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Home » Recipe Index » Air Fryer

Published: Sep 23, 2025 by Tanya · This post may contain affiliate links · 88 Comments

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone-In or Boneless)

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This Roasted Air Fryer Turkey Breast is juicy and moist, and so easy to make. Use bone-in or boneless turkey breast to make this beautiful, golden roasted turkey in under an hour. 

Air Fryer Roasted Turkey Breast on a cutting board


 

You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!

Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving. It’s available year-round and is perfect for times when you get tired of simple roasted chicken. The turkey breast in the air fryer is ideal for the times you: 

  • Don’t want to turn on the oven to roast a small turkey breast. 
  • Don’t feel like taking the extra step of brining the turkey. 
  • Want to have a turkey on the table in less than an hour.
  • Love your Air Fryer so much that you make anything and everything in it (this is me, this is me!)

This recipe works for bone-in and boneless turkey breasts and requires no brining. 

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pic of Tanya

I love making turkey breast in the air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and always turns out juicy. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when I need cooked turkey for another dish, like a stack of delicious turkey sandwiches. For this recipe, I use mayonnaise to coat the turkey breast. It's the trick to getting a nice golden crust on my turkey.

In this post, I included directions for both bone-in and boneless cuts, so you can use whichever you prefer.

♡ Tanya

A Quick Look at the Ingredients

Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Turkey breast - I have included directions for both bone-in and boneless turkey breast. If using a boneless turkey breast with netting, ensure the netting remains in place while cooking.
  • Mayonnaise - Acts as a binder to help the seasonings stick and promotes a beautifully golden, crispy skin. You can use oil or butter if you prefer to skip the mayo.
  • Seasonings - I use a simple blend of poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. These add depth and color without overpowering the turkey's flavor. Feel free to adjust the blend based on your taste or what you have on hand.

How to cook a turkey breast in the air fryer

Bone-in turkey breast in the air fryer

Step 1: First, ensure you have a fully defrosted turkey breast that fits in your Air Fryer basket. Some of those bone-in breasts are huge and literally won’t fit in your everyday basket air fryer. I prefer a breast that weighs 4 pounds or less. I suggest using an air fryer that is at least 5.3 quarts in size. 

Step 2: Rub mayonnaise and seasonings all over the turkey breast. I also season under the skin.

Step 3: reheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). For a bone-in turkey breast, I place it on its side and cook it for 25 minutes. Then, I open the basket, carefully flip the turkey, and cook for another 25 minutes. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a quick-read thermometer.

raw turkey breast in air fryer basket
turkey breast in air fryer basket with thermometer testing meat

Step 4: Allow your turkey breast to cool on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Sliced Air fryer Turkey breast on cutting board

3-pound boneless turkey breast in the air fryer

My boneless turkey breast typically comes with a net around the meat. I like to keep the net on the meat so that the meat cooks together and slices better after cooking.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and season your turkey breast.

Step 2: Place the turkey breast in the air fryer and cook for 1 hour, turning it every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. I’ve found that boneless turkey breasts can take a bit longer than bone-in, especially if they’re wrapped in netting. Use a quick-read thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

raw boneless turkey breast in air fryer basket
cooked turkey breast in air fryer basket with thermometer sticking out

Step 3: Allow the turkey breast to cool on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes, then remove the net before slicing.

Sliced boneless Turkey breast

Tanya's Top Tips

These tips will help you make the most delicious turkey breast in the air fryer.

  • I use defrosted turkey breast so I can properly season it and have the seasonings stick to the meat. You can also choose to dry-brine it and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. I usually just season and get to cooking. 
  • I chose mayonnaise to coat the breast because I like the taste and the golden color it gives my breast. You could opt for a reduced amount of oil instead. 
  • If making the boneless breast, be careful when removing the netting after cooking. Some meat may stick to the netting when removing.

