If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet impressively flavorful dinner, the Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This recipe combines tender turkey breast with the fragrant richness of herb-infused butter, all cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer. It’s quick, fuss-free, and the crisp, golden skin paired with juicy meat underneath will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this is turkey like you’ve never experienced before, and it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready is half the fun because each one adds something special — from luscious butter to vibrant herbs, they all come together to make this turkey breast sing with flavor and texture.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): The star that brings moisture and richness, helping the herbs and spices adhere beautifully to the turkey.
- Fresh herbs, finely chopped (1 tablespoon) or dried herbs (1 teaspoon): These infuse the butter with a fresh, aromatic punch — think rosemary, thyme, or parsley for vibrant notes.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of savory, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder (1/8 teaspoon): Delivers subtle sweetness and depth to the herb butter mixture.
- Ground paprika (1/8 teaspoon): Offers a gentle smoky undertone and gives the skin a lovely warm color.
- Salt & ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in the turkey.
- Turkey breast (1 whole, 3 pounds; bone-in or boneless): Opt for a half breast if preferred — both options work wonderfully in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by heating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a consistent cooking temperature so the turkey cooks evenly and gets that perfectly crisp skin you’re craving.
Step 2: Make the Herb-Butter Compound
In a small bowl, combine the butter with your chosen fresh or dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mash it all together using a fork until everything is evenly blended. This compound butter is what will carry all those incredible flavors right into the turkey.
Step 3: Prepare and Season Your Turkey Breast
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, so the skin crisps up beautifully. Carefully loosen the skin without tearing it — creating a pocket for the butter mixture. Spread half of the herb-butter under the skin, then slather the remaining butter all over the surface. This step is key to achieving juicy meat beneath a flavorful crust.
Step 4: Air Fry the Turkey
Place the turkey breast in the preheated air fryer basket skin-side up. Air fry at 350°F for 30 minutes, then check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Continue cooking in 5 to 10-minute increments until the turkey reaches 165°F internally — usually about 40 to 45 minutes total for a half breast. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the skin to golden perfection.
Step 5: Rest Before Carving
Once done, remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes. This rest period is a must because it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. Skipping this step means risking dry meat, so be patient, your taste buds will thank you.
How to Serve Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and extra freshness right before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side can also bring a bright, tangy contrast to the rich turkey.
Side Dishes
This herb-butter turkey breast pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp, refreshing salad. Choosing sides with a mix of textures and flavors enhances the overall meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, slice the turkey breast and fan the pieces out on a wooden serving board with roasted garlic bulbs and sprigs of fresh herbs. Drizzle a little of the reserved pan juices or extra herb butter on top to keep things moist and irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It’s best to slice the meat first to cool it quickly and make it ready for easy reheating or sandwiches.
Freezing
Your cooked turkey breast freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor retention. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To keep your turkey juicy, reheat slices gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, until warmed through, or briefly in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh herbs offer the brightest flavor, dried herbs work wonderfully in the butter mixture — just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is bone-in turkey breast better for air frying than boneless?
Both bone-in and boneless turkey breasts cook well in the air fryer. Bone-in gives a slightly juicier result and more flavor, but boneless is quicker and easier to carve.
How can I tell when the turkey is cooked perfectly?
The best way is using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the turkey is safely cooked but still juicy.
Can I double this recipe for a larger turkey breast?
Yes, you can scale the ingredients and cooking time accordingly — just monitor the internal temperature closely, as larger breasts will take longer to reach 165°F.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can adapt this recipe for a conventional oven by roasting the turkey breast at 350°F, but expect a longer cooking time and less crisp skin compared to the air fryer method.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so delightfully satisfying about the Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast Recipe. It’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week but impressive enough to serve guests with pride. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation for its juicy texture, incredible flavor, and minimal effort. Go on, give it a try — your dinner table is about to get a whole lot tastier!
Print
Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful turkey breast with a buttery herb crust. Using an air fryer makes the cooking process quick and easy, resulting in tender meat with a crisp, seasoned skin. Perfect for a simple weeknight meal or a small holiday gathering, this recipe highlights fresh herbs, garlic, and paprika for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (or 1 teaspoon dried herbs)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Turkey
- 1 (3-lb) turkey breast (bone-in or boneless, half breast recommended)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature before cooking the turkey breast.
- Make compound butter: In a small bowl, combine the butter, fresh or dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, ground paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash and mix everything together until the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed in the butter.
- Season turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp. Gently loosen the skin without tearing it, creating a pocket. Spread half of the compound butter mixture underneath the skin to infuse flavor directly into the meat. Then, spread the remaining butter mixture all over the surface of the turkey, focusing on the skin.
- Air fry: Place the prepared turkey breast in the hot air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Continue to air fry in 5-10 minute increments until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a 2.5-lb bone-in half breast, this typically takes 40-45 minutes total.
- Rest: Remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Resting is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and juicy meat.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs gives the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at one-third the amount.
- Loosen the skin carefully to keep it intact, which helps hold the butter and herbs for maximum flavor.
- Measurement of internal temperature is essential to ensure the turkey is safely cooked and remains juicy.
- Resting the turkey is critical for moisture retention and tenderness.
