With the increasing popularity of air fryers for quick and easy cooking, many home chefs are wondering if an entire turkey can be cooked in one of these handy appliances. The short answer is yes, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer! However, there are some important factors to consider to ensure the turkey cooks thoroughly and comes out juicy and flavorful.
Benefits of Cooking a Turkey in an Air Fryer
There are several potential advantages to using an air fryer instead of a traditional oven to cook your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey:
- Faster cooking time – Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly around food which can reduce cooking time.
- Crispier skin – The hot air creates a convection environment that can make the turkey skin crispy.
- Moist meat – Air fryers don’t use as much indirect heat so the turkey may come out moister.
- Easier monitoring – Air fryers are smaller so it can be easier to check the turkey’s temp and progress.
- Less oil needed – The circulating air reduces the need for adding oil to achieve crispy skin.
Capacity and Size Considerations
One of the biggest factors in determining if you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer is finding one large enough to fit it. Here are some size considerations:
- Small air fryers (3-4 qt) can only fit a chicken or other small poultry.
- Medium air fryers (5-8 qt) may fit a small turkey breast but not a whole bird.
- Large air fryers (10+ qt) are needed to cook a full-size turkey (12 lbs or more).
- Very large air fryer ovens (20+ qt) can fit turkeys up to 25 lbs.
- Measure turkey size vs. air fryer capacity before purchasing.
As a general rule, your turkey should fit comfortably in the air fryer without touching the sides. Overstuffing will lead to uneven cooking.
Trussing, Seasoning, and Oil
Properly preparing the turkey before air frying is critical for best results:
- Trussing – Tie the legs together with twine so they don’t overcook compared to the thighs and breast.
- Seasoning – Generously season under and on top of the skin for flavored meat.
- Oil – Lightly coat the turkey with a thin layer of oil to help crisp the skin.
Cook Time and Temperature
It’s important to adjust the cook time and temperature when making a whole turkey in an air fryer versus an oven:
- Set temperature to 350°F to ensure thorough cooking without burning.
- Cook times range from 9-15 minutes per pound.
- For a 12 lb turkey, cook at 350°F for 135-180 minutes.
- Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
The size of the bird, amount of stuffing, and your air fryer model will impact total cook time needed. Monitor temperature and adjust time accordingly.
Flipping and Rotating
For even cooking, you will need to flip and rotate the turkey during the air fry process. Follow these tips:
- Use turkey lifters or sturdy tongs to flip.
- Wear oven mitts to avoid burns.
- Flip turkey every 30 minutes while cooking.
- Rotate turkey halfway through cooking.
- The drumsticks/thighs may need to cook longer than the breast.
Basting and Tenting
Basting and tenting foil over the turkey as it cooks can help prevent it from drying out in the air fryer:
- Baste turkey with broth, oil or melted butter every 45-60 minutes.
- Tent turkey with foil if skin browns too quickly.
- Keep foil tent slightly lifted so air still circulates.
- Basting and tenting will add cook time so continue monitoring.
Finishing and Carryover Cooking
Be sure to account for carryover cooking once the turkey is done in the air fryer:
- Internal temp should be 155-165°F when removed.
- Let turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving.
- It will continue cooking during this time.
- The internal temp should rise to 165°F after resting.
- If overcooked, the turkey meat will dry out.
Benefits and Considerations
Here is a summary of the key benefits and considerations when cooking a whole turkey in an air fryer:
| Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|
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Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips to ensure your air fried turkey comes out perfectly cooked with crispy skin:
- Completely thaw turkey before cooking.
- Pat turkey dry inside and out before seasoning.
- Truss legs and tie wings to body.
- Generously coat skin with oil or butter.
- Increase cook time if stuffed or basted.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Let turkey rest before carving for juicier meat.
- Make gravy from drippings.
Common Problems and Solutions
If your air fried turkey doesn’t turn out right, here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Burnt skin | Use lower temp (325°F), tent foil over skin |
| Undercooked meat | Cook longer, cut into thickest part to check |
| Overcooked breasts | Rotate more frequently, remove breasts sooner |
| Dry meat | Baste more, brine turkey before cooking |
| Not crispy skin | Pat skin dry, use higher temp (375°F) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size turkey will fit in an air fryer?
You need an air fryer with a 10+ quart capacity to fit a 12+ lb turkey. Very large air fryer ovens (20+ quarts) can fit turkeys up to 25 lbs.
How long does it take to cook a turkey in an air fryer?
Cook times range from 9-15 minutes per pound at 350°F. For example, a 12 lb turkey would take 135-180 minutes (2 1/4 – 3 hours).
Do you stuff the turkey when air frying?
Yes, you can stuff the turkey but should reduce the amount of stuffing by half. The stuffing will absorb moisture from the turkey which can make the meat dry out faster.
Should you brine a turkey before air frying?
Brining is recommended to keep the turkey moist and seasoned when cooked in the dry air fryer environment. Soak turkey in brine 12-24 hours before cooking.
What oil is best for air frying turkey?
Avocado, grapeseed, and refined olive oils have high smoke points so are best for air frying. Coat the skin lightly to crisp it up.
Conclusion
Air frying a delicious whole turkey is possible with the right sized appliance and some simple preparation. Be sure to thoroughly thaw, generously season, flip halfway, and monitor the temperature. With minimal oil, the air fryer can produce a moist, tender turkey with incredibly crispy skin in much less time than a conventional oven. Just be ready to troubleshoot any potential issues that can arise from the rapid hot air method. With the convenience of air frying, you may never go back to roasting your holiday bird in the oven again!