How long to cook turkey breast in an air fryer

At-a-glance cooking parameters

Temperature

360 °F

182 °C

Total time

38 min

per single layer

Flip at

20 min

flip once

Internal temp

165 °F

74 °C

A 3-lb bone-in turkey breast cooks in about 38 minutes at 360 °F (182 °C) with a flip at the halfway mark. Lower than the chicken temperature because the larger mass needs time to heat through without scorching the skin. Confirm 165 °F (74 °C) at the thickest point near the bone.

Per serving

Approximate values for a single portion of turkey breast (USDA baseline, cooked, includes light air-fryer oil spray).

Calories

220 kcal

Protein

41 g

Fat

5 g

Carbs

0 g

Turkey Breast in popular air fryer brands

Adjusted for how each brand actually heats. Tap a brand name to see every food we calibrate for it.

Cooking turkey breast differently?

Times and technique change when starting from frozen or reheating leftovers. Open the matching guide for the right temp, time and brand notes.

• Reheat leftoverReheat Turkey in an Air Fryer350 °F · 4 min · no flipRestore-the-crisp technique

How to tell it’s done

Skin (if on) is deep golden-brown and crisp; flesh near the bone is opaque white with no pink; juices run clear.

Internal temperature: 165 °F / 74 °C. Always verify with an instant-read thermometer.

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Prep

   Bring ingredients close to room temperature. Brush the skin with butter or olive oil before cooking to encourage browning.

2. 2

   Season

   Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, sage, rosemary.

3. 3

   Load

   Arrange 1 bone-in half turkey breast, 3 lb for best convection airflow.

4. 4

   Cook

   Set the air fryer to 360 °F (182 °C) and cook for 38 minutes total, flipping once at 20 minutes.

5. 5

   Check & rest

   Verify the internal temperature reaches 165 °F / 74 °C and rest 2–3 minutes before serving.

6. 6

   Store

   Refrigerate sliced breast in airtight container up to 4 days. Best for sandwiches cold.

Watch out for

• !A 3-lb breast is the maximum for most 6-quart air fryers. Larger needs an oven.
• !Tent loosely with foil if the skin browns before the centre reaches 165 °F. Do not leave foil sealed — convection needs airflow.
• !Let the breast rest 10 minutes before slicing. Cutting early loses 25% of the juice.

FAQ about turkey breast in an air fryer

What temperature should I cook turkey breast at in an air fryer?

Cook turkey breast at 360 °F (182 °C). The convection air at this temperature cooks the food gently — higher temperatures dry it out or scorch the surface.

How long does turkey breast take in an air fryer?

Turkey breast takes 38 minutes total at 360 °F (182 °C). Flip the food once at 20 minutes so both sides cook evenly.

Do you need to flip turkey breast in an air fryer?

Yes — flip turkey breast once at 20 minutes. The side touching the basket grate develops a darker, more crusted surface; flipping evens out the cook so both sides match.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for turkey breast?

Preheating is optional for turkey breast — most modern air fryers reach temperature in under 2 minutes and the food's total cook time already accounts for the ramp-up. If you do preheat, reduce the total time by 1–2 minutes and check earlier than usual.

What internal temperature is turkey breast safe to eat?

Turkey breast should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Visual checks alone are not a reliable substitute for protein — always confirm with a probe.

Can I reheat leftover turkey breast in an air fryer?

Yes. Reheat at 350 °F (177 °C) for 4 minutes. The reheat guide covers the full restore-the-crisp technique. Open the leftover turkey reheat guide →