Air-Fryer Turkey Breast with Spiced Brown Sugar Rub Recipe
Introduction
This air-fryer turkey breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meat with a beautifully crisp, burnished skin. Using a simple dry rub and quick air frying, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked turkey breast any time of year without heating up your oven.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon coarse kosher salt or 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 pounds), split in half
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Step 2: Pat the turkey breast halves very dry with paper towels and remove any pop-up thermometer if present. Rub each half generously with the dry seasoning mixture to coat fully. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Step 3: About an hour before cooking, take the turkey out of the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature.
- Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Brush each turkey breast half with about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Place in the air fryer basket; you can cook both halves at once if they fit, allowing slight overlap as they will shrink. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Transfer the turkey to a cutting board or platter and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Splitting the turkey breast makes it easier to fit in the air fryer and helps it cook evenly.
- The sugar in the rub will caramelize and darken the skin – watch closely towards the end to prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dry rub mix.
- If your air fryer is small, cook each breast half separately to ensure even cooking.
Storage
Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 325°F or in the air fryer at a lower temperature until heated through, to preserve moisture and crisp skin.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, but cooking times will be shorter. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. Boneless breasts may also dry out more quickly, so monitor carefully.
What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?
You can make a simple blend using equal parts dried thyme, sage, rosemary, and marjoram, or substitute with a ready-made poultry rub of your choice.
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Air-Fryer Turkey Breast with Spiced Brown Sugar Rub Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes to overnight (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This air-fryer turkey breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful turkey with a beautifully caramelized skin thanks to a savory dry rub made of brown sugar and spices. The turkey is air-fried to perfection, resulting in a quick and easy preparation that is ideal for a delicious weeknight meal or festive occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon coarse kosher salt or 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
Main
- 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 pounds), split in half
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Rub: Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to blend the dry rub evenly.
- Season Turkey: Pat the turkey breast halves very dry with paper towels on the prepared baking sheet. Remove and discard the pop-up thermometer if present. Generously rub each half all over with the dry rub mixture, coating thoroughly. Place uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Bring to Room Temperature: An hour before cooking, remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry Turkey: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Brush each turkey breast half with about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Place them in the air fryer basket; depending on your air fryer size, you may cook both halves together with a slight overlap or one at a time. Cook, flipping halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. The sugar in the rub will cause the skin to become deeply browned and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the turkey to a cutting board or platter and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness and allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Splitting the turkey breast in half helps it fit better in the air fryer and promotes more even cooking.
- Refrigerating uncovered with the rub helps dry out the skin slightly, which crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Monitor the turkey closely towards the end of cooking to prevent over-browning due to the sugar content in the rub.
- Using an instant-read thermometer is essential to ensure safe internal temperature and doneness.
- Allowing the meat to rest after cooking is crucial to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 8 hours for seasoning)
- Cook Time: 40 to 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer turkey breast, turkey breast recipe, air fryer poultry, easy turkey recipe, crispy turkey breast
