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Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.2 from 5 reviews

This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent bone-in turkey breast seasoned with herbs and butter, cooked to perfection in an air fryer oven. The turkey is complemented by a tangy and sweet homemade cranberry glaze made with fresh cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, and aromatic seasonings, providing a festive and flavorful dish ideal for holiday gatherings or special meals.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Turkey Breast

  • 1 5- to 8-pound bone-in turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cranberry Glaze

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 cup water, divided
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey Breast: Trim the rib bones of the turkey breast with a sharp pair of poultry scissors so it sits flat in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
  2. Season the Turkey: Rub the softened butter all over the turkey breast, including under the skin. Mix dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle evenly over the turkey.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer Oven: Set your air fryer oven to 350˚F using the BAKE function and allow it to fully preheat before cooking.
  4. Cook the Turkey: Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket with a drip pan underneath and position it on the lowest rack. Cook for about 17 minutes per pound: approximately 1 hour 25 minutes for 5 pounds or up to 2¼ hours for 8 pounds. Tent with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
  5. Make the Cranberry Glaze: While the turkey cooks, combine cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, ½ cup water, apple cider vinegar, dried sage, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, crushing the cranberries as they soften. Whisk the mixture until smooth and paste-like, then add remaining ½ cup water and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  6. Glaze and Finish Cooking: When the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, brush the cranberry glaze generously over the skin. Switch the oven to the AIR-FRY function at 350˚F and cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to set the glaze.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and let rest for 15 minutes to retain juices. Carve into slices and serve with any remaining cranberry glaze and preferred side dishes for a festive meal.

Notes

  • Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check for doneness; turkey is safe to eat at 160°F.
  • Tenting with foil prevents the skin from burning while allowing the meat to cook through.
  • The cranberry glaze can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before glazing.
  • Adjust herbs and seasonings based on your preference for a personalized flavor profile.
  • If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before cooking the glaze.
  • Resting the turkey after cooking ensures moist and tender meat.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American