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If you love moist, tender turkey breast, with a crispy, crunchy skin – and a delicious spicy kick, you’re going to love my super easy Air Fryer Cajun Turkey Breast Recipe!
We’re loading a ton of flavor into turkey breast with a dry Cajun rub, then air frying to create a crispy, crunchy outside – and tender, juicy turkey breast meat that doesn’t dry out.
This post is meant for smaller, netted, boneless turkey breasts – but works exactly the same for bone-in turkey breasts – simply up the cooking time.
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to Air Fry Cajun Turkey Breast
This is the simplest way to prepare a delicious Turkey Breast Dinner perfect for 1-2 people, that has almost no cleanup. This is a perfect easy way to make a turkey dinner, right from your air fryer!
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Ingredients
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- 2–3 lb boneless turkey breast (or bone-in half breast) – the main protein; lean, tender white meat that cooks quickly in the air fryer. Its mild flavor soaks up Cajun spices beautifully, and the smaller size ensures even cooking with a crispy outside and juicy inside.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter – adds fat that helps the seasonings stick, encourages browning, and crisps the skin. Olive oil gives a lighter, slightly fruity flavor, while butter adds richness and a golden, savory crust.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade) – the flavor backbone of the recipe, providing a bold mix of paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, pepper, and cayenne for that signature spicy, smoky, and herby Louisiana-style taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – deepens the savory base, enhancing the Cajun blend’s richness and balancing the smoky heat with aromatic warmth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic by adding a subtle sweetness and depth that makes the seasoning taste more complex and well-rounded.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – contributes smokiness and color; it helps mimic the flavor of a traditionally smoked turkey without needing a smoker.
- ½ teaspoon salt (reduce if Cajun seasoning is salty) – heightens all the other flavors, tenderizes the meat slightly, and ensures the seasoning penetrates the turkey evenly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – adds mild heat and bite, sharpening the other spices so the seasoning doesn’t taste flat.
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat – boosts spiciness for those who prefer a more intense Cajun kick, giving a warm, lingering finish without overpowering the other flavors.
Steps to Air Fry Cajun Turkey Breast
Marinate & Season
Pat turkey completely dry with paper towels. Generously season with spices and olive oil. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
Air Fry
Air fry in two stages: at 400 for 10 minutes, and then 350 for 20-25 minutes, until turkey breast has come to 165 degrees internal temperature.
Let Rest
Remove turkey breast from air fryer and let set for 20 minutes to rest. You can cut netting off while it rests, but do not carve.
Carve & Enjoy!
After turkey has rested, remove netting, slice, and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Air-Fried Cajun Turkey Breast
Keep Netting On: Leave the netting on if your turkey breast comes tied; it helps the meat hold its shape and cook evenly in the air fryer. Remove it after cooking and resting. Rub seasoning all over and under the netting as much as possible.
Pat Dry: Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the surface brown and crisp.
Season Well: Rub the seasoning in thoroughly, including under the skin if possible, for even flavor.
Use Fat: Use olive oil or butter generously to help spices stick, keep the meat moist, and encourage a golden crust.
Preheat Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for a few minutes before adding the turkey so it starts cooking hot and seals in juices.
Cook Fat Down: Cook skin-side down first, then flip halfway through for even browning and crisp skin.
Check Temperature: Check the internal temperature early; every air fryer runs slightly differently. Start checking around 45 minutes and cook until it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
Use Digital: Use a digital meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid overcooking.
Rest Turkey: Let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes after cooking, loosely covered with foil, so the juices redistribute before slicing.
Brush With Butter: Brush with a touch of honey butter or maple glaze during the last 5 minutes for a light sheen and a balance to the Cajun spice.
Marinate in Rub: For deeper flavor, marinate the turkey overnight with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a splash of lemon juice before air frying.
Modify for Bone-In: If using a bone-in breast, add about 10–15 minutes of cook time and check both sides for even doneness.
Don’t Crowd: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; leave space around the turkey for air circulation to crisp the skin.
Line Basket: Line the air fryer basket with parchment or foil with holes poked in to catch drips and make cleanup easier.
Save Drippings for gravy: Save any drippings to use for a quick Cajun-style gravy or drizzle over sliced turkey for extra flavor.
Slice the turkey against the grain after resting to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Air Fryer Cajun Turkey Breast FAQs
Yes, a bone-in half breast works just as well. It may take 10–15 minutes longer than a boneless breast, depending on the size. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part before removing it from the air fryer.
Yes, leave the netting on while cooking to help the turkey hold its shape and cook evenly. You can season under and over the netting. Remove it carefully after the turkey has rested.
Dry the surface before seasoning, coat it with oil or butter, and do not overcook. Check the temperature early and remove the turkey once it reaches 165°F. Let it rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to lock in moisture.
It depends on the brand or mix. Store-bought Cajun blends range from mild to moderately spicy. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add an extra pinch near the end of cooking.
Yes. You can season the turkey and refrigerate it overnight to enhance flavor, then air fry it the next day. Cooked turkey breast also stores well in the fridge for up to four days or can be frozen for up to two months.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Turkey Breast
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Air Fryer Cajun Turkey Breast
Equipