Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe – Crispy Juicy Tender

Today’s deliciousness is Air fryer turkey breast. The turkey meat is perfectly seasoned, turned out tender juicy, with a very appetizing, beautifully caramelized crispy skin.

     The turkey breast that I got was 3 pounds and the approximate measurements were 10″ long and 8″ wide (please see pictures). I provide these measurements so you can evaluate if the turkey breast would fit into your air fryer. 

     Because air fryers are many different styles and sizes. Basket type and oven type. The air fryer that I use is Cuisinart Air fryer oven and the 3-pound turkey breast fits perfectly with lots of room left to roast the veggies. However, this time I roast the turkey by itself. It took only 35 minutes from start to finish. The result is a very juicy turkey. The leftovers lasted me 5 days refrigerated. So I just finished my turkey breast meat today. And it was delicious every time I reheated the pieces or air fried some slices on my avocado turkey cheese toast. Not to mention how much my dog enjoyed this delicious air fryer turkey breast meat.

Should I brine or not brine turkey breast?

I did brine the turkey breast (soaking meat for many hours in salty water before cooking can result in juicy and tender meat). This step is optional. I did try both methods. Brine and no brine. Although I feel there is a small difference when it comes to turkey breast, I felt that after brining the turkey breast was a little softer, tender and juicier. So it really depend on how you feel, how much time do you have and if you want to give it a try to see the result for yourself.
I definitely brined the turkey legs. Absolutely delicious juicy dark meat. Please check out the Air fryer turkey legs recipe.

6 cups water
2 Tablespoon Kosher salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons baking soda
Juice of 1 lemon. Plus dump the squeezed lemon into the brine
1/2  raw onion
2 Bay leaf
1 spring fresh rosemary
4 springs fresh thyme

 

Dry rub:2 Tablespoons Olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry rosemary

Directions:

1. In a large pot, add water, salt, sugar, baking soda and stir until completely dissolved. Add lemon juice, plus dump the lemon in the brine water. Add onion, bay leaf, rosemary and thyme. Add turkey breast, ensuring it is completely submerged in water. Cover and put in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or best overnight. See pictures.
2. In a small bowl combine oil and seasoning blend for the dry rub
3. Drain and discard the brine. 
4. Rinse the turkey breast, pat it dry with paper towels
5. Using a silicone food brush, brush the oil and seasoning mix all over the turkey breast, rubbing under the skin, if possible. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Pre-heat air fryer to 400F/200C for 5 minutes. If you have a stove range with a built-in air fryer, let is preheat until it beeps ready.
7. Lower the temperature to 380F and place turkey breast onto air fryer basket or tray skin side down.
8. Airfry mode at 380F for 20 minutes. Open air fryer. Flip the turkey on the other side (skin side up) and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through, the skin is golden brown and crispy.   Note: If your turkey breast is on a larger side, it may require more cooking time. After 35 minutes cover it with foil (to prevent burn skin) and cook for an extra 10-15 minutes. Until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165.

You may also enjoy:

1. Air fryer Turkey Legs.
2. 15 Air Fryer Thanksgiving recipes.
3. Air Fryer Coffee BBQ  Garlic Chicken Drumsticks.
4. Juicy Tender Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.