Plan Ahead + Storage Tips

  • Prep Ahead: Season the turkey breast up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
  • Leftovers: Store cooked turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked, sliced turkey for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Additional turkey recipes you may enjoy

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do, or are looking for more ways to cook a turkey breast, try these out:

  • Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
  • Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Turkey Breast

How to serve turkey breast

If you need ideas of what to serve this with, try these:

  • Gravy or Giblet Gravy
  • Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • Instant Pot Southern Style Collard Greens

FAQs:

How do you know turkey breast is cooked?

Cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Do I need to brine the turkey before cooking it in the air fryer?

No, I've never brined my turkey, as it's cooked in a delicious blend of spices that pack lots of flavor into the finished turkey breast. However, if you prefer, you can dry-brine the turkey with the spices and let it rest in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.

Can you cook a frozen turkey breast in the air fryer?

I do not recommend it. I recommend fully thawing the turkey breast and adding seasoning to it before air frying. Cooking from frozen may result in the outside browning/cooking too quickly while the inside takes longer to reach the correct temperature.

If you have tried this turkey breast recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

air fryer turkey breast on wooden board
Tanya

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe (Bone-In or Boneless)

4.83 from 57 votes
Make juicy and delicious turkey breast right in your Air Fryer. Use bone-in or boneless turkey breast to make the perfect golden turkey breast in your Air Fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Servings: 10 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 401

Ingredients
  

Bone-In Turkey Breast
  • 4 lb bone-in turkey breast*
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Boneless Turkey Breast
  • 3 lb boneless breast*
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

Quick Read Thermometer

Instructions
 

Bone-In Turkey Breast
  1. Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Season turkey breast with mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. Place turkey breast in the air fryer basket on its side. Cook on one side for 25 minutes, flip, cook on the other side for 25 minutes or until internal temperature has reached a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boneless Turkey Breast
  1. Preheat your Air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Season your boneless turkey breast with mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. Air fry on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes or until internal temperature has reached a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 69gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 1191mgPotassium: 781mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 92IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg

Video

Notes

*Cook times will vary depending on the size of your turkey breast.
*I find that my boneless breast takes a little longer than bone-in because of the way it is wrapped in the netting.
*Use a quick read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

This post was originally published on October 22, 2019. It has been updated with helpful information and storage tips.

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Comments

    4.83 from 57 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Nina Adair says

    July 26, 2025 at 6:29 pm

    Great flavor, but it was too salty for me. I will omit the salt next time.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      July 26, 2025 at 9:41 pm

      Thank you for the feedback Nina!

      Reply
  2. Tonya says

    January 24, 2025 at 12:22 pm

    This recipe was easy and the seasonings were on point, perfect for my bone in turkey breast. The turkey was very juicy and flavorful. Next time, I'll put some of the seasoning under the skin, that's what I do when I smoke mine, but I'll be using this seasoning mix from here forward! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      January 25, 2025 at 7:10 pm

      Thanks so much Tonya! So happy you liked the seasonings and recipe. Great tip for seasoning under the skin as well.

      Reply
  3. Karen says

    October 22, 2024 at 8:57 pm

    How do I make gravy when using the air fryer for thanksgiving turkey?

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      October 24, 2024 at 8:35 am

      Hey Karen, great question. I make gravy on the stovetop with vegetables, a roux, and broth. It's so good and perfect when roasting turkey in the air fryer and you don't really get to save the drippings. Here is the recipe. https://www.myforkinglife.com/recipe-for-gravy-without-drippings/

      Reply
  4. Sharon says

    September 11, 2024 at 8:31 pm

    It was done after about 40 minutes and was nice and juicy. Glad I read the info above the recipe advising to leave the netting on the boneless breast and also to use kosher salt vs. regular salt. Both are important to the recipe's success.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      September 12, 2024 at 10:27 am

      Thanks, Sharon! So happy the recipe worked well for you 🙂

      Reply
  5. Wendy says

    March 26, 2024 at 3:54 pm

    I'm going to try this in my range air fryer. I am doing and 8lb turkey breast so I doubled the seasonings. First time so we'll see what happens!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      March 28, 2024 at 6:35 am

      Oh wow, how awesome. Please let me know how it turned out.

      Reply
  6. Karla Sheeley says

    February 18, 2024 at 8:10 pm

    Absolutely fabulous like any other of your recipes that I’ve tried. My family loved it, and it was so easy and a delicious turkey dinner in just a little time. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      February 19, 2024 at 7:58 am

      Thanks so much, Karla! So happy you all loved the recipe.

      Reply
  7. Lori says

    November 24, 2023 at 5:48 pm

    Used a 4.5 lb bone in butterball turkey breast in my bucket air fryer. Took only 20 minutes per side. Perfection!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      November 26, 2023 at 10:21 am

      Thanks Lori! So happy you liked the recipe 🙂

      Reply
  8. Anne says

    November 20, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    This turkey breast was the best ever. Did a practice one and will be making 3 of them (separate air fryers) for thanksgiving.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      November 21, 2023 at 6:39 am

      Thank you so much, Anne! So happy you like the recipe 🙂

      Reply
  9. Marlene says

    July 12, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    I was very impressed with this recipe and must Thank You! It was moist, flavorful and the skin was crispy. Never used mayonnaise on Turkey before roasting. Where had this been all my life.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      July 13, 2023 at 11:16 am

      Thanks, Marlene! Yes, the mayo rub is a game-changer.

      Reply
  10. Liz Blickenderfer says

    June 18, 2023 at 6:22 pm

    The turkey breast was so tender and juicy. I was a little concerned since it was extremely dark on the outside, from seasonings and cooking. But was so very yummy!! I also used the air fryer to brown the top of scalloped potatoes that I cooked in the microwave. PERFECT!! I am new to the Air Fryer, definitely learning, but so far I am loving it.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      June 19, 2023 at 9:22 am

      Thanks Liz! So happy you liked the recipe 🙂

      Reply
  11. Brian Dowdy says

    April 11, 2023 at 7:46 pm

    I can’t believe how tender, flavorful and juicy the turkey was, and the mayonnaise created a delicious crust! My entire family loved this recipe, even my picky eater. I had a 6 lb turkey breast so I simply cooked it for 33 minutes per side, worked perfectly! I’ll definitely be making this again, thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      April 13, 2023 at 7:54 am

      Thanks so much Brian! So happy you like the recipe 🙂

      Reply
  12. Myron says

    December 16, 2022 at 10:46 am

    My good gracious!!! Where was this recipe?? The turkey breast came out so wonderful that it only lasted 2 days. This will always be my go to. Thank you so much!!!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      December 17, 2022 at 8:05 am

      Thanks Myron! So happy you like the recipe. That mayo is the real game changer when it comes to this recipe.

      Reply
  13. Darcy says

    November 24, 2022 at 7:30 pm

    OMGosh! I just cooked a bone-in Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving dinner, and this...hands down, is the BEST recipe EVER! I've been cooking turkey's for 36 years and this is the first that my husband has ever said "This is the BEST you've cooked!" This was the first time I have just cooked a turkey breast...and in my Air Fryer. But the mayonnaise just made it soooo moist and tangy. Thank You! I will be making this my Only turkey recipe!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      November 28, 2022 at 1:21 pm

      Thanks Darcy! So happy you enjoyed the recipe. I agree that mayo rub does wonders.

      Reply
  14. June says

    April 19, 2022 at 7:59 am

    OMG, it was the BEST ever, Thank you for this amazing recipe. I cut a 6 lb. breast in half and reduced the time to cook half, just so moist and tender.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      April 20, 2022 at 9:55 am

      Thanks June! So glad you liked the recipe.

      Reply
  15. Leslie Booth says

    March 17, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    Tanya, how do you keep the turkey warm until you actually serve it. I generally have rice or potatoes and veg. Seems I always have trouble keeping the meat warm.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      March 17, 2022 at 7:20 pm

      Hey Leslie, it would be hard to keep it warm if you are making all the sides in the air fryer. I usually start my sides about 20-30 minutes before the turkey is done, but I cook those other ways.

      Reply
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Welcome to My Forking Life! Hi, I'm Tanya, attorney, busy wife and mom, and lover of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

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