• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sweetphi logo

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Five Ingredient Fridays
    • Meal Plans
    • Reader Recreations
  • About
    • About & Contact
    • Partnerships
  • Cookbooks
  • Life
    • Love Lists
    • Catching up with the Kelnhofers
    • Travel
  • Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

Nov 6, 2020 · 3 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This air fryer turkey breast recipe is going to become your new favorite way to make a quick turkey.  It is just so incredibly good and flavorful.  Plus, I’m sharing how to make gravy from the drippings too!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast this image

I’ve been loving my air fryer so much that I left it sitting on the counter instead of putting it away.

I got a turkey breast, and was going to be making my instant pot turkey breast recipe (also super good btw). My husband walked by and saw the turkey out (thawing) and said “do you think you the turkey would work in the air fryer?” I had to try it!!

And in case you don’t have an air fryer, I’ve heard that Instant Pot came out with an Air Fryer attachment lid, so you can always try that.

The end result of making a turkey breast in the air fryer was so flavorful and delicious – juicy meat and a beautiful brown skin – that we’ve been making turkey breasts for regular weeknight meals too (leftovers slice up beautifully for sandwiches!)

Air fryer turkey breast

What ingredients do you need for an air fryer turkey breast?

For the turkey:

  • Turkey breast roast – if yours comes with the giblets and twine, be sure to remove those.  And you can use a turkey breast with or without bones; certainly boneless is easier to work with (my preference)!
  • EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil- this simple pantry ingredient is used to make the delicious seasonings stick
  • Garlic salt and onion powder – making the turkey breast extra flavorful!

For the gravy:

  • Flour – flour helps the gravy thicken up.
  • Soy sauce – this is my favorite unexpected ingredient in gravy.  Soy sauce adds a bit of saltiness to help cut the fats in the gravy, and gives gravy a nice light brown color.
  • Milk – the milks makes the gravy creamy, we use whole milk but you could use a different fat level if you’d prefer.
  • Chicken stock – if you don’t have any stock, you can simply use water for this as well.
  • Turkey drippings – the drippings come right from making your turkey breast and help make the most delicious gravy (I just pour them directly from the air fryer into the pan)
  • Salt and pepper – you just need a quick dash for the gravy.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Ok, so how do I make turkey in an air fryer?

For the turkey:

  1. Remove giblets and any string. Pat dry. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Rub both sides of the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle seasonings between two sides. Place in air fryer basket (make sure it doesn’t touch the top of air fryer!)

  2. Cook at 350 for 25 minutes, then use tongs and flip the turkey breast and cook for another 20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165 in the biggest/thickest part of the turkey breast. Remove from basket and place on a cutting board with foil tented over it and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing/serving.

  3. While turkey rests make the gravy.

For the gravy:

  1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and then add in flour – it will be very thick, whisk vigorously until a smooth paste forms.

  2. Slowly add in soy sauce, milk, broth and turkey drippings from the air fryer and seasonings and whisk until no lumps remain. Cook, stirring until gravy comes to a slow boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency (mine usually is about 5 minutes).

  3. If it gets too thick, add in a little more milk.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Nick usually only eats turkey because he feels like he “has to” on Thanksgiving, and even then only eats the dark meat, so he was skeptical to say the least. He said he surprised himself by wanting seconds of this turkey breast made in the air fryer!!!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Here are some tips to help you make this air fryer turkey breast:

  • There are so many different types of air fryers; please make sure to check that the turkey breast roast doesn’t touch the top of the air fryer. You can cut the roast to fit if it doesn’t.  My air fryer (3qt basket) fit a 3-5 lb turkey breast roast no problems.
  • If the turkey breast comes in giblets or wrapped in twine, remove both before cooking.
  • You can use a turkey breast with or without a bone for this recipe. I used one without a bone because it’s a lot easier to cut/serve and cook.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly.  Be sure to check the internal temperature; for turkey it should be at 165. I like to use a digital thermometer. I love that air fryers are so easy to open and check (vs. an instant pot where you can’t easily open the lid until the end).
  • As the turkey rests after it is done cooking, make the gravy out of the drippings.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

All I have to say is yes yes yes and yes! Turkey in the air fryer is super easy, super flavorful with juicy meat and crispy skin.  It is perfection and great for a small family thanksgiving meal or for making any time really.

