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How long to cook turkey breast in an air fryer
At 360 °F (182 °C) for 38 minutes, flip once at 20 minutes.
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.
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.
| Brand | Temp | Time | Flip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosoribasket | 360 °F(182 °C) | 38 min | flip at 20 min |
| Ninjabasket | 360 °F(182 °C) | 35 min | flip at 18 min |
| Instant Vortexbasket | 360 °F(182 °C) | 38 min | flip at 20 min |
| Philips Airfryerbasket | 350 °F(177 °C) | 38 min | flip at 20 min |
| PowerXLbasket | 360 °F(182 °C) | 36 min | flip at 19 min |
| Brevilleoven | 345 °F(174 °C) | 40 min | flip at 21 min |
| Cuisinartoven | 350 °F(177 °C) | 40 min | flip at 21 min |
| Chefmanbasket | 360 °F(182 °C) | 38 min | flip at 20 min |
| GoWisebasket | 355 °F(179 °C) | 38 min | flip at 20 min |
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
Prep
Bring ingredients close to room temperature. Brush the skin with butter or olive oil before cooking to encourage browning.
- 2
Season
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, sage, rosemary.
- 3
Load
Arrange 1 bone-in half turkey breast, 3 lb for best convection airflow.
- 4
Cook
Set the air fryer to 360 °F (182 °C) and cook for 38 minutes total, flipping once at 20 minutes.
- 5
Check & rest
Verify the internal temperature reaches 165 °F / 74 °C and rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
- 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.
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