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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American