Name: Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (4 to 6-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast with ribs removed or 1 (3-pound) boneless roast; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Mushroom gravy for serving

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful way to cook turkey without heating up your whole oven or babysitting it for hours, then you’re going to love this Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe gives you juicy, herb-infused turkey with a crisp skin every time, and the air fryer makes it speed up so you can enjoy a delicious dinner without tons of fuss. Keep reading, because I’m sharing all the tips and tricks I’ve learned to get it just right!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, Moist Results: The air fryer cooks turkey breast evenly, locking in moisture so you never get dry meat.
Herb-Packed Flavor: A blend of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme gives this turkey an irresistible aroma and taste.
Hands-Off Cooking: Just prep, air fry, and relax — no constant checking required.
Perfect for Weeknight or Holiday Meals: Whether you want a quick dinner or a crowd-pleaser, this recipe shines every time.

A white oval dish holds sliced cooked chicken with crispy brown skin and tender white meat inside. The chicken pieces are arranged closely, showing juicy texture and some blackened bits on the skin. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth and a bowl with white food slightly blurred in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe might look simple, but they work together beautifully to bring out the best flavor. Using fresh herbs is key — they give the turkey a bright, aromatic lift that dried herbs just can’t match. Plus, olive oil and Dijon mustard help everything meld into a flavorful crust.

Turkey Breast: Choose bone-in with ribs removed for even cooking, or boneless if you prefer easier slicing.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the herbs stick and crisps the skin beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh and minced for punchy flavor.
Kosher Salt: Seasoning brings out turkey’s natural taste and tenderizes the meat slightly.
Fresh Rosemary: Adds piney notes that pair so well with turkey.
Fresh Sage: Earthy and slightly peppery, it’s a classic with poultry.
Fresh Thyme: Light and lemony, balancing the stronger herbs.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground for just the right kick.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and helps the herb mix cling to the bird.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to experiment with this Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe depending on the season or what herbs I have on hand, and I encourage you to do the same! Playing around with flavorings is part of the fun, and you can personalize the herb mix or add complementary flavors to suit your tastes.

Spicy Touch: I once added smoked paprika and cayenne for a little heat, which brought a smoky warmth that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Garlic Lovers: Doubling the garlic is my go-to when I want that extra punch without overpowering the herbs.
Citrus Twist: Adding a splash of lemon juice to the olive oil mix brightens the flavors and adds freshness especially in spring and summer.
Brined Turkey: If you’re using a bone-in turkey breast with ribs attached, I recommend brining it beforehand to keep things super juicy.

How to Make Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Let It Come to Room Temperature and Prep Your Herb Rub

First things first: take your turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly, so you don’t end up with dry edges and underdone center. While it’s warming up, mix together your olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, black pepper, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl — this rub will coat your turkey with tons of flavor. Trust me, taking this little prep step makes a huge difference!

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer and Apply the Herb Mixture

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for at least five minutes. Then pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Rub the herb and oil mixture all over the turkey, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. I like to be generous here; it’s where the flavor really shines.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Breast in the Air Fryer

Place the turkey breast skin-side down in the air fryer basket; this positioning helps the skin crisp without burning. Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the turkey over. Continue cooking for another 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the size — the magic number you’re aiming for is 155°F internal temperature. I use an instant-read thermometer and make sure to check at the thickest part without touching any bones. Remember, the turkey will rest and continue to cook past this, so don’t overdo it or you’ll dry it out.

Step 4: Let It Rest, Then Carve and Serve

Once done, transfer your turkey breast to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Resting for at least 15 minutes seals in juices and makes carving so much easier. When you’re ready, slice away from the bone with a sharp knife, and cut into even slices. It’s honestly one of the most satisfying parts—seeing those herb-crusted, tender slices ready to eat. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe

Dry the Skin Thoroughly: I learned patting your turkey completely dry before applying the rub is key for crispy skin.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid overcooking and ensure juicy breast every time.
Flip Halfway Through: Turning the turkey helps it cook evenly and develops that perfect golden crust on both sides.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting your turkey rest prevents all those tasty juices from running out, keeping every bite moist.

How to Serve Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe

On a white plate, there are five thick slices of roasted chicken with golden brown, crispy skin on the outer side, and tender, white meat inside arranged in a slightly overlapping line from the front right to the back left of the plate. Next to the chicken, on the right side of the plate, is a serving of creamy mashed potatoes topped with light brown gravy that looks smooth and slightly thick. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a green herb leaf is placed near the bottom edge of the plate. In the background to the top left, there is a white cup partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish this turkey breast with some fresh chopped parsley or a little extra fresh thyme sprigs on the plate — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that pairs so nicely with the rich, roasted flavors. A lemon wedge on the side also brightens things up for anyone who wants a zesty finish.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m a big fan of classic mashed potatoes or a creamy mushroom gravy to soak up those juices. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette are fantastic too — they keep the meal balanced and fresh. Oh, and if you want a cozy, comforting meal, serve it alongside buttery dinner rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this recipe for a holiday or special occasion, I like to slice the turkey breast thinly and fan it out on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices. It makes a beautiful centerpiece and invites everyone to dig in. For casual dinners, simply serve slices stacked on plates with sides piled high — either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey breast stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always slice it before storing — it saves time later and means you can pull out just what you need for sandwiches or quick meals. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep it fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap sliced turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When I freeze mine, I label with the date and try to use it within that window for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers wrapped in foil in the oven at 350°F, often drizzling a bit of broth over the turkey first to keep it from drying out. If you prefer, reheating slices gently in a skillet with a splash of water also does the trick and keeps the meat tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe?

I recommend thawing your turkey breast completely in the fridge before cooking. Cooking from frozen in the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking, where the outside might dry out before the inside is fully cooked.
How do I know when the turkey is perfectly cooked in the air fryer?

Using an instant-read thermometer is your best bet. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast without touching bone. Look for 155°F as your target — the meat will reach 165°F while resting, which is the safe temperature per FDA guidelines but cooking beyond 155°F in the air fryer can dry the turkey.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe?

You can, but fresh herbs really elevate the flavor and aroma. If you must use dried, use about one-third the amount and consider adding them to the oil earlier so they can rehydrate and release their flavors.
Is it okay to cook a bone-in turkey breast with ribs attached in the air fryer?

Yes, but make sure your air fryer is large enough (at least 5 quarts). I prefer ribs removed because it fits better and cooks more evenly, but if you have ribs attached, lay the breast on its side and adjust cooking times, flipping halfway and monitoring with your thermometer closely. Brining beforehand helps with moisture retention in this case.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Herb-Seasoned Turkey Breast Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners when I want something special yet fuss-free. I remember the first time I tried it I was shocked how tender and flavorful it turned out, with that amazing crispy skin I usually only get from roasting in the oven for hours. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — it’s one of those recipes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate.