The 5 Best Air Fryer For Turkey Breast

Originally posted on 6 January 2024 @ 21:33

Cooking a delectable turkey breast in an air fryer has become a popular choice for those seeking a healthier yet flavorful meal. The key to achieving succulent, evenly-cooked turkey lies not just in the recipe but also in the right air fryer selection.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential features to consider when choosing the best air fryer for turkey breast, ensuring a seamless cooking experience that delivers crispy, golden perfection every time.

Best Air Fryer For Turkey Breast

I tested out several popular air fryer models to see which ones cooked turkey breast the best. Here are my reviews of the top 5 air fryers for making the perfect turkey breast:

COSORI Air Fryer Oven

The COSORI Air Fryer Oven is my top pick for cooking turkey breast. I really enjoyed using this air fryer and found it cooked the turkey evenly with a crispy skin.

Some of the key features I liked:

• 2.1-quart capacity – great for cooking a 2-3 lb turkey breast
• Preheats quickly and cooks fast
• The nonstick basket makes food easy to remove
• Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
• Comes with a recipe book including air fryer turkey breast

Pros:

• Compact size
• User-friendly controls
• Cooks quickly and evenly
• Produces tender, juicy meat
• Gives a nice crispy skin

Cons:

• Smaller capacity than some models
• The vent releases hot steam upwards

I cooked a 3 lb boneless turkey breast in the COSORI at 380°F for 32 minutes, flipping halfway. It came out perfectly cooked, moist, and browned. This is an excellent air fryer for turkey breast and earned the top spot.

Dreo ChefMaker Air Fryer

The Dreo ChefMaker Air Fryer is a high-end multifunctional air fryer. It has useful features like a food probe and water atomizer to help achieve the best results.

What I liked about using this air fryer:

• Large 6-quart capacity
• Advanced cooking options like air fry, bake, and dehydrate
• Food probe monitors internal temperature
• Water atomizer keeps food moist
• Digital touchscreen controls

Pros:

• Many cooking functions
• Large capacity
• Precise temperature control
• Produces juicy, tender meat

Cons:

• Expensive
• Bulky size

The Dreo ChefMaker cooked my 2 lb bone-in turkey breast perfectly at 350°F in 42 minutes. The meat thermometer ensured it was cooked to 165°F. This is a great high-tech option if you cook turkey frequently.

DASH Air Fryer Oven

The DASH Air Fryer Oven is an inexpensive air fryer that still cooks turkey breast nicely. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some models but gets the job done.

Here’s an overview:

• 2.6-quart capacity
• Air fry, bake, broil, and reheat functions
• Adjustable temperature up to 400°F
• Auto shut-off for safety

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Small footprint
• User-friendly
• Produces decent results

Cons:

• No food probe or special settings
• Smaller capacity than some
• Temperature fluctuations

I cooked a 2 lb boneless turkey breast in the DASH at 370°F for 35 minutes based on the recipe booklet. It turned out quite moist and browned but took a little longer than expected. For an inexpensive air fryer, it cooked the turkey fairly well.

NuWave Brio Air Fryer

The NuWave Brio Air Fryer is a good mid-sized model with advanced controls and settings. I found it great for cooking turkey breasts.

These are its notable features:

• 6-quart capacity
• One-touch digital controls with pre-programmed settings
• Adjustable temperature from 100°F – 400°F
• Dishwasher safe parts

Pros:

• The digital interface is easy to use
• Accurate time and temperature
• Large capacity
• Produces tasty, moist turkey

Cons:

• Bulky size
• The basket is a bit hard to clean

I cooked a 3 lb boneless turkey breast in the NuWave at 350°F for 35 minutes based on the pre-set. It turned out moist, juicy, and nicely browned all over. The digital controls made it easy to use.

NuWave Brio 10-in-1 Air Fryer

The NuWave Brio 10-in-1 Air Fryer is a higher-end model from the same brand, with even more cooking functions. I found it produced excellent turkey breasts.

Here are the highlights:

• 7.25-quart large capacity
• 10 functions including air frying, baking, and broiling
• Digital controls and integrated food probe
• Dishwasher safe parts

Pros:

• Many functionality options
• Large capacity for turkey
• Precise temperature control
• Gives great results for turkey

Cons:

• Expensive
• Takes up counter space

I cooked a 5 lb whole turkey breast in the NuWave Brio 10-in-1 at 350°F for 1 hour 20 minutes based on the setting. The food probe helped ensure it cooked to the proper internal temperature. The turkey came out incredibly moist and tender with crispy skin. This is a top-tier air fryer.

Pros and Cons of Cooking Turkey Breast in an Air Fryer

Pros:

• Cooks quickly – Done in 30-50 mins
• Keeps meat moist and juicy
• Adds nice crispy skin/browning
• Easy cleanup

Cons:

• Smaller capacity in some models
• Need to flip/rotate for even cooking
• Can dry out if overcooked
• Not as much capacity as an oven

Buying Guide:

When selecting an air fryer specifically for cooking turkey breast, keep these factors in mind:

• Capacity – Choose an air fryer with at least a 3-5 quart capacity to fit a medium turkey breast. Larger models over 5 quarts are needed for whole turkey breasts.
• Temperature range – Look for an air fryer with a maximum temperature of 400°F, the ideal temp for crisping turkey skin.
• Functions – Air fry, roast, and bake settings are best for turkey breasts. Models with these tend to work better than basic air fryers.
• Cook time – Shorter cook times are better to prevent turkey from drying out. Advanced models preheat and cook faster.
• Food probe – Models with an integrated food probe help monitor the internal temperature and prevent overcooking.
• Easy to clean – Removable, nonstick dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup much easier after cooking turkey.
• Budget – Consider how much you’re willing to spend. Prices range from $70 for basic models to $200+ for high-end air fryers.

Prioritize capacity, functions, and accessories like a food probe when choosing an air fryer for the juiciest turkey breast results.

FAQS

What is the best air fryer for cooking a turkey breast?

The best air fryer for cooking a turkey breast is one that has a spacious basket to accommodate the size of the turkey breast. It should also have capabilities for air frying, roasting, and air crisping to ensure even and crispy results.

How do I cook turkey breast in the air fryer?

To cook turkey breast in the air fryer, first season the breast with your preferred spices, then preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Place the seasoned turkey breast in the air fryer basket and cook for about 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Can I cook a bone-in turkey breast in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a bone-in turkey breast in an air fryer. It’s important to ensure that the air fryer has enough space to accommodate the size of the bone-in turkey breast and to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What are some tips for making air fryer turkey breast?

Some tips for making air fryer turkey breast include using an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, seasoning the breast with your favorite flavors, and allowing the turkey breast to rest before slicing to retain its juices.

Can I use a frozen turkey breast in the air fryer?

It’s recommended to thaw the turkey breast before cooking it in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to prevent undercooking. Avoid using a frozen turkey breast for air frying.

What is the recommended temperature for air frying a turkey breast?

The recommended temperature for air frying a turkey breast is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat the air fryer to this temperature before placing the seasoned turkey breast inside for cooking.

How do I make turkey gravy to accompany air fryer turkey breast?

To make turkey gravy, use the drippings from the air fryer turkey breast, add some broth, flour, and seasoning, and cook until the gravy thickens. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve with the air fryer turkey breast.

Can I cook a whole turkey breast in the air fryer?

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook a whole turkey breast. However, it’s essential to ensure that the turkey breast fits comfortably in the air fryer basket and adjusts the cooking time as needed.

What are some recommended seasonings for air fryer turkey breast?

Some recommended seasonings for air fryer turkey breast include a dry brine with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. Customize the seasonings based on your preferences for flavor.

How do I cook a leftover turkey in the air fryer?

To cook leftover turkey in the air fryer, slice the turkey into even pieces, preheat the air fryer, then reheat the leftover turkey in the air fryer until it’s warmed through and crispy on the outside. This is a great way to breathe new life into leftover turkey.

Conclusion

Cooking turkey breast in an air fryer is an excellent option that produces tasty results in way less time than the oven. The COSORI Air Fryer Oven is my top overall pick for its great performance, ease of use, and reasonable price.

The NuWave Brio models are also great choices for larger turkey breasts. Whichever model you choose, an air fryer is sure to make cooking holiday turkey easy and delicious.