Can You Cook a Turkey in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years Their ability to make crispy fried foods with little to no oil has made them a hit with health-conscious cooks But can you take it one step further and cook something as large and unwieldy as a whole turkey in one of these diminutive devices? The short answer is yes, you absolutely can cook a turkey in an air fryer!

While it may seem improbable to fit an entire bird into a small basket, with the right techniques, you can make a juicy, delicious turkey with crispy skin in your air fryer. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to air fry a perfect turkey.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey in an Air Fryer

Before we get into the nitty gritty of actually cooking the bird let’s look at why you may want to use an air fryer instead of the traditional oven method

• Faster cooking times The circulating hot air of an air fryer cooks food much faster than a standard oven You can have a fully cooked turkey ready in under 2 hours!

• Crispier skin: The top-down heat in an air fryer is ideal for getting ultra crispy, crackling skin all over the turkey.

• Juicy meat: Air fryers lock in moisture incredibly well. Your turkey will come out tender and juicy inside.

• Easier monitoring: Air fryers have transparent windows and pull-out baskets that make basting and checking for doneness easier than opening an oven door.

• Versatility: An air fryer leaves your oven free for sides, allowing you to cook an entire meal.

• Smaller size: For smaller gatherings, you can cook just a turkey breast instead of a whole bird.

Choosing the Right Turkey

When selecting a turkey to cook in your air fryer, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Size: Stick to turkeys under 16 lbs. Overly large birds won’t fit properly in the basket.

• Shape: Opt for turkeys labeled “air-chilled” or “self-basting.” These are more rounded and compact, a better fit for air fryers.

• Parts vs. whole: Cooking an entire turkey is possible but cooking just breasts or other parts may be easier.

Make sure whichever turkey you select is thoroughly thawed before cooking.

Seasoning is Key

Seasoning is vital for bringing out the flavors of your turkey. Pat the turkey dry then rub it all over with:

• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper
• Rosemary, sage, thyme
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika

Getting seasoning under the skin as well as directly on it gives the best flavor.

Set Up Your Air Fryer

Before cooking your turkey, your air fryer needs to be properly prepped:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

• Line the basket with foil to catch drippings.

• Use a rack if your model has one to elevate the turkey.

Make sure the turkey will fit comfortably without overcrowding.

Cook Times and Temperatures

Use these estimates for air fryer turkey cook times:

• Whole turkey breast (5 lbs): 60-70 minutes at 350°F
• Whole small turkey (12 lbs): 90-110 minutes at 350°F
• Turkey parts: 15-20 minutes per lb at 350°F

No matter what size you cook, always check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. It should reach 165°F. If not, cook longer, checking often.

Crisping the Skin

For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 10-15 minutes of cook time. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Let It Rest

Never skip letting your turkey rest when it comes out of the air fryer! Resting for 15-20 minutes allows juices to redistribute so your meat stays moist and delicious.

Carving Made Simple

Follow these easy steps for carving your air fried turkey:

• Remove legs and thighs by cutting through the joints.
• Slice breast meat, cutting thin slices along the breastbone.
• Arrange slices on a platter and serve!

##Cleanup and Oil Disposal

One of the few downsides of air frying a turkey is dealing with the oil leftover from cooking. Make cleanup easier by:

• Cooling oil before disposing and avoid pouring down drains.
• Lining the basket with foil to minimize sticky drippings.
• Cleaning the fryer soon after cooking to avoid buildup.

Tips for Air Fryer Turkey Success

Use these pro tips and tricks for the best possible air fried turkey:

• Invest in a good meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Shake or flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Brine turkey in advance for extra moisture and flavor.
• Use turkey wings/drumsticks under the breast to elevate if needed.
• Baste with drippings if desired, but not required.
• Add aromatic herbs and citrus inside the cavity.