Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

Jump to Recipe Pin This

This easy air fryer turkey breast is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly golden on the outside. It's an easy, no-fuss main dish that's ideal for weeknights or holiday dinners.

A sliced roasted pork tenderloin on a plate, garnished with orange slices, red grapes, and sprigs of rosemary.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

When it comes to holiday meals or special family dinners, I've learned that cooking a whole turkey isn't always necessary, especially when you're feeding a smaller crowd. That's why I often make a turkey breast instead of the whole bird. It gives me all the flavor and juiciness of a traditional roast turkey without the stress, long oven time, or piles of leftovers that take over the fridge. Plus, it's perfect for when I just want a little taste of Thanksgiving any time of year.

The first time I cooked a boneless turkey breast in the air fryer, I couldn't believe how simple it was. Just season, air fry, and let it cook. The result was a golden outside with crispy skin and juicy meat inside. It's become my go-to whenever I want an easy, impressive dinner that feels special but doesn't require spending hours in the kitchen. Even my family was surprised it wasn't made in the oven.

It's perfect for smaller holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter, but it's just as great for a cozy Sunday meal. I often slice up leftovers for a sandwich or salad the next day because it's that good. If you've ever wished for a quicker, simpler way to enjoy turkey without losing flavor, this air fryer recipe might become your new favorite too.

Ingredients

Uncooked boneless turkey roast in a dish, surrounded by butter, spices, herbs, an orange, and a small pitcher of liquid on a white surface.

Boneless turkey roast (white and dark meat): Provides a balanced mix of tenderness and rich flavor while cooking evenly in the air fryer.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness, moisture, and helps the skin turn golden and crispy.
Orange: Brightens the flavor and adds a hint of citrus sweetness that complements the herbs.
Dried rosemary: Infuses the turkey with a warm, piney aroma that enhances its savory flavor.
Rubbed sage: Brings a classic holiday taste and depth to the seasoning blend.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly floral note that balances the other herbs.
Granulated garlic: Provides a subtle savory kick that deepens the overall flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds mild smokiness and enhances the golden color of the turkey skin.
Kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the meat and ensures proper seasoning.
Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning blend.
Olive oil: Helps the herbs and spices stick to the turkey and promotes even browning.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: Add extra aroma and a fresh, festive touch to the presentation.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Contribute a fresh herbal fragrance that pairs beautifully with the roasted turkey.

Suggested Garnish:

Fresh rosemary sprigs: Enhance the presentation and aroma for serving.
Orange slices: Add a pop of color and a hint of citrus freshness to the plate.
Fresh grapes: Provide a sweet, elegant garnish that complements the savory turkey.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

To start, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Set cook time to 1 hour 10 minutes.

A hand holds a small white dish containing a blend of dried herbs and spices, with a bowl of butter in the blurred background.

Mix dried rosemary, thyme, sage, granulated garlic, and smoked paprika together in a small bowl.

A hand holds a bowl of seasoned butter above a platter with a raw, seasoned meat roast; an orange and herbs are on a cutting board in the background.

Add the mixed spices and herbs into the softened butter and mix well.

Three orange slices on parchment paper in a baking tray, with oil drizzles visible. A whole orange, rosemary, and a red-checked cloth are in the background.

Place the Air Fryer tray on a baking sheet. Slice fresh orange into 3 thick slices and arrange on tray lined with parchment paper. Top orange slices with sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme.

Raw meat coated with a herb and mustard mixture on a white dish, with an orange, herbs, and a red checkered cloth in the background.

Dry the boneless turkey roast with paper towels and spread the herbed butter on the bottom.

A seasoned, uncooked roast placed on lemon slices sits on a parchment-lined baking tray. An orange and a red checkered cloth are visible in the background.

Place the turkey breast, skin side up (if any), and continue to smother with the herbed butter on all sides.

A spoon pours juices over a seasoned, roasted meat atop orange slices and herbs on parchment in a baking tray. A red-checked cloth and an orange are in the background.

