This boneless marinated turkey breast in air fryer recipe is one of my favorite ways to make turkey without waiting hours for a full roast. The marinade gives the turkey so much flavor, and the air fryer is what makes it juicy with a lightly crisp outside.
I started making this moist turkey breast as an easy weeknight dinner, but now it’s become one of my go-to meals when I want something filling but still light. As an added extra, I serve these delicious Air Fryer Vegetables with it.
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Video Tutorial
Try This Juicy Marinated Turkey Breast
What I love most about this boneless turkey breast recipe is how reliable it is. The turkey is tender inside while the outside gets lightly caramelized from the marinade, making it crispy.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and easy: It is so much faster than roasting a whole turkey in the oven.
- Perfect Texture: You get the juicy inside with crispy edges and lots of flavor.
- Healthy dinner recipe: Lean turkey makes this meal healthier while still making you full.
- Great for leftovers: I love slicing the leftover turkey for sandwiches and wraps the next day.
Ingredients
- Turkey breast: The boneless turkey breast cooks quickly, which is why I prefer using this.
- Soy sauce: This adds savory flavor and gets the marinade to soak into the meat.
- Paprika: Gives a warm taste and color, making it slightly spicy, but not too much.
- Garlic powder: This ingredient builds flavor in the marinade.
How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast
1. In a marinating container, mix together soy sauce, black pepper, dried ginger, ground paprika, dried rosemary, olive oil, and garlic powder. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Place the turkey breast into the marinade mixture and coat evenly.
Tip: I like to slightly pat the turkey dry with paper towels and dab a little bit of Kosher salt on it. (Optional)
3. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours so the flavors can soak into the turkey.
4. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Lightly oil the air fryer basket and place the turkey breast inside. Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F/200˚C.
6. Pour a little bit of olive oil on the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes for even cooking.
7. Once fully cooked, let the turkey rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Add some Thyme or parsley on top as a garnish.
Recipe Tips
- I always let the turkey sit at room temperature before cooking. It helps the meat cook more evenly.
- Turkey breast is done once it reaches 165 degrees F (74°C), so use a meat thermometer in the thickest part to check it.
- If your turkey breast is thicker, you may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
- For crispier skin, slightly increase the temperature and cook for a few minutes longer.
- Allow the flavors to soak into the meat by marinating the turkey breast for at least 2 hours. If possible, marinate the turkey breast overnight in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If the turkey breast is too large for the air fryer, think about cutting it into smaller portions or cooking them sequentially.
- Allow the turkey to cool slightly before cutting it into slices.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Salad
- Rice
- Sandwiches
FAQs
The biggest thing is not overcooking it. I always check the internal temperature instead of relying only on time.
Yes, and honestly, the flavor gets even better if you do.
Absolutely. The marinade works really well with chicken, too.
Recipe
Boneless Marinated Turkey Breast in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Marinating container
- Kitchen tongs
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 20 oz turkey breast
- 1 teaspoon olive oil spray
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon dried ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- In a marinade container, mix together soy sauce, black pepper, dried ginger, ground paprika, dried rosemary, olive oil, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Preparing and Cooking the Turkey Breast
- Take the turkey breast and place it in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure to coat the turkey evenly with the marinade. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for two hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F/200˚C. Pour a little bit of olive oil on the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the turkey breast in the basket and close the lid.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the turkey breast and the power of your air fryer. Typically, a turkey breast weighing around 200 grams will take 12-15 minutes to cook. Flip the turkey breast over every 4 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once the turkey breast is cooked, carefully take it out of the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the turkey breast with a side salad and enjoy!
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes.Taste & Texture
Tender, juicy turkey with savory herbs, warm spices, and lightly crisp edges.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the air fryer or oven until heated through.
Serving Recommendations
I love serving this with roasted vegetables or slicing it thin for sandwiches the next day. It’s also great over salads for an easy lunch.Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Use chicken breast instead of turkey.
- Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos
- Add cayenne pepper for heat.
- Swap rosemary for thyme or sage.
- Swap olive oil for vegetable oil
- Replace dried garlic with garlic powder for a similar flavor
- Use fresh ginger in place of dried ginger for a bolder taste.
- Add honey or maple syrup into the marinade for sweetness.
Proper Storage Tips
- Let the turkey cool before storing.
- Slice only before serving to help keep it juicy.
- Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the turkey breast, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- When you're ready to eat the leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating them in the air fryer or oven.
Pro Tips
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer.
- Let the turkey rest before slicing.
Video
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