If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful main dish that’s both simple and impressive, this Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe is an absolute delight. It’s packed with fragrant herbs and cooked to tender perfection in the air fryer, making it a fantastic go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The herbs infuse every bite with freshness, while the air fryer locks in the moisture, delivering a crispy outside and succulent inside. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite turkey preparation method!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a unique role in bringing out the best flavors and textures in the turkey breast. From fragrant fresh herbs to the perfect hint of garlic and onion, every item works together harmoniously.
- 3 pounds boneless turkey breast: The centerpiece of this recipe, offering lean protein and an ideal size for even cooking in the air fryer.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the herbs adhere to the turkey and promotes a beautifully golden exterior.
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon ground sage): Brings a warm, slightly peppery aroma that pairs wonderfully with poultry.
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme): Adds a subtle earthiness that enhances the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary): Offers a pine-like fragrance and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a rich, mellow garlicky taste without overwhelming the turkey.
- 1 teaspoon minced dried onion: Provides a mild sweetness and savory background flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste): Balances and elevates all the other flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just enough bite to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F for about five minutes. This ensures it reaches the perfect cooking temperature, giving the turkey a crispy, golden crust from the moment it hits the basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb Oil Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Letting the oil rest for a minute allows the herbs and spices to bloom, creating a wonderfully fragrant base that will deeply flavor the turkey.
Step 3: Season the Turkey
Take the turkey breast and generously rub the herb oil mixture all over it, making sure to coat every inch. This not only flavors the meat but also helps retain moisture during cooking, leading to a juicy and tender final product.
Step 4: Air Fry in Two Stages
Place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes. Then, carefully flip the turkey and cook for an additional 20 minutes. This even cooking method ensures that every side gets perfectly browned. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F for safe consumption. If it’s a bit shy, give it another 3 to 6 minutes.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
Once cooked, let your turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, so when you slice it, each piece is juicy and tender—an essential tip I learned the first time I made this recipe!
How to Serve Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving presentation with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary on top of the sliced turkey. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavor and add a lovely, inviting shine.
Side Dishes
This herb-seasoned turkey pairs beautifully with bright, seasonal sides such as roasted root vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For something cozy, creamy risotto or buttery green beans are also fantastic options.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the turkey breast thinly and layering it in sandwiches with cranberry sauce and arugula for a flavorful lunch. Or, cube the leftover turkey to top a warm grain bowl with a drizzle of herb dressing for a fresh twist. Serving it family-style on a festive platter garnished with fresh herbs instantly elevates any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making this recipe perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the turkey longer, slice it first, then freeze it in resealable freezer bags. This way, you can thaw just what you need. When properly stored, turkey breast can last up to two months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the turkey slices in a covered skillet on low heat or microwave them with a damp paper towel to maintain moistness. Avoid overheating, which can dry out this wonderfully juicy Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe calls for fresh herbs, but dried herbs work perfectly fine as well—just use about one-third of the amount of fresh herbs since dried are more concentrated in flavor.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can roast the seasoned turkey breast in a preheated oven at 375°F. It will take about 50 to 60 minutes, but keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
How do I know when the turkey is perfectly cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, and once it reads 165°F, your turkey is done.
Is this recipe suitable for a smaller or larger turkey breast?
Definitely! Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size. Smaller breasts will take less time, and larger ones will need a bit longer, but the key is monitoring the internal temperature.
Can I add other spices or flavors to the herb mixture?
Feel free to customize! Paprika, lemon zest, or even a dash of cayenne can add exciting new layers to this already flavorful herb blend. Experiment and make it your own.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen for its ease, taste, and incredible texture. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with the juicy, herb-infused magic it brings to your table!
Print
Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy turkey with a fragrant herb rub. Using an air fryer, the turkey cooks evenly with a delicious crispy exterior while staying moist inside. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this method ensures a perfectly cooked turkey breast in under an hour.
Ingredients
Turkey and Marinade
- 3 pounds boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon ground sage)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon minced dried onion
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it’s at the right temperature for cooking.
- Prepare Herb Oil: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh or dried sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to rest briefly so the flavors meld.
- Rub Turkey Breast: Thoroughly coat the turkey breast on all sides with the prepared herb oil mixture, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Air Fry First Side: Place the turkey breast skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes at 360°F.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip the turkey breast to the other side and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F to ensure safety. If not there yet, cook an extra 3-6 minutes until the temperature is reached.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and improves flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allowing the turkey to rest after cooking helps keep it moist and tender.
- Feel free to adjust herbs according to taste or what you have on hand.
- If using dried herbs, reduce the amounts slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the turkey breast and your specific air fryer model.
