Our Air Fryer Turkey Breast is a delicious main dish that is perfect for smaller holiday gatherings or anytime you need something tasty and festive.
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This Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe is one of those simple dishes that turns out juicy and flavorful every single time. If you’re looking for a main dish that’s low-effort but big on results, this boneless turkey breast fits the bill. Whether you’re doing a smaller holiday dinner or want something different for weeknight meals, it’s a solid go-to.
It also works great for meal prep. Cook once, slice it up, and you’ve got protein ready for salads, wraps, or bowls all week long.
If you can’t get enough air frying, check out all my air fryer recipes.
How to make air fryer turkey breasts
First, gather your ingredients.
The ingredients for this recipe are pretty simple: meat and seasonings. I am using a flavor profile very similar to my oven-roasted bone-in turkey breast, which is what we make for our larger family Thanksgiving gathering. It’s basic but adds great flavor, using just garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Be sure to check out that recipe if you are using a bone-in breast.
Ingredients
For the best taste, always use the highest quality ingredients you have access to.
To make this air fryer turkey breast recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Turkey breast tenderloin: Look for one around 1 to 1.5 pounds. This boneless cut cooks fast and stays juicy.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds moisture to the outside.
- Kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika: A savory, well-balanced spice blend with a touch of warmth and earthiness.
Fresh rosemary or other herbs can be added if you like, and avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil.
Cooking turkey breast in the air fryer
Air Fryer Turkey Breasts are a simple dish that can be made in just a few steps. Here is how to make it.
First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. You can do this while getting everything else ready.
Next, pat the turkey dry using clean paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika.
Brush the turkey all over with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mix on all sides.
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or oil. Place the seasoned turkey tenderloin in the basket.
Cook at 360°F for 10–12 minutes, flip it, and cook for another 10 minutes. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F, so grab an instant-read thermometer to check it.
Once it hits temp, take it out and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. That resting time helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat from drying out.
Serve it up with your favorite sides! This recipe is perfect for the holidays or anytime.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Always use common sense and good judgment when it comes to leftovers, though! If something looks or smells funky, don’t eat it.
I hope y’all enjoy this air fryer turkey breast recipe! Let me know if you try it.
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Air Fryer Turkey Breast (boneless, tenderloin)
Air fryer turkey breast is a delicious main dish that is perfect from smaller holiday gatherings, or anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast tenderloin – 1-1.5lbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.
- Pat the turkey breast dry with a clean paper towel.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme and paprika.
- Rub or brush the turkey with the oil all over then rub the spice rub all over the turkey, top, bottom and all sides.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray, place the turkey tenderloin into the basket. Close the basket and cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes, flip it over and cook it for 10 more minutes on the other side. Cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the turkey. Once it is done, remove the turkey from the air fryer basket and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Notes
Cooking chart – Most air fryers will hold a 3-5 lb turkey
1-1.5 lb turkey tenderloin – 360 degrees F for 10-12 minutes each side – total time 20 minutes
2-3 lb turkey tenderloin – 360 degrees F for 15 minutes each side – total time 30 minutes
4-5 lb turkey tenderloin – 360 degrees F for 20 minutes each side – total time 40 minutes
Note: Air fryer turkey breast tenderloin originally appeared on A Pinch of Healthy on October 25, 2021.
Lisa B says
Oh my Lord!! This was delicious. Made your Air fryer Turkey Tenderloin tonight for dinner. Husband won’t be home until late tonight from work and if I didn’t already tell him I made dinner and would save him a plate, I would’ve probably had his portion too! Ha! I immediately sent the recipe to my cousin and my brother. Going on the rotation for sure! Followed exactly and came out perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay Lisa!❤️
Fran says
My husband and myself really enjoyed the AF turkey meal. My husband said he wants me to make this again. I like that I can also use the same spices for pork and chicken.
Thank you so much, I’ll continue watching for more of your recipes
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay Fran! I am so happy to hear that. Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback.
Lesley Maple says
This was really delicious. We’re a family of two so this is the perfect size meal for us.
Billie says
Great tming, juicy and super easy. Love it WAY better than regular turkey.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Kim Sides says
Amazing flavor very juicy and tender, made just like recipe, in my Pampered Chef air fryer!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay Kim! Glad to hear that.
Luann says
I have a question, and perhaps I missed it in the instruction, but, about how many ounces are you considering a serving? TIA!
Jeannie says
Yum! Thank you for our easy, delicious Easter dinner. Perfect. Your recipes are a delight.
Amanda says
Just tried this and it is amazing!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay Amanda! I am so happy to hear it.
Mary Skurka says
My two tenderloins weighed 2.16 ozs and I cooked them ten mins each side. The ends seemed a bit more well done. Next time, I will check the temp a little earlier. The seasoning was great and I will definitely make this recipe again.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I am glad you enjoyed it Mary!❤️
Kathi P says
I have made this twice. Once before Thanksgiving to try it out. Second time on Thanksgiving because it is moist and delicious!! The only thing I really changed was using an olive oil spray and then put the rub on a couple of hours ahead of cooking to let the seasonings absorb into the tenderloin. My family loved it and 20 minutes versus hours of cooking a whole turkey.. priceless !!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
This makes me so happy to hear, Kathi!❤️