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Easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast for Small Thanksgiving (Serves 4)

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A juicy, golden air fryer turkey breast that’s perfect for small Thanksgiving gatherings. Ready in about an hour with simple ingredients, this recipe delivers crispy skin and tender meat without the stress of a whole bird.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3 to 4 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 lemon, halved (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Mash together with a fork until evenly distributed.
  3. Gently slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey breast to create a pocket, being careful not to tear the skin.
  4. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin directly onto the meat. Spread the remaining butter over the top of the skin.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the buttered skin and rub in gently.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Place onion quarters, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and lemon halves in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Place the turkey breast on top, skin-side up, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides.
  8. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part.
  9. Remove turkey from air fryer, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15-20 minutes. The temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) during resting.
  10. Carve against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices and serve.

Notes

Pat the turkey breast bone-dry for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—pull at 155°F and let carryover cooking bring it to 165°F. If skin browns too quickly, tent with foil. Let rest 15-20 minutes before carving to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer turkey breast, small Thanksgiving, turkey breast recipe, easy turkey, Thanksgiving for 4, air fryer turkey

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/easy-air-fryer-turkey-breast-for-small-thanksgiving-serves-4/