Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy alternative to deep frying. An air fryer uses hot air combined with high-speed air circulation to cook food crispy on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. Cooking a whole turkey in an air fryer is definitely possible as long as you have a large enough model.
Benefits of cooking a turkey in an air fryer
There are several benefits to cooking a turkey in an air fryer versus a traditional oven:
- Shorter cook time – An air fryer can cook a turkey much faster than an oven.
- More even cooking – The circulating hot air cooks the turkey evenly throughout.
- Crispier skin – The high heat of an air fryer gives you crisper, crunchier turkey skin.
- Juicy meat – Air fryers don’t dry out turkey meat like an oven can.
- Easy cleanup – There’s minimal mess since you don’t need added fats or oils.
Choosing the right size air fryer
The first step is making sure you have an air fryer large enough to accommodate a whole turkey. Here are some size guidelines:
- 12-pound turkey – 7-quart air fryer
- 16-pound turkey – 10-quart air fryer
- 20-pound turkey – 12-quart air fryer or larger
The Butterball turkey air fryer is available in 10-quart and 16-quart sizes, which can handle turkeys up to 18 pounds and 24 pounds respectively.
Tips for air frying a turkey
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking a whole turkey in an air fryer:
- Completely thaw the turkey before cooking.
- Do not stuff the turkey – cook stuffing separately.
- Trim excess fat and skin to promote even cooking.
- Dry brine the turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before air frying.
- Coat the turkey with oil or butter and season as desired.
- Cook at 325°F for about 1 hour per 5 pounds.
- Check the internal temperature, aim for 165°F in the breast.
- Let the turkey rest 15 minutes before carving.
Step-by-step instructions
- Take the turkey out of the packaging and remove the neck and giblets from the cavity. Rinse and pat the turkey dry.
- Trim off any excess fat and skin. Also tuck the wing tips under the body to keep them from burning.
- Generously season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, herbs, butter, olive oil, etc.
- Place the turkey breast-side up in the air fryer basket. Check that it fits comfortably without touching the sides.
- Select the air fry setting and set the temperature to 325°F.
- Cook for about 1 hour per 5 pounds, until the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve the turkey and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Cooking time table
Use these approximate air fryer cooking times as a guide:
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 12 pounds | 60 minutes |
| 14 pounds | 70 minutes |
| 16 pounds | 80 minutes |
| 18 pounds | 90 minutes |
| 20 pounds | 100 minutes |
| 22 pounds | 110 minutes |
| 24 pounds | 120 minutes |
Always check the internal temperature of the breast before removing from the air fryer. If under 165°F, cook longer until it reaches the proper temperature.
Monitoring process
It’s important to monitor the turkey carefully as it cooks in the air fryer to get optimal results:
- Check on the turkey every 20-30 minutes, rotating the basket if needed for even cooking.
- Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast without hitting bone. It should reach 165°F.
- If the skin is getting too brown before the center is cooked, loosely tent foil over the turkey.
- The air fryer may produce smoke while cooking the turkey. Keep the kitchen ventilated.
- Let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
Cleaning the air fryer
It’s important to clean your air fryer properly after cooking a turkey to avoid messes and odors:
- Unplug and allow the air fryer to cool before cleaning.
- Remove all food debris from the cooking basket and bottom of the appliance.
- Wash the fryer basket, bottom, and any accessories in hot soapy water.
- If needed, soak dried-on grease in warm water before scrubbing.
- Use a baking soda paste with a sponge to remove stuck-on residues.
- Rinse and dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling.
You may also be able to put the fryer basket in the dishwasher. Check your model’s manual for specific cleaning guidance.
Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and solutions for cooking a turkey in an air fryer:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Turkey is not fully cooked | Cook longer, checking temperature in thickest part of breast. |
| Turkey skin is not crispy | Broil for 5 minutes after air frying to crisp the skin. |
| Turkey is unevenly browned | Rotate turkey halfway through cooking time. |
| Smoking/Burning smell | Reduce temperature, loosely tent turkey with foil. |
| Meat near bones is pink | Normal, bones conduct heat slower. Turkey is safe to eat. |
Tips and variations
Try these tips and tweaks when cooking a turkey in an air fryer:
- Brush turkey with melted butter or olive oil before cooking for crisper skin.
- Cook stuffing in oven while turkey air fries – stir in drippings after.
- Use a dry brine of salt, sugar, and herbs for a day or two before air frying.
- Stuff aromatics inside the cavity like onion, apple, rosemary.
- Use wood chips in smoker tube accessory for smoked turkey flavor.
- Make turkey soup from the carcass – simmer in water with veggies.
- Serve with favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rolls, green bean casserole.
Conclusion
Cooking a whole turkey in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy moist, tender results in much less time than a traditional oven. With a large enough air fryer, monitoring the temperature, and following proper cleaning methods, you can make a delicious fried turkey indoors without deep frying. Have fun experimenting with rubs, brines, and wood smoked flavors. Your family will love this faster, healthier way to get perfect crispy turkey for the holidays or anytime!