Juicy Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast Recipe in a Flash

Succulent air fryer herb-butter turkey breast crafts ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering centerpiece that promises restaurant-quality results.

Delicate herbs and rich butter create an irresistible coating that locks in moisture and intensifies flavor profiles.

Home cooks can elevate their culinary skills with this streamlined method that promises incredible taste without complicated techniques.

The air fryer rapid circulation ensures crispy exterior and tender interior, making traditional roasting methods seem outdated.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum impact, allowing passionate food lovers to craft something extraordinary in their kitchen.

Seasonal herbs infuse each bite with aromatic complexity, turning a simple protein into a memorable dining experience.

Crisp, golden skin and juicy meat await those ready to revolutionize their cooking approach.

Air Fryer Herb‑Butter Turkey Breast with Crisp Skin

• Savor Quick Flavor Bursts: This air fryer turkey breast delivers intense herb-infused tastes without complicated cooking techniques, making gourmet meal preparation simple and delightful for home cooks.
• Master Effortless Moisture Magic: By strategically applying herb butter under and over the skin, the recipe guarantees juicy, tender meat that remains succulent throughout cooking, eliminating dry turkey nightmares.
• Celebrate Speedy Cooking Convenience: Using an air fryer dramatically reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven methods, allowing busy families to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in less than an hour with minimal cleanup required.
• Unlock Foolproof Culinary Success: The step-by-step process ensures even novice cooks can achieve professional-level results, with clear instructions and temperature guidance that transform turkey preparation from intimidating to approachable.

Herb‑Butter Turkey Breast Ingredient List

• Unsalted Butter: A creamy base that helps infuse herbs and provides rich flavor, best when softened at room temperature.
• Shallot: A mild onion-like ingredient that adds subtle depth and aromatic sweetness to the herb mixture.
• Dried Thyme, Sage, Rosemary: Classic herbs that create a traditional and earthy flavor profile for the turkey.
• Garlic Powder: A convenient seasoning that brings mild, savory notes to enhance overall taste.

• Kosher Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the herb butter's complex flavors.

• Turkey Breast: A tender, bone-in cut with skin that serves as the perfect canvas for herb butter, ideal for air frying and creating a juicy main dish.

Air Fryer Method for Herb‑Butter Turkey Breast

Step 1: Create Flavorful Herb Butter

Soften butter at room temperature. Finely chop shallot and mix with butter. Add dried herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend ingredients until completely combined into a smooth, fragrant mixture.

Step 2: Prepare Turkey Breast

Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Gently slide your fingers under the skin to create a pocket, being careful not to tear the skin. Drizzle olive oil over the entire surface of the turkey.

Step 3: Apply Herb Butter

• Under the skin, covering as much of the meat as possible
• Over the entire exterior of the turkey breast
• Massage butter to ensure even distribution

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer

Set air fryer to 360 Degrees Fahrenheit. Allow it to warm up for 3-4 minutes before placing turkey inside.

Step 5: Cook Turkey Breast

Place turkey breast in air fryer basket. Cook for 45-55 minutes, rotating every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165 Degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove turkey from air fryer. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result. Slice against the grain and serve hot.

Expert Tips for Moist Air Fried Turkey Breast

• Choose Quality Meat: Select a fresh, bone-in turkey breast with the skin intact for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth, even mixing with herbs and easy spreading.
• Herb Blend Technique: Finely mince fresh herbs instead of using dried to intensify the aromatic flavors and create a more vibrant herb butter.
• Skin Separation Trick: Use clean fingers or the back of a spoon to gently separate the skin from the meat, creating a delicate pocket for herb butter distribution.
• Temperature Monitoring: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking and ensuring juicy, tender turkey every time.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Turkey Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap Carefully: Cover the turkey with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other refrigerator odors. Press wrap directly against the meat surface to minimize air exposure.
• Reheat Gently: Warm turkey slices in the air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Sprinkle a few drops of chicken broth over the meat to keep it juicy and prevent drying out during reheating.

Side Dishes for Herb‑Butter Turkey Breast

• Elevate with Wine Harmony: Pair this succulent herb-butter turkey breast with a crisp Chardonnay or light-bodied Pinot Noir. These wines complement the rich herb flavors and cut through the buttery texture, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Create Rustic Side Symphony: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. The caramelized edges of these vegetables will echo the herb-infused turkey's golden-brown exterior and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Brighten with Fresh Accompaniment: Add a zesty mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The bright, tangy dressing will refresh the palate between bites of the rich, herb-laden turkey breast, keeping each mouthful exciting and vibrant.
• Complement with Herbal Gravy: Prepare a quick pan gravy using the turkey's drippings and additional fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. This sauce will intensify the dish's herbal notes and provide a luxurious moisture boost to each slice.

Variations on Air Fryer Herb‑Butter Turkey

• Spicy Chili Pepper Infusion: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the herb butter mixture, creating a zesty and bold flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace traditional herbs with oregano, basil, and marjoram, then add a sprinkle of lemon zest to transport your turkey breast to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
• Smoky Paprika Sensation: Incorporate smoked paprika and a touch of cumin into the herb butter for a deep, rich flavor that brings a subtle smokiness to the tender turkey meat.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Garlic Twist: Mix in fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce to give the turkey breast an unexpected and delightful eastern-inspired flavor profile.

Air Fryer Herb-Butter Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent air fryer herb-butter turkey breast brings Mediterranean herbs and rich buttery flavors to your holiday table. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this elegant main course a simple yet impressive centerpiece you’ll want to serve again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (4–5 pounds), with skin on
• 0.25 cup (57 grams / 2 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Herb and Seasoning Blend:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon dried sage
• 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatic Base:

• 1 small shallot, minced

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious herb-butter blend by thoroughly combining softened butter with finely chopped shallot, dried thyme, sage, rosemary, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper into a harmonious, fragrant mixture.
2. Gently separate the turkey breast skin from the meat, creating a delicate pocket without tearing, which will serve as a perfect channel for the aromatic herb butter to penetrate deeply.
3. Generously massage the prepared herb butter underneath the skin, ensuring complete coverage, then delicately spread the remaining mixture across the exterior surface of the turkey breast for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F, carefully positioning the seasoned turkey breast inside the basket, positioning it to allow optimal air circulation and even cooking.
5. Rotate the turkey breast every 15 minutes during the cooking process, monitoring its progress and promoting uniform browning and consistent internal temperature.
6. Verify doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest portion, confirming the internal temperature has reached a safe 165°F, which guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
7. Remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and let it rest peacefully for 10 minutes, allowing the succulent juices to redistribute and settle, creating a tender, flavorful final result.

Notes

• Butter blending transforms ordinary ingredients into a flavor-packed coating that’ll make your turkey sing with herbal goodness.
• Skin loosening technique ensures maximum herb butter penetration, creating a moisture-locked masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.
• Resting the meat after cooking allows delicious juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each slice is as succulent and tender as the last bite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 110mg