Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Garlic and Thyme Recipe

If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful turkey without the hassle of a long roast, this Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Garlic and Thyme Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Crisp skin, tender meat, and a fragrant blend of garlic and fresh thyme come together to create a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Quick and Convenient: The air fryer speeds up cooking time, so you get a perfectly cooked turkey breast in just over an hour.
Incredible Flavor: Fresh garlic and thyme mixed with butter infuse the meat with rich, aromatic notes.
Crispy Skin Perfection: Air frying delivers a beautifully crisp skin without drying out the meat.
Perfect for Small Gatherings: Ideal size for a family meal or an intimate dinner, without needing a whole turkey.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—garlic and thyme bring bold, fresh flavors, while buttery richness ensures the turkey stays succulent. Even the paprika adds a gentle smoky undertone and a gorgeous color pop to the skin.

• Bone-in turkey breast: Keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking; choose a breast that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
• Butter: Room temperature butter blends smoothly with garlic and herbs, helping the seasoning stick under the skin.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic minced finely for that unmistakable savory punch.
• Fresh thyme: Chopped thyme adds a lovely earthy aroma that elevates this dish.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor plus a beautiful color that makes the skin irresistible.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Garlic and Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Start by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Then sprinkle salt and pepper all over the butter mixture to build layers of flavor. If you need to, gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast using a spoon’s handle, so you can get the garlic-thyme butter underneath for maximum taste.

Step 2: Apply the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread this fragrant mixture evenly under the turkey skin, then rub some on top of the breast as well. This step guarantees every bite bursts with savory goodness and keeps your turkey moist as it cooks.

Step 3: Air Fry the Turkey Breast

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the turkey breast in the basket, skin-side down first, and cook at 350°F for 20 minutes. Then flip it over and continue air frying for another 20 to 30 minutes. Start checking the internal temperature at about 15 minutes into the second phase—you’ll want it to reach 160°F for perfectly cooked, juicy turkey.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making your turkey tender and moist when sliced.

How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Garlic and Thyme Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh sprigs of thyme or finely chopped parsley sprinkled over the sliced turkey add a pop of color and an extra hint of herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with the garlic-thyme butter.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Garlic and Thyme Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad for balance. For a more festive touch, try serving it alongside cranberry sauce or roasted sweet potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider carving the turkey into thick slices and serving it layered on a large platter surrounded by lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and roasted garlic cloves. For a casual dinner, simply pile slices on hearty bread with a smear of mayo and leftover herbs for a gourmet turkey sandwich that’ll impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making great lunches or quick dinners after your main feast.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the leftover turkey and pack it tightly into freezer-safe bags or containers. This keeps the flavors intact and the texture tender for up to 6 months, perfect for a future easy meal.

Reheating

Reheat your turkey slices gently in the microwave, covering them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. This simple trick helps the meat regain its juicy texture without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Garlic and Thyme Recipe is such a welcome change from the traditional roast—it’s effortless, fast, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I promise it will become a favorite on your menu. Give it a try, and enjoy every tender, fragrant bite!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Garlic and Thyme Recipe

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• Author: Susan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, flavorful turkey breast with a crispy skin. Perfect for smaller gatherings or when you want a delicious turkey without the long roast time, this recipe uses a herbed garlic butter mixture and air frying technique to deliver tender, moist meat with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Turkey Breast

• 1 bone-in turkey breast

Herb Butter Mixture

• 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry using paper towels to remove any moisture. Then sprinkle salt and pepper over the butter to ready it for seasoning.
2. Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the room temperature butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful butter mixture.
3. Apply Butter Under and Over Skin: Carefully loosen the turkey skin using an upside-down spoon if necessary. Using your hands, spread some of the butter mixture under the skin directly onto the turkey flesh, then coat the top of the breast with the remaining butter. Sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on top for enhanced flavor.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the turkey after cooking.
5. Initial Air Frying: Place the turkey breast in the basket skin side down. Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F and cook for 20 minutes to start rendering the skin and cooking the meat.
6. Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the turkey breast to skin side up and air fry for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Begin checking the internal temperature about 15 minutes into this stage.
7. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F. Note that poultry is considered safe at 165°F, but temperature will rise slightly as the meat rests. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
8. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Cover with foil and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender turkey breast.

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Notes

• Make sure your turkey breast is fully thawed before air frying to ensure even cooking.
• Check the size of your air fryer basket before purchasing the turkey breast to ensure it fits comfortably.
• Cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey breast—monitor the internal temperature to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
• Allow the turkey breast to rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.
• To store leftovers: refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• To freeze leftovers: place in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags and store up to 6 months.
• To reheat: use a microwave, covering the turkey with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.