°F.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this air fryer turkey breast at Thanksgiving with delicious sides like our small batch stuffing, homemade chicken gravy, slow cooker mashed potatoes, cauliflower mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, sweet potato apple casserole, and healthy pumpkin pie! Plus, check out all of my healthy Thanksgiving sides for more inspiration! Or, for a cozy dinner, pair it with air fryer diced potatoes, air fryer carrots, air fryer green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Storage Instructions

Storing: Store leftover cooked turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Freezing: Or, you can freeze leftovers for 1-2 months. Just let it cool, then store it in an airtight freezer-safe container.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Turkey Recipes to Try Next!

• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
• Oven-Roasted Brined Turkey Breast
• Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet
• Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
• Turkey Stuffing Meatballs

Plus, check out our collection of air fryer recipes here on Healthy Foodie Girl!

If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.