Something you can be confident of: When prepared properly, turkey is moist and tender straight out of the oven.
But when it comes time to reheat turkey, you might have a handful of questions: Whats the best way to reheat leftover turkey — breast, legs and all — without drying it out? How do you keep roast turkey moist? Should the turkey be covered or uncovered? How many times can you reheat turkey? Perfecting your leftovers can be a bit overwhelming.
The good news: After safe storage — with stuffing removed and the turkey stashed in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking — leftover turkey can be served cold. Eating it cold means you wont have to worry about the turkey drying out during the reheating process.
But if youre craving a reprise of your hot turkey meal, the reheated meat doesnt have to taste rubbery. In fact, storing cooked turkey overnight and reheating it the next day can make it just as yummy and juicy as the freshly roasted bird straight from the oven — as long as you follow a few tips.
To prevent foodborne illness, use a food thermometer to make sure your turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
Ideally, you want to eat refrigerated leftovers as soon as possible — within two to three days, per Windsor-Essex Health Unit. You should avoid reheating leftovers more than once. To mitigate food waste, try reheating smaller portions at a time. You can always reheat more turkey, but you cant undo the reheating.
Leftover turkey breast is a delicious treat, but reheating it improperly can lead to dry, stringy meat. An air fryer is the perfect appliance for reheating turkey breast and retaining its juiciness. In this article, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to reheat turkey breast in an air fryer for maximum moisture and flavor.
Why Reheat Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer?
An air fryer uses rapidly circulating hot air to cook food. This allows the turkey breast to heat evenly throughout without drying out the exterior. Air fryers also reheat turkey breast more quickly than conventional ovens.
Reheating in an air fryer leads to a tender, juicy interior and a crispy, golden exterior in just minutes The air fryer gives you the same delicious flavors as oven-roasting without the long preheat and cook times.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for reheating leftover turkey breast in an air fryer
1. Slice the Turkey Breast
- Slice the cooked turkey breast into uniform 1/2 to 1-inch thick slices.
- Slices of even thickness will reheat more evenly.
2. Season the Turkey Breast (optional)
- Season the turkey breast slices lightly with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, or any other spices you desire.
- Seasoning adds extra flavor, but be careful not to over-season.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheating is important for evenly cooked results.
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F. This takes just 3-5 minutes.
4. Place Turkey Slices in Air Fryer Basket
- Arrange the seasoned turkey slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Don’t overcrowd. Leave some space between slices.
5. Reheat for 5-7 Minutes
- Reheat turkey slices for 5-7 minutes at 325°F.
- Adjust time as needed based on thickness of slices.
6. Flip and Reheat Again
- Remove basket, flip slices and return to air fryer for another 3-5 minutes at 325°F.
- Flipping ensures even reheating.
7. Check Internal Temperature
- Temperature is the best indicator of doneness.
- Turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Allow to Rest
- Let turkey breast rest 5 minutes before serving.
- This allows juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice turkey breast and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite sides.
- Leftover turkey breast reheated in an air fryer tastes freshly roasted!
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for ensuring your reheated turkey breast turns out tender and delicious:
-
Brush slices with oil or melted butter before air frying. This prevents drying and helps browning.
-
Misting the turkey with broth halfway through reheating adds extra moisture.
-
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Too many slices may cause uneven cooking.
-
Adjust cook times based on thickness of slices. Thicker slices need more time.
-
Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness instead of cook time.
-
Let turkey rest before cutting for the juiciest results.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about reheating turkey breast in an air fryer:
How long does it take to reheat turkey breast in an air fryer?
For 1/2 to 1-inch slices, it takes about 5-7 minutes per side at 325°F. Larger, thicker slices may need more time. Always check internal temperature.
What temperature should I reheat turkey breast to?
Reheat turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is heated through.
Can I reheat a whole turkey breast in an air fryer?
It’s best to slice a whole turkey breast into smaller, evenly sized pieces before reheating in an air fryer.
Should I flip the turkey breast slices during reheating?
Yes, flipping the slices halfway through allows both sides to reheat evenly.
Can I reheat stuffing in the air fryer too?
It’s best to reheat stuffing separately either in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out.
Get the Most from Your Leftover Turkey
Reheating turkey breast in the air fryer lets you enjoy all the delicious flavors of your holiday bird again. With the air fryer, you can quickly and easily reheat moist, tender turkey breast slices.
Prep the Turkey
Place the pieces of turkey in a shallow pan — a rimmed cake or casserole pan is ideal.
If possible, avoid layering meat and try to place pieces so they dont overlap. If youre feeding a larger crowd, it may be necessary to use more than one pan.
Maintain the Moisture
Pour broth or water over the turkey pieces until the turkey is in a bath of about 1/2 inch of liquid. Turn the stove burners to medium to high heat.