I’m making another one this week and am going to be using leftovers to make Thanksgiving leftover breakfast sandwiches and paninis with air fryer turkey breast, brie, and leftover cranberry sauce.   Sometimes leftovers are the best part!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe

This turkey is just so incredibly good. I'm sharing how to make an air fryer turkey breast recipe and how to make gravy from the drippings (it's actually so easy).
4.43 from 7 votes
Print Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Rest: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Ingredients

  • 3-5 lb. turkey breast roast giblets and twine removed, with or without bones
  • 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper

For the gravy

  • 2 Tbs butter
  • 2 Tbs flour
  • 1 Tbs soy sauce
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water or chicken stock
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup turkey drippings
  • dash salt and pepper

Instructions

For the turkey

  • Remove giblets and any string. Pat dry. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Rub both sides of the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle seasonings between two sides. Place in air fryer basket (make sure it doesn't touch the top of air fryer!) 
    Air Fryer Turkey Breast
  • Cook at 350 for 25 minutes, then use tongs and flip the turkey breast and cook for another 20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165 in the biggest/thickest part of the turkey breast. Remove from basket and place on a cutting board with foil tented over it and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing/serving. 
    Air Fryer Turkey Breast
  • While turkey rests make the gravy. 

For the gravy

  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and then add in flour - it will be very thick, whisk vigorously until a smooth paste forms. 
  • Slowly add in soy sauce, milk, broth and turkey drippings from the air fryer and seasonings and whisk until no lumps remain. Cook, stirring until gravy comes to a slow boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency (mine usually is about 5 minutes). 
  • If it gets too thick, add in a little more milk. 

Notes

The nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.
Note: nutrition facts are calculated for the turkey breast only.  Nutrition for gravy not noted.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 73g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 1250mg | Sugar: 1g

 

Related Posts

  • Thanksgiving leftover turkey breakfast sandwich, thanksgiving leftovers recipe, turkey breakfast sandwich, thanksgiving turkey and gravy breakfast sandwich
    Thanksgiving Leftovers Breakfast Sandwiches

    If you're looking for a delicious Thanksgiving leftovers recipe, you're in luck because these Thanksgiving…

  • Easy Instant Pot Turkey
    Easy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

    Forget spending hours trying to make a turkey breast in the oven, make the best…

  • Thanksgiving turkey on a platter
    How to Make a Thanksgiving Turkey

    How to make a Thanksgiving turkey when you're looking for an easy recipe with incredible…

Air Fryer, Blog Posts, Easy Dinner Ideas, Fall Favorites, Holidays, Main Meals, Recipes, Seasonal, Thanksgiving, Turkey, Winter holiday recipes Air fryer recipe, Air fryer turkey breast, easy turkey recipe, Thanksgiving recipe, turkey recipe

Did you make this recipe? Hashtag with us! Be sure to follow/tag @sweetphiblog and hashtag #sweetphiblog – we love to see what you’re cooking up!”

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl says

    December 9, 2022 at 4:37 pm

    5 stars
    So easy, very juicy. We like it for sandwiches.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      December 12, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      We love it for sandwiches too, so yummy! Thank you for taking the time to come and leave feedback, I truly appreciate it!!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Catching up with the Kelnhofers - 67 - Sweetphi says:
    November 21, 2020 at 5:18 am

    […] Air fryer turkey breast – I cannot believe how amazing this was!  Nick loved it and he has always proclaimed that he doesn’t love turkey. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Top 5

Related Posts

  • 1 The Best Pumpkin Loaf Ever (Gluten Free and better than Starbucks)
  • 2 Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup
  • 3 Asian Ground Turkey and Rice Bowls Recipe
  • 4 Sugar Cut Out Cookies {that actually hold their shape}
  • 5 Seasoned Oyster Crackers

Philia Kelnhofer, Danish, Chicken tacos, Kelnhofer familySweetphi.com is a destination for easy recipes, showcasing beautiful content and inspiration, everyday family life, motherhood, and fun finds from around the web. 

