Introduction

This air-fryer turkey breast recipe offers a juicy, flavorful main dish with a perfectly crisped skin. Using a simple dry rub and the convenience of an air fryer, you can enjoy tender turkey without the wait of roasting in the oven.

Air-Fryer Turkey Breast with Brown Sugar and Poultry Seasoning Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 tablespoon coarse kosher salt or 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 pounds), split in half
4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
Step 2: On the prepared baking sheet, pat the turkey breast halves very dry with paper towels. Remove and discard any pop-up thermometer if present. Generously rub the dry seasoning mixture all over each half until fully coated. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 3: One hour before cooking, remove the turkey from the fridge and bring it to room temperature.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Brush each turkey breast half with about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Place the halves in the air fryer basket, overlapping slightly if needed. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The skin will become deeply browned due to the sugar in the rub.
Step 5: Transfer the turkey to a cutting board or platter and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

Splitting the turkey breast in half allows for more even cooking in the air fryer and helps reduce total cook time.
For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dry rub.
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne can add a nice smoky or spicy touch.
Be sure to pat the turkey very dry before applying the rub to help achieve crispy skin.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave until just heated through to avoid drying out. Turkey also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook a whole turkey breast without splitting it?

You can cook a whole turkey breast in the air fryer, but splitting it in half helps it cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. If your air fryer is large enough, you can try it whole but check internal temperature carefully.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

This recipe can be adapted for oven roasting. Cook at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack set in a baking sheet until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which may take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on size.

Air-Fryer Turkey Breast with Brown Sugar and Poultry Seasoning Recipe

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4.4 from 68 reviews

This Air-Fryer Turkey Breast recipe features a flavorful dry rub of brown sugar, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and coarse salt, delivering a perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender turkey breast with a beautifully caramelized skin. The method involves air frying, which crisps the skin and retains moisture inside, offering a quicker and healthier alternative to traditional roasting. Ideal for a convenient and impressive main dish any time of year.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours (including 8 hour overnight marinating)
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Rub Ingredients

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 tablespoon coarse kosher salt or 3/4 teaspoon fine salt

Main Ingredient

1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 pounds), split in half

Other

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Prepare the Dry Rub: Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine dark brown sugar, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Season the Turkey: On the baking sheet, pat the turkey breast halves very dry using paper towels. Remove the pop-up thermometer if present. Generously rub the dry spice mixture all over each half, coating fully. Place uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and enhance the turkey.
Bring to Room Temperature: About one hour before cooking, take the turkey out of the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature. This step ensures even cooking throughout.
Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Brush each turkey breast half evenly with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Arrange the halves in the air fryer basket; if both fit snugly, a slight overlap is acceptable as the meat will shrink during cooking. Cook the turkey for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The skin will develop a deep, caramelized, burnished color due to the sugar in the rub.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked turkey to a cutting board or serving platter. Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist, tender bite.

Notes

Make sure to pat the turkey dry before applying the rub to help the seasoning adhere better and promote crispier skin.
If your air fryer basket is small, cook the turkey halves one at a time for the best results.
Allowing the turkey to rest is crucial for juicy meat—don’t skip this step.
You can prepare the turkey with the spice rub a day in advance to deepen the flavors.
Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure food safety.

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