Thanksgiving is quickly sneaking upon us. We got a new Samsung Electric Conventional oven with an Air Fryer, and we have been having fun cooking in it. He devised a simple recipe to fully cook a 16+ lb turkey in under two and a half hours.
Have you been wondering if you can air fry a turkey in your regular oven? The short answer is yes – with the right techniques, you can make a juicy and crispy air fryer oven turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
As an avid home cook and entertainer I was intrigued by the air fryer craze but didn’t want to purchase another countertop appliance. When I discovered you can air fry foods in your existing oven I was eager to test out this cooking method. Of course, the ultimate test was air frying a turkey for our family’s holiday feast.
In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about how to perfectly air fry a turkey in your oven. You’ll find tips on thawing, preparing, seasoning, cooking times, safety checks, and more. Let’s get started!
How Does Air Frying a Turkey Work?
Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to crisp up foods, similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil. This cooking method results in a crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy interior.
Many new oven models now come with a built-in air fry setting that works in the same way The key is a strong convection fan that circulates hot air around the turkey to evenly cook and brown it on all sides,
So if you have a convection oven with an air fry feature, you can skip buying yet another countertop gadget and simply use your existing oven to air fry foods – even a whole turkey!
Tips for Preparing Turkey for Air Frying
Thoroughly Thaw Turkey
Always thaw frozen turkey completely before air frying. I recommend thawing in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. Thawing at room temperature can cause bacterial growth.
Remove Giblets and Neck
Check the cavities and remove the bag of giblets and neck. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat very dry with paper towels.
Season Well
Air frying uses hot air rather than braising liquid, so seasoning is key for flavor. Generously rub salt, pepper, herbs, butter, and olive oil all over the skin and meat. Get into every nook and cranny.
Do Not Stuff
Cooking stuffing inside turkey is not safe, as it can prolong cook times. Cook stuffing separately to 165°F for food safety.
Tuck Wings and Legs
For even cooking, tuck the wing tips under the body and tie the legs together with cooking twine.
How to Air Fry a Turkey in the Oven Step-by-Step
Once your turkey is prepped, it’s time to air fry! Follow these simple steps:
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven’s air fry or convection setting to 350°F. No need to preheat over 375°F.
Use a Wire Rack
Place turkey on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet to allow air flow all around.
Cook Time
Cook at 350°F for approximately 8-10 minutes per pound. For example, a 16 lb turkey will take 2-2.5 hours.
Flip Halfway
Rotate the tray and flip the turkey halfway through cooking for even browning and cooking.
Check Temperature
Turkey is safe to eat once the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Let Rest
Always let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
Air Fryer Oven Turkey Success Tips
Follow these tips for the best results when air frying a turkey:
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Brine the turkey for extra moistness. A saltwater brine adds flavor and juiciness.
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Rub flavored butter under the skin. Compounds in herbs penetrate the meat when placed under skin.
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Use a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of doneness.
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Make pan gravy from drippings. Delicious gravy from flavorful turkey drippings.
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Carve turkey before serving. Sliced white and dark meat is appetizing for guests.
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Store leftovers properly. Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Common Air Fryer Oven Turkey Questions
What size turkey will fit in my air fryer oven?
Check your oven manual for interior capacity. Measure your turkey and allow 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides for proper air circulation.
How long does it take to cook a turkey in an air fryer oven?
Cooking time depends on the weight, but plan on approximately 8-10 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 12 lb turkey takes 1.5-2 hours.
Should I flip the turkey while air frying?
Yes, flip halfway through cooking. This allows even exposure to the circulating air for browning.
Can I stuff an air fried turkey?
No, stuffing inhibits proper heat circulation. Cook stuffing separately to 165°F for food safety.
What temperature should I cook an air fried turkey?
Cook at 350°F to ensure the interior cooks through before the exterior overbrowns. Do not exceed 375°F.
How do I get crispy turkey skin when air frying?
Be sure to thoroughly dry the skin before seasoning well with salt, herbs, and oil. Cook at 350°F to crisp the skin without burning.
Enjoy Moist and Delicious Air Fryer Oven Turkey
Oven Air Fried Turkey
- salt Choose your preference
- Pepper Choose Your Preference
- Creole Choose Your Preference
- Melted Butter Choose Your Preference
- Olive Oil
- Turkey Key here is 7 minutes per pound
- Clean the turkey
- Cover it with melted butter. We brushed it on.
- Then add seasoning in your preferred amounts.
- Spray Roasting pan with oil of choice (We used olive oil.)
- Put the turkey on the roasting pan with the winds tucked under the turkey and put the legs through neck of the turkey.
This turkey turned out beautifully delicious! It didn’t require me to keep getting up and down for several hours of my day. Even though it was only covered in spices and butter, it still tasted like I had done tons more to it.
Check out these other posts for more ideas to make your Thanksgiving dinner even more special.
If you cook this recipe, please let us know what you think. I hope you and yours have a great Thanksgiving!
How to Cook a Turkey in the Air Fryer Oven ~ Easy Cooking
FAQ
How long does it take to air fry a turkey in an oven?
- Place your turkey directly on the Air Fry tray, using rack position 3 (the third rack position from the bottom of the oven). …
- Place your baking sheet on the rack just below the Air Fry tray to catch the drippings.
How do you air fry in the oven?
- Preheat the oven to the correct temperature.
- Lightly oil food to help it crisp.
- Place food in a single layer on a perforated tray or basket.
- Place the tray on the middle rack of the oven.
- Cook for the recommended time.
- Flip or shake food partway through cooking.
Is it better to air fry or bake turkey?
Roast your turkey in the air fryer = big savings on energy bills. It is estimated that the air fryer can be as much as 50% less expensive to run than the oven.
Do you use oil when air frying in an oven?
What Kinds of Oil Can I Use in an Air Fryer? You can use any oil in an air fryer that you can use in an oven. This includes vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and more. Read more on the healthiest oils to use below.
How do you cook a Turkey in an air fryer?
Preheating: Preheat your air fryer oven to 325°F (160°C). Now that your turkey is prepped and your air fryer oven is preheated, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these simple steps: Placement: Place the seasoned turkey on the air fryer oven’s rack, ensuring it’s not touching the sides.
Are airfryers healthy?
Air fryers should be used sparingly, as very high temperatures when cooking food – especially those rich in starch, such as potatoes, cassava and other roots – can produce a chemical called acrylamide, which is harmful to the human body and has carcinogenic potential.
Can You air Fry a frozen turkey?
Since oven space is limited, opt for a smaller turkey around 10-14 lbs. Trying to air fry an 18+ lb giant won’t cook as evenly. Make sure it fits comfortably in your oven without touching the sides. 2. Partially Thaw If Frozen Only thaw the turkey halfway if working with a frozen one. The high heat will thaw the rest while cooking.
Can You air Fry a Turkey in a Samsung oven?
Air frying is more popular than ever, and you may be wondering if you can use this method to roast your holiday turkey in your Samsung oven. The answer is yes! With an oven or range that has Air Fry mode, youll be able to crisp up your turkey in just a few hours on Thanksgiving morning.
What temperature should a Turkey be in an air fryer?
The thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when the turkey is fully cooked. If the turkey has not reached the desired temperature, place it back in the air fryer and continue cooking in 10-15 minute intervals until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember to keep an eye on the turkey’s skin during this time.
Should you flip a Turkey in an air fryer?
It is not necessary to flip the turkey while cooking in an air fryer oven. The oven’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking and browning on all sides of the turkey. Opening the oven to flip the turkey may disrupt the cooking process and result in a less evenly cooked bird.