A turkey and vegetables in an air fry basket in a KitchenAid® wall oven

How to air fry turkey: tips and recipes

If you’re looking for a crispy, juicy turkey recipe, try using an air fryer or an oven with air fryer capabilities. Air frying can help create a crispy texture similar to deep-frying, compared to a conventional, non-convection oven which uses still air to cook food. Keep reading to learn how to use your air fryer or oven with air fry mode to cook a turkey.

A cooked turkey and vegetables in a KitchenAid® wall oven

Can you air fry a whole turkey?

Yes, you can air fry a whole turkey using a full-size wall oven or range with air fry. If you’re air frying a smaller portion, such as a turkey breast, you can most likely use a countertop air fryer or microwave with air fry.

How long does it take to air fry a turkey?

The time it takes to air fry a turkey depends on the size of your turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook your turkey around eight to ten minutes per pound. So, a 15-pound turkey should take around two hours and 30 minutes to cook.

You can also use internal temperatures as your guide. A turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to measure these three parts: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the wing and the innermost part of the thigh. Learn more about how heat is distributed and how to tell when salmon is done cooking.

KitchenAid^® Wall Ovens With Air Fry Mode

Get the crisp you crave

KitchenAid^® wall ovens with Air Fry Mode circulate hot air around the included basket to cook with less oil.^*

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*When compared to deep frying.

Shop KitchenAid® wall ovens with Air Fry Mode

Get the crisp you crave, right from your oven with Air Fry Mode. KitchenAid^® Wall Ovens with Air Fry Mode circulate hot air around the included basket, crisping and browning food to cook with less oil.¹ Plus, a dishwasher-safe Air Fry Basket makes cleanup easy.

1. When compared to deep frying.

Crispy & juicy air fryer turkey recipe

Follow the steps below to get your turkey ready for your next dinner party.

Yields

10-12 servings

Ingredients

15-lb turkey
3/4 cup of softened butter (1 1/2 sticks)
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary
Salt and pepper

Tools

A wall oven or range with air frying capabilities, like this KitchenAid^® Induction Slide-In Convection Range with Air Fry
Air fry basket
Baking sheet or pan

Prep time

20 minutes (use a defrosted turkey). See step one for instructions on how to properly defrost a turkey.

Cook time

Up to two hours and 30 minutes

Total time

About two hours and 50 minutes

A person opening a KitchenAid® refrigerator

1. Thaw the turkey

You’ll want to start the process a few days beforehand and thaw your turkey according to instructions on the packaging. The USDA recommends thawing the turkey in your refrigerator, allowing one day for each four to five pounds of meat.

If you have already thawed your turkey or are using a fresh turkey, continue on to step two. Be sure to also remove the neck and giblets before adding ingredients.

2. Add butter, herbs, salt and pepper

Combine your softened butter, herbs, salt and pepper in a bowl. Then, carefully loosen the skin away from the turkey breast and legs. Once loosened, add about 2/3 of the butter under the skin and use the remainder on the outside of the turkey, along with additional salt and pepper.

3. Preheat oven with Air Fry Mode to 400°F

Preheat your oven with Air Fry Mode to 400°F. Select models, like this one from KitchenAid brand, do not require preheating. Check your product’s owner manual for specific instructions.

A turkey cooking in a KitchenAid® wall oven

4. Fry the turkey

Insert your turkey into the air fry basket or a pan with low sides to help promote air flow around the food while it cooks. Place the basket or pan into the oven, with a sheet pan below to catch any juices or drippings. Then, fry your turkey for about eight to ten minutes per pound.

A person pulling a turkey out of a KitchenAid® wall oven

5. Let turkey rest

Once your turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove the turkey from the heat and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before carving to help seal in the juices.

Tips for air frying a turkey

Use these tips to air fry your turkey and get the crisp results you crave.

Use the right appliance

Full-size turkeys require more space, such as an oven with air frying capabilities, while turkey breasts may be cooked in a countertop air fryer or a microwave with air fryer capabilities, depending on the size.

Defrost your turkey

For optimal results, do not place a frozen turkey in your oven or air fryer, as it may take longer to cook. Your turkey should be defrosted ahead of time. Follow the instructions listed above for defrosting your turkey properly.

Add flavor

Try basting or brining your turkey to add extra flavor and moisture. Basting moistens the skin of your turkey with various hot liquids, such as butter and stock. Dry brining involves rubbing salt and other seasonings directly onto your turkey and letting it sit in the refrigerator, usually for a couple of hours. Wet brining is a similar process using salted water.

Learn about different types of wall ovens

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Explore KitchenAid® ranges, wall ovens and microwaves with Air Fry Mode

In addition to air frying capabilities, select KitchenAid^® ranges with Air Fry Mode use Even-Heat^™ True Convection to provide optimal temperatures for crisp, flaky baked goods, juicy, well-browned roasts and caramelized vegetables. Or choose a wall oven to get a built-in look, plus Integrated Meat Thermometers on select models to help you get the right temperature every time. If you’re looking for a microwave that does more, select KitchenAid^®microwaves offer functions like Bake, Roast and Air Fry. Explore KitchenAid^® ranges, wall ovens and microwaves to find the perfect way to create in your kitchen.