Learn More

Footer

We all love a good salad, but hate when they end u We all love a good salad, but hate when they end up taking like 20 different ingredients to prepare 🤦‍♀️
That’s why this salad is the best 🤩 It tastes so good and comes together with 6 simple ingredients!
2 chicken breasts
1/4 cup bbq sauce
1 bag romaine/coleslaw
1 avocado
4 tablespoons Ranch dressing
1/4 cup tortilla strips (Santa Fe flavored are amazing!)
**you can also make this into a wrap or a sandwich!
https://sweetphi.com/baked-bbq-chicken-and-avocado-salad/
#recipe #salad #bbqchicken #chickensalad #saladrecipe #healthyrecipes #saladideas #mealprep #sundaymealprep #avocado #easyrecipesathome #easyrecipes #6ingredients
As soon as I made these no-bake oatmeal cookie ene As soon as I made these no-bake oatmeal cookie energy bites (which just so happen to be sugar free, gluten free, and vegan) I knew I had found my go-to snack! 😍
PLUS you only need a few ingredients to make them: dates, water, almond butter, raisins, oats and cinnamon!
Get this recipe by tapping the link in my profile! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/no-bake-oatmeal-cookie-energy-bites/
#nobakedessert #nationaloatmealcookieday #oatmeal #energybites #oatmealbites #snacks #healthysnacks #easyrecipe #easysnacks #kidapprovedfood #kidapproved #vegan #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes #vegansnack #food
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️ Add 5 ingredien Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️
Add 5 ingredients to your slow cooker and a few hours later you’ll have delicious corned beef and cabbage with carrots and potatoes, the perfect meal for St. Patrick’s Day! 🤩
You’ll need:
4-5 pounds corned beef brisket
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon salt
8 red potatoes
1 pound rainbow carrots
1 head of cabbage
Find this recipe by tapping the link in my profile! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/how-to-make-slow-cooker-corned-beef-and-cabbage/
#stpatricksday #cornedbeef #cornedbeefandcabbage #recipe #slowcooker #slowcookermeals #slowcookerrecipes #crockpotrecipes #crockpotmeals #spring #springrecipes #familydinner #stpattysday #cabbage
Sheet pan pork chops make for the perfect easy one Sheet pan pork chops make for the perfect easy one-pan dinner! 
You’re going to love how delicious the marinated pork chops are, and love how everything is cooked in one pan and how easy clean up is!
Get this recipe by tapping the link in my profile! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/sheet-pan-pork-chops-sweet-potato-and-fennel-dinner/
#sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #sheetpan #porkchops #porkchop #dinner #easydinner #easydinnerideas #familydinner #recipe #dinnerrecipes #food #cooking
There’s a new Love List today! The SweetPhi team There’s a new Love List today! The SweetPhi team found the secrets to hotel room cleaning, a Lego set perfect for an Easter basket and much more in this week’s love list!
A few of our favorites are:
Easter decor from @ target 🐰
The cutest swimsuits from @limericki 👙
A new series on @netflix 
Read the full Love List on the blog ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/love-list-grapefruit-cutting-and-hotel-secrets/
#lovelist #easter #easterdecor #targetfinds #amazon #amazonfinds #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #blog #midwestblogger #swimsuits #clothingfinds
This meatball Caesar pizza is a fun pizza topping This meatball Caesar pizza is a fun pizza topping combo that combines best of both worlds: meatballs and tangy Caesar dressing 🤩
TIP: I used Costco frozen meatballs which have a little heat to them. If your meatballs are on the plainer side, I’d recommend adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes!
Find this recipe on the blog: https://sweetphi.com/meatball-pizza-with-ricotta-and-caesar/ 
#recipe #pizza #familydinner #pizzarecipe #caesardressing #easydinner #meatballs #meatballpizza #recipeideas #easydinners #easydinnerideas
I love an easy meal that is a fun take on a classi I love an easy meal that is a fun take on a classic and is made even better by the fact that it is a 4-ingredient recipe! 👏🏼
All you need is crescent rolls, corned beef, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing. This recipe also makes a fun St. Patrick’s day appetizer! ☘️ 
SAVE this recipe to make for St. Patrick’s Day! 
https://sweetphi.com/corned-beef-pocket-recipe/
#cornedbeef #cornedbeefsandwich #stpatricksday #stpatricksdayrecipes #recipe #5ingredients #easyrecipe #appetizers #snacks #springrecipes #easydinner #easydinners #kidfriendlyfood #kidfriendlymeals #kidfriendlyrecipes
Unbox my first @hungryroot order with me! 📦 Th Unbox my first @hungryroot order with me! 📦
This is my newest FAVORITE – BEST healthy meal delivery service👏🏼
As a mom, finding healthy and convenient meal options (that the kids will actually eat) can feel like an impossible task. Between juggling work, school, pickups/drop-offs and after school activities, sometimes planning meals or having time to go to the grocery store seems impossible.
Hungryroot provides both easy-to-prepare meals, snacks, and groceries!! 😍
You can read more about Hungryroot on my newest blog post! https://sweetphi.com/hungryroot-meal-delivery-review/
#hungryroot #hungryrootrecipes #mealdelivery #mealdeliveryservice #review #food #groceries #groceryhaul #groceryhacks #midwestmom #midwestblogger #momlife #midwestfoodie #mealdeliveryreview #grocerydelivery #momof4 #busymomlife #busymom
  • Recipes
  • Baby
  • Cookbook
  • Five Ingredient Fridays
  • Travel
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · SWEET PHI