Air fry turkey for 15 minutes. Baste with the melted herbed butter and gently flip, then baste again.

A cooked, herb-crusted roast sits on parchment paper in a baking tray, with roasted juices surrounding it. A red checkered cloth and a lemon wedge are nearby.

Continue to air fry for 25 to 35 minutes, while basting every 10 minutes, and then gently turn on the other side. Baste one last time and air fry for an additional 10 minutes or until the mixture of white and dark meat reaches internal temperature of 170°F.

A seasoned roast pork tenderloin on a white plate, garnished with orange slices, red grapes, and sprigs of rosemary.

Remove the turkey and rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Remove the string netting with sharp kitchen shears.

A hand pours gravy over sliced roast pork, served with orange slices, red grapes, and a sprig of rosemary on a white plate.

Serve with your favorite homemade turkey gravy or the gravy provided from the package.

Hint: Make sure to let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes after air-frying so the juices redistribute. This keeps the meat tender, juicy, and easier to slice.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to make this recipe to suit different tastes and occasions:

Switch up the seasoning blend: Try Cajun seasoning for a little heat, Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist, or lemon pepper for a bright, zesty flavor.
Add a glaze: Brush the turkey with honey butter, maple syrup, or a balsamic glaze during the last few minutes of air frying for extra flavor and shine.
Use different citrus: Swap the orange for lemon or lime to create a lighter, tangier taste.
Make it garlicky: Mix minced fresh garlic into the butter for a stronger, savory punch.
Add cultural flair: Try soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired version, or a mix of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika for a Middle Eastern touch.
Pair with unique sides: Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, cranberry chutney, or garlic rice to complement your chosen flavor profile.

Sliced roasted pork loin garnished with orange slices, red grapes, and rosemary on a white platter, with a bowl of grapes in the background.

Tips

Top tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey breast-it should reach 165°F at the thickest part to ensure it's fully cooked and perfectly juicy.

More Cooking Tips:

Pat the turkey dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp up nicely.
Let the turkey sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking for more even results.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; good airflow is key to golden, crispy skin.
Baste the turkey with melted butter halfway through cooking for extra flavor and color.
Allow the cooked turkey to rest before slicing so the juices stay locked in.
Save the pan drippings to make a quick, flavorful gravy or sauce.

A plate with a slice of roasted turkey topped with gravy, garnished with orange slices, grapes, and rosemary, with a fork and a small gravy dish nearby.

Serving suggestions

I like to use this air fryer turkey breast recipe as the centerpiece of a cozy dinner spread. It pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. It's a great option for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you're cooking for a smaller group.

For a lighter, everyday meal, I like slicing the turkey and serving it over a fresh green salad or alongside steamed veggies and cauliflower mash. This keeps the meal low-carb and keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Leftovers are one of the best parts of this recipe. I often use the extra turkey to make a sandwich or rice bowl the next day. It's also delicious chopped into soups or added to a creamy turkey salad for an easy lunch.

Storage

To store leftover turkey, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. If freezing, I recommend wrapping the slices individually in parchment paper before sealing them in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need later.

When reheating, the key is to warm the turkey gently so it doesn't dry out. For the best texture, place the slices in a baking dish, cover them with foil, and heat in a 325°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the air fryer at 300°F for about 5 minutes, checking halfway to prevent overcooking.

If you're in a hurry, a microwave works fine for reheating. Just add a splash of broth or water and cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help keep the turkey moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

It's best to use a fully thawed turkey breast so it cooks evenly in the air fryer. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking, with the outside overdone while the inside is undercooked.

How do I know when the turkey breast is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the turkey-it should read 165°F. This ensures the turkey is fully cooked but still juicy.

Can I add other flavors or herbs to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different seasonings like Cajun spice, lemon pepper, or fresh garlic. The air fryer method is versatile, so you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste or cultural cuisine.

Eat at Home and Save!

Sign up to get recipes and tips to make cooking for one or two easy. You'll also have access to money saving deals and offers.

Recipe

Facebook X Pinterest Flipboard