How Long to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer for Perfectly Juicy Results

Cooking turkey can feel like an intimidating task especially if you’re attempting to roast a whole bird. But cooking boneless turkey breast in an air fryer is a quick easy and foolproof method that delivers juicy, flavorful meat every time.

As someone who loves hosting Friendsgiving and holiday meals, I was thrilled to discover how well boneless turkey breast turns out in the air fryer It cooks up moist and tender in under an hour without the hassle of monitoring a large turkey in the oven

If you’re considering trying air fried turkey breast you likely have one main question How long should I cook boneless turkey breast in an air fryer?

The timing depends on a few factors, which I’ll explain in detail below. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to cook boneless turkey breast in an air fryer to achieve the perfect texture and doneness.

Factors That Impact Air Fryer Turkey Breast Cook Time

The main factors that affect cook times for boneless turkey breast in an air fryer include:

• Turkey breast size – General rule of thumb is 20 minutes per pound. A 1-lb breast takes 20 minutes, a 2-lb takes 40 minutes, etc.
• Boneless vs. bone-in – Boneless cooks faster since the meat lays flat, cooking more evenly. Bone-in takes a bit longer.
• Breast shape – Even, uniform breasts cook faster than irregularly shaped ones.
• Air fryer wattage – Higher wattage fryers cook faster than lower wattage models. Check your manual.
• Altitude – Turkey cooks faster at lower altitudes. Add 5 minutes if cooking above 3000 feet.

How Long to Cook Frozen Boneless Turkey Breast

For easy prep, many people opt to cook frozen boneless turkey breast in their air fryer. Here are some tips:

• Increase cook time by 50%. A 1-lb breast takes 30 minutes instead of 20.
• Let the breast sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
• Spray or brush with oil before seasoning and cooking for crisper skin.
• Check the internal temp and cook longer if needed until 165°F.
• Allow a few minutes for carryover cooking as the temp will keep rising after removal.

How to Tell When Turkey Breast is Done

Monitoring temperature is the best way to test doneness:

• Use an instant read thermometer to check the thickest part, avoiding any bones.
• Turkey is safe to eat at 165°F, per USDA guidelines.
• If it’s at 155°F, remove from fryer and let rest 5 minutes. The temp will coast up to 165°F.
• Over 170°F means it’s overcooked and will be dry. Under 150°F is undercooked.

These visual cues also indicate doneness:

• Meat pulls away easily from bones (if bone-in)
• Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
• No traces of pink when sliced

Recommended Air Fryer Cook Times for Boneless Turkey Breast

Based on the factors above, here are general guidelines for air fryer boneless turkey breast:

• 1 pound – 18-22 minutes at 370°F
• 2 pounds – 36-44 minutes at 350°F
• 3 pounds – 55-65 minutes at 335°F
• 4 pounds – 70-85 minutes at 325°F
• 5 pounds – 85-100 minutes at 320°F

Always rely on an instant read thermometer, not just cook time. Timing varies based on the specific shape and thickness of each breast.

For the juiciest results, I recommend brining the turkey breast overnight before cooking. A salt water brine infuses moisture and flavor into the meat.

Step-by-Step Method for Cooking Boneless Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer

Follow this simple recipe for guaranteed tender, juicy boneless turkey breast with crispy skin:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lb boneless, skin-on turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Brush all over with oil.
2. Sprinkle with seasonings and rub in.
3. Place breast in air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for estimated time based on weight.
4. Check temp after 85% of estimated cook time. Continue cooking if needed until 165°F.
5. Remove from fryer and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Be sure to monitor temperature and cook time closely based on the size of your specific breast. This ensures it reaches the ideal finished temperature for the most tender, juicy and safe results every time.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Follow these tips for flavorful, foolproof air fried turkey breast:

• Brine the breast overnight
• Pat very dry before cooking for crispy skin
• Rub the skin with oil or butter before seasoning
• Cook at 300-350°F to prevent overcooking
• Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness
• Allow to rest before slicing for juicier meat
• Slice across the grain for tenderest texture
• Save drippings to make gravy or sauce

With the right cook time based on its weight and shape, boneless turkey breast turns out perfectly moist and delicious from your air fryer. You get all the great flavor, tenderness and crispy skin of a roasted turkey breast in a fraction of the time without using your oven.