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Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Juicy & Golden)
A perfectly golden herb-crusted turkey breast with juicy white meat — no basting, no fuss.
Total Time
65 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
6
Calories
320 cal
Why This Works
Starting skin-side down allows the fat under the skin to render slowly, basting the breast meat from the inside. The flip at the end exposes the skin to direct heat for maximum crispiness. The air fryer's enclosed environment also traps steam from the meat, keeping the interior moist.
My Recipe Testing Notes
A bone-in turkey breast (3-4 lbs) fits perfectly in a 5.8-quart air fryer. At 350°F for 55-60 minutes, you get golden skin and juicy white meat. The key is starting skin-side down for the first 30 minutes, then flipping for the final 25-30 minutes. This keeps the breast meat moist while the skin gets golden and crispy.
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix softened butter with garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Carefully loosen the skin from the breast and rub butter mixture directly on the meat and over the skin.
Place skin-side DOWN in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Flip skin-side UP. Cook for another 25-30 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with cranberry sauce and gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size air fryer do I need for turkey breast?
You need at least a 5.8-quart air fryer for a 3-4 lb bone-in turkey breast. Larger turkey breasts (5+ lbs) may not fit.
How long to cook turkey breast in air fryer?
A 3-4 lb bone-in turkey breast takes 55-60 minutes at 350°F. Always verify with a thermometer — internal temperature must reach 165°F.
Can I cook a boneless turkey breast?
Yes! Boneless turkey breast (2-3 lbs) takes 40-50 minutes at 350°F. The skin won't be as dramatic, but the meat will be equally juicy.
Written by Sarah Jenkins
Former restaurant line cook turned home kitchen obsessive. I've tested over 200 air fryer recipes and I share exactly what works, what doesn't, and the temperatures that make the difference.
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