Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone In Split Breast Half)

I make this crispy and easy air fryer turkey breast using a bone-in split breast half when I want a simple high-protein dinner that feels special without all the fuss. It's perfect for holidays, but I love it just as much on busy weeknights too.

You can make it with our buttery Italian seasoning blend or we give you other seasoning ideas to add more spice to your life.

You'll love this recipe because it makes crispy skin with juicy meat, cooks faster than the oven, and gives you a healthier main dish with minimal effort. It's the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and nutrition.

We used an air fryer oven for recipe testing, but we also cook this in our Cosori basket style air fryer and get very similar results!

Things to Know Before Making Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone In Split Breast Half)

• For extra crispy skin, make sure the turkey breast is completely dry before seasoning.
• Swap the seasonings to match your meal, like garlic herb for holidays or Cajun for everyday dinners.
• The cooking time depends on the thickness of the split breast, so always check with a meat thermometer.
• Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

I've been testing easy air fryer recipes since 2018, and this turkey breast is one of the juiciest I've made, plus it's a reader favorite! For variety, you'll also love our Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin and our Air Fryer Turkey Wings.

Ingredients Overview

• Bone-in split turkey breast half: Keeping the bone in helps retain moisture. The skin on split-breast size works great for an air fryer, you could also use a boneless turkey breast roast but just know it won't take as long to cook.
• Olive oil: Lightly coats the turkey for even browning and crispy skin. Butter can be used instead.
• Seasonings (pepper, garlic salt, paprika): Simple flavors that highlight the natural taste of turkey. We also add Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning for added flavor. You can use a mix of garlic powder and sea salt in place of garlic salt.

Get the ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Cook Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone In Split Breast Half)

Step 1: Mix and Preheat

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic salt, pepper, and herbs de Provence.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prep the Turkey

Pat the turkey breast dry on both sides with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key for achieving extra crispy skin.

Brush both sides with the oil and herb mixture. Place the turkey breast on the air fryer rack with the breast side facing down.

Step 3: Cook the First Side

Air fry the turkey at 350°F for 25 minutes. Keeping the breast side down helps render the fat and crisp up the skin evenly.

Step 4: Flip and Finish

Carefully flip the turkey breast so it's skin side up. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or melted butter for a golden, flavorful finish.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat. Enjoy! Serve with your favorite fall or holiday sides.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use butter instead of oil for a richer flavor.
• Swap paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper taste.
• Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a holiday twist.
• Try a turkey dry rub brine overnight for extra crispy skin and smokey tasting meat.
• Add a turkey marinade to make it extra juicy and flavorful.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Breast

This juicy turkey breast goes perfectly with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Pair it with Air Fryer Green Beans, air fryer sweet potato slices, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a healthy holiday-style dinner.

Storing and leftovers

Store: Store leftover cooked turkey in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: You can freeze leftover turkey for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the turkey slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, cooking for 3-5 mins depending on the thickness of the slices. It's a good idea to check on the turkey slices every minute or so to ensure they are not overcooked. Reheated turkey slices can dry out quickly, so it's best to serve them immediately after reheating.

FAQs

Can you cook frozen bone-in turkey breast in the air fryer?

No, it's best to thaw first for even cooking. Frozen turkey won't cook evenly in the air fryer.

How do you keep turkey breast from drying out?

Don't overcook, let it rest before slicing, and keep the bone in to lock in moisture.

Is turkey breast healthy?

Yes, it's naturally lean, high in protein, and low in fat, making it a healthy main dish.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Our air fryer turkey recipes aren't just for the holidays! Make them any time of year when you're wanting a healthy lean high protein meal.

• Air Fried Turkey Cutlets - these are a year-round reader favorite!
• Air Fryer Turkey Thighs with Herb Butter
• Air Fryer Turkey Drumsticks

More Turkey Recipes

Looking for more easy ways to cook turkey? Whether you're planning a healthy weeknight dinner or prepping for the holidays, we've got you covered.

• Easy roast turkey
• Herb butter baked turkey thighs
• Breaded turkey cutlets
• Simple turkey brine
• Roast half turkey breast recipe
• Smoked turkey breast recipe

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