If you’re looking for a juicy, flavorful, and foolproof way to cook turkey breast, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Air Fryer Herb-Infused Turkey Breast Recipe brings together a medley of fresh herbs, garlic, and butter that transforms a simple poultry cut into an incredibly tender and aromatic meal. The air fryer makes the whole process delightfully quick and easy, giving you perfectly cooked turkey with crispy skin every single time. It’s a recipe I love sharing because it’s reliable, delicious, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is simple but plays a crucial role in building the dish’s deep layers of flavor and incredible texture. These fresh herbs, quality butter, and seasonings come together to make the turkey shine.
- 3 pound turkey breast (skin-on, boneless turkey breast portion/roast): The centerpiece, providing a hearty and lean protein that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- 2 Tablespoons butter (softened): Adds richness and helps carry all the herb flavors under the skin.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for tenderizing and seasoning the turkey evenly.
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper: Gives a gentle, warming spice to balance the herbs.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Injects that irresistible savory aroma and slight pungency.
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage: Brings an earthy, slightly peppery note.
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme: Offers a delicate, lemony herbal brightness.
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary: Adds piney fragrance and depth.
How to Make Air Fryer Herb-Infused Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the herb butter mixture
Start by combining the softened butter with kosher salt, ground pepper, minced garlic, and all your fresh herbs—sage, thyme, and rosemary. Mixing these ingredients into a creamy, fragrant butter is the magic foundation for infusing flavor deep into the turkey.
Step 2: Season and loosen the skin
Pat the turkey breast dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial for getting that crispy skin. Then carefully slide a teaspoon or your fingers underneath the skin to loosen it without tearing, creating a pocket to spread your delicious herb butter underneath.
Step 3: Rub in the herb butter
Generously rub the herb butter mixture all under the skin and then over the outside of the turkey breast. This ensures every bite bursts with buttery, herby goodness while keeping the meat moist as it cooks.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for about 3 to 4 minutes. If your model offers a roast setting, feel free to use that for even better results. Preheating helps the turkey start cooking immediately at the perfect temperature for crispy skin.
Step 5: Cook the turkey breast
Place the turkey breast carefully into the air fryer basket, skin side up to let that skin crisp beautifully. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip it over and cook an additional 20 minutes. The key is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s juicy and safe to eat.
Step 6: Rest and slice
Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy rather than dry. Then slice and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Herb-Infused Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a fresh pop of color, scatter some fresh herb leaves like thyme or rosemary sprigs on top. A few lemon wedges on the side also brighten the dish and add an inviting zesty note.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The simplicity of the sides lets the herb-infused turkey breast remain the shining star of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic feel, serve your turkey slices on a wooden board with whole garlic cloves and fresh herbs scattered around. Or try layering thin slices over warm couscous or quinoa tossed with toasted nuts and dried cranberries for a colorful, textured feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your turkey cools down, wrap it tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and juicy for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy, delicious lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep the turkey longer, slice it and place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen turkey breast will retain the best quality for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label your packages so you remember when to enjoy them.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can dry out the tender turkey meat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed turkey breast to ensure even cooking in the air fryer. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven texture, with the outside overcooked before the inside is done.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs will work in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant, but it will still be delicious.
How do I check if the turkey is cooked properly?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is perfectly cooked once it reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.
Can I double this recipe for a larger turkey breast?
Yes, you can adjust the cook time according to size. For larger breasts, add about 8 to 10 minutes of cooking per additional pound but always rely on the internal temperature for safety.
Is this recipe healthier than roasting?
Air frying typically uses less added fat and can produce a crispy texture without deep frying. So yes, this Air Fryer Herb-Infused Turkey Breast Recipe is a fantastic, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional roasting methods.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Herb-Infused Turkey Breast Recipe enough for anyone who wants a quick, succulent, and fragrant turkey dish with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for both everyday dinners and impressing guests. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients and an air fryer work their magic together!
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Air Fryer Herb-Infused Turkey Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful turkey breast roasted to perfection using fresh herbs and garlic. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s an ideal option for a simple yet impressive meal suitable for gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 3 pound turkey breast (skin-on, boneless turkey breast portion/roast)
Herb Butter Mixture
- 2 Tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Butter: Mix together the softened butter with kosher salt, ground pepper, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.
- Season Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during cooking. Gently loosen the skin by inserting a teaspoon or your fingers between the skin and the meat.
- Apply Herb Butter: Rub the prepared herb butter mixture generously under the loosened skin and all over the surface of the turkey breast for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes. If your air fryer has a roast setting, choose that for optimized results.
- Cook Turkey – First Side: Place the turkey breast into the air fryer basket skin-side up. Cook for 20 minutes to begin crisping the skin and rendering the flavors.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip the turkey breast over and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest Turkey: Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a cutting board and let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the rested turkey breast and serve as desired, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a main course.
Notes
- Make sure to let the turkey rest after cooking to retain its juices.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness of the turkey breast.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or omitted according to preference, but fresh herbs impart the best flavor.
- Allow the turkey skin to dry thoroughly before seasoning for crispier skin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
