Can You Cook Turkey In An Air Fryer?

Now that the holidays are upon us, you may be wondering can you cook turkey in an air fryer? It’s not impossible, but you need the right equipment. This concept may be foreign to you and seem strange. So, can you cook a turkey in an air fryer? In this article, you’ll learn how to cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, the benefits, and what you need to know to cook this delicious holiday dinner. Let’s start with whether an air fryer is big enough for a turkey. Are you ready to go cold turkey! (Sorry, I could not resist!).

Is There An Air Fryer Big Enough For A Turkey?

Yes. There are at least two air fryers big enough for a turkey. To cook a turkey in an air fryer, it must be large enough for air to circulate. Your air fryer should be at least 12 quarts or more. The best air fryers for large turkeys are the Big Boss 16 qt. Halogen Air Fryer and the NutriChef 13 qt. Infrared Air Fryer. These two air fryers are very similar except for the size.

What’s The Biggest Turkey You Can Cook In An Air Fryer?

The largest turkey you can cook in an air fryer weighs 16 pounds. That’s enough to feed 8-10 people. The standard turkey size ranges from 8-24 pounds.

Benefits of Cooking a Whole Turkey in an Air Fryer Oven

If you have a small kitchen, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer, freeing up space in your conventional oven. While your turkey is cooking, you can bake pies and other side dishes in the oven.

Another great advantage is that you can cook a turkey in less time and still get a juicy, delicious turkey.

But What About The Gravy?

Everyone knows you can’t have turkey without gravy, right? And if you are like me, the gravy has to be made from the turkey fat. If not, what’s the point?

But there’s a contradiction here. The air fryer’s reputation is based on the fact that it uses little to no oil or fat in the cooking process. So how can you make a delicious turkey dinner AND gravy out of turkey fat? Don’t worry. I have the answer for you. First, here is my recipe for cooking a turkey in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Holiday Turkey Recipe

This recipe uses the Big Boss 16-quart Halagon Air Fryer.

Ingredients:

• 1 14-16 lb. turkey
• 6 tablespoons of butter, softened
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped fine
• ¼ teaspoon each dried parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
• ½ tablespoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil to coat the turkey
• 1-½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup plain flour

Method:

1. Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavities. Pat the turkey dry.
2. Mix the butter with garlic and spices
3. Make a small cut between the skin and the turkey breast
4. Run your hand between the skin and the breast of the turkey to create an opening for the butter and spices
5. Rub the butter and spice mixture between the skin and breast meat
6. Rub olive oil on the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Place the rack in the bottom of the air fryer and spray with oil.
8. Place the turkey breast side down in the air fryer.
9. Pour ½ cup of chicken broth over the turkey
10. Place the extender ring and lid on the air fryer

To cook slowly, cook at 325°F for 3-4 hours.

To cook faster, raise the temperature to 350°F for 2½ to 3 hours

Halfway through cooking, turn the turkey over to the breast side and replace the lid. Baste the meat about every half hour.

The turkey is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Make sure the juices run clear.

Whether you cook your turkey quickly or slowly, it will remain moist on the inside and have crispy skin on the outside.

Now for the most important part of your turkey dinner. The gravy!!! This method couldn’t be easier! Are you ready?

Turkey Gravy

Remove the turkey. Set on a plate to rest and cover with foil. Then remove the metal rack at the bottom of the air fryer.

1. Start by straining the liquid at the bottom of the air fryer.
2. Put the flour (¾ cup) into a bowl.
3. Add one (1) cup of the drippings and broth from the air fryer into the bowl and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture back into the air fryer. Whisk until smooth.
5. Put the lid back on the air fryer
6. Set the air fryer to 400°F
7. Check the thickness after 10 minutes
8. Whisk and continue to cook in the air fryer until it reaches the desired thickness
9. Once the gravy is thick enough, taste for flavor. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.

And there you have it. The easiest gravy you will ever make!

Air fryer Turkey Time Chart

For more detailed information on cooking different types of meat, visit Food Safety where you can download the table as a PDF. In the meantime, here’s a screenshot of the table below.

The cooking time for a turkey is similar to cooking in a convection oven. The minimum internal temperature of your turkey should reach at least 165°F.

Final Thoughts

Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is very convenient. The turkey tastes just as delicious as an oven-baked turkey, maybe even better. If you use the Big Boss 16 qt. Halogen Air Fryer or the NutriChef 13 qt. Infrared Air Fryer, you don’t have to cut your turkey into pieces to fit inside. You can cook the whole turkey and get delicious gravy. Thanks to the glass bowl in the air fryer, you can check the turkey without having to remove the lid. Also check out the review of GoWISE USA Air Fryer Oven Reviews

Have you ever tried cooking turkey in an air fryer? I’d love to hear about your experience, so please leave a comment below.