Turkey is not just for holidays anymore. Keto air fryer turkey breast is juicy, succulent, and loaded with herby flavor, made effortlessly in the air fryer any time of year.
This post may contain affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure.
Bone-in, skin-on turkey breast gives you the best result here, the bone helps keep the meat from drying out and lets heat circulate more evenly underneath.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my Privacy Policy.
Jump-start your keto success! Grab a copy of my 4-week Easy Keto Menu Plan or check out my other cookbooks to help you along.
Join our Facebook group for friendly keto support, and for videos on how to make these recipes, subscribe to my YouTube channel!
Chef Jenn’s Take on Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towel first, the butter sticks noticeably better that way.
Use dried herbs specifically, not fresh, fresh herbs will burn in the air fryer. Mix the softened butter with the dried herbs, spread half of it over the turkey before cooking, and save the rest to brush on about halfway through. Use a real digital thermometer and pull the turkey at 165 degrees in the thickest part, do not rely on the plastic popup devices some turkeys come with. Tent it with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, do not skip that step.
This works in both basket-style air fryers, placed directly on the basket insert, and oven-style ones, placed on a tray. No air fryer at all? Roast it at 325 degrees in a regular oven instead, the same thermometer rule still applies. A boneless turkey breast works the same way too, just adjust the cooking time down. If the turkey is browning too fast, cover it with foil, or broil it briefly at the end if the skin needs a bit more crispness.
What You’ll Love About Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Bone-in for best results, though boneless works too with adjusted timing.
- Juicy and succulent, made effortless in the air fryer.
- Cooks in about half the time of a regular oven.
Ingredients
- Turkey breast – Bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and moisture. Boneless works too, just adjust the cooking time.
- Dried herbs – A mixture of thyme, marjoram, parsley, oregano, and tarragon, or use a ready-made Italian, Greek, or French herb blend.
- Butter – Salted, softened. Add 1/2 tsp salt if using unsalted.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.Season well with salt and pepper.
Mix the dried herbs into the softened butter. Using a basting brush, spread half the mixture onto the turkey breast.
Place it in the air fryer at 375°F for about 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After about 20 minutes, brush on the remaining butter and herb mixture.
Let it rest, covered with foil, for 10 minutes before slicing.
Make It A Meal
I love this with Broccoli Casserole with Parmesan and Bacon or Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower.
Got leftovers? Try a Turkey Cranberry Chaffwich or a bowl of Leftover Turkey Soup. Save the bones for homemade turkey stock too.
Storage
This freezes well. Wrap it tightly, using a vacuum sealer if you have one, to prevent freezer burn. Thaw and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Air fryers use rapid air technology to cook and so the temperature remains more constant and circulates far better than a regular oven. This turkey breast recipe cooks in about half the time in an air fryer versus a regular oven.
It sure is! Turkey is an excellent source of protein and it is a ZERO carb food which makes this dish totally keto.
It’s easy! Flavor the turkey breast with spices or herbs and pop it in the air fryer at 375F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and the temperature when it went in, but account for about 45 minutes. Use a digital thermometer to cook it perfectly. Pull the turkey out when it reaches 165F.
Add Preferred SourceButter & Herb Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast bone-in; skin-on
- 2 tablespoons dried herbs thyme, marjoram, parsley, oregano, tarragon – use a mixture!
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
- Season well with the salt and pepper.
- Mix the dried herbs into the softened butter. Using the basting brush, spread half the mixture onto the turkey breast.
- Pop it into the air fryer at 375-F for about 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
- After about 20 minutes, brush on the remaining butter and herb mixture.
- Let it rest, covered with foil, for 10 minutes prior to slicing.
Notes
Recipe Card Tips
- Pat the turkey breast dry before buttering it, the butter sticks noticeably better.
- Use dried herbs, not fresh, fresh herbs will burn in the air fryer.
- Use a real digital thermometer and pull at 165°F, never rely on plastic popup devices.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed. Erythritol carbs (sugar substitutes) are not included in the carbohydrate counts as they have been shown not to impact blood sugar, and they have zero calories and zero carbs. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
This turkey breast was so juicy and the skin so crispy I can’t wait to make this again! Thanks Jenn for sharing such a great recipe!
What an easy recipe for turkey breasts!
I really need to get myself an air fryer, I keep seeing wonderful recipes like this one that I would have never believed could be cooked in one! So many lovely flavours and that lovely crispy crust – yum!
That herb crust – its omg delicious! Great recipe!
I use my air fryer a lot too but I haven’t made turkey in it yet. Thanks for the great info. I am making this tomorrow. Can’t wait!
Are you cooking in a glass Pyrex dish?
If your pyrex can take the heat of an airfryer – and fit – you can use that. I’ve done this turkey in both a basket and oven type air fryer. In the basket type, I just pop it right onto the basket insert. In the oven type, I cook it on a tray in the machine. Good luck! ~Jenn
Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
For sure, just watch the cooking time. It won’t take quite so long to cook. ~Jenn
Looks wonderful – can it be baked in a regular or convection oven? No air frier in my kitchen, Thanks.
You can, yes! I’d roast it at about 325-F. Keep an eye on the temperature of the turkey breast and pull it out of the oven when it gets to 165F. Don’t trust those little popup thermometers! ~Jenn