Air Fryer Whole Turkey Recipe

Learn how to make the perfect air fryer whole turkey recipe! This quick and easy method delivers crispy skin and juicy meat. How to cook turkey in air fryer with amazing results every time.

Prep

25 mins

Cook

90 mins

Serve

Kcal

345

Carbs: 2g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 18g

345

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 whole turkey (2.5-3kg)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried rosemary</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried sage</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 lemons (juiced and zested)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves (minced)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g butter (softened)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 onion (quartered)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 celery stalks (chopped)</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove turkey from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat completely dry inside and out with kitchen paper - this is crucial for crispy skin. Remove any giblets from cavity and set aside for another use.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and sage. Mix the softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture until well combined.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Carefully loosen the skin over the breast meat by sliding your fingers between the skin and meat, being careful not to tear it. Spread half the butter mixture under the skin, massaging gently to distribute evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Stuff the turkey cavity with quartered onion, celery pieces, and any remaining lemon halves. Truss the turkey with kitchen twine, tying the legs together and tucking wing tips under the body to ensure even cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Brush the entire turkey with olive oil, then rub the remaining spice mixture all over the skin, ensuring even coverage. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice for extra flavor and to help achieve golden color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. Carefully place the turkey breast-side down in the air fryer basket - this helps the breast meat stay moist while the back gets crispy first.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook for 30 minutes at 180°C, then carefully flip the turkey breast-side up using tongs and clean kitchen towels for grip. Be very careful as the turkey will be hot and heavy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Continue cooking breast-side up for another 45-60 minutes, checking every 20 minutes. If skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil. The internal temperature should reach 75°C in the thickest part of the thigh.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Once cooked through, remove turkey and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fryer Whole Turkey Recipe

What size turkey can I cook in an air fryer?

You can cook a 2.5-3kg (5.5-6.5 lb) turkey in an 8L+ air fryer. The turkey must fit comfortably in the basket with space for air circulation. Larger turkeys may need to be spatchcocked or cut into pieces.

How long does it take to cook a whole turkey in an air fryer?

A 2.5-3kg turkey takes approximately 75-90 minutes in an air fryer at 180°C (356°F). Cook breast-side down for 30 minutes, then flip and continue for 45-60 minutes until internal temp reaches 75°C (165°F).

Do I need to flip the turkey when air frying?

Yes, start cooking breast-side down for 30 minutes to keep the breast meat moist, then carefully flip to breast-side up for the remaining cook time to achieve crispy skin and even browning throughout.

Can I stuff a turkey when cooking it in an air fryer?

You can add aromatics like onions, celery, and lemon to the cavity for flavor, but avoid traditional bread stuffing as it won't cook safely. Cook stuffing separately to ensure both turkey and stuffing reach safe temperatures.

How do I get crispy skin on air fryer turkey?

Pat the turkey completely dry, brush with oil, season well, and don't overcrowd the air fryer. The circulating hot air creates crispy skin naturally. If browning too fast, tent with foil but remove for final 10 minutes.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.


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    "1 whole turkey (2.5-3kg)",
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    "1 tsp garlic powder",
    "1 tsp onion powder",
    "1 tsp dried thyme",
    "1 tsp dried rosemary",
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "author": "Sarah Mitchell",
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      "@type": "Review",
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August 19, 2025

Air Fryer Whole Turkey Recipe

Learn how to make the perfect air fryer whole turkey recipe! This quick and easy method delivers crispy skin and juicy meat. How to cook turkey in air fryer with amazing results every time.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 2g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Directions

What size turkey can I cook in an air fryer?

How long does it take to cook a whole turkey in an air fryer?

Do I need to flip the turkey when air frying?

Can I stuff a turkey when cooking it in an air fryer?

How do I get crispy skin on air fryer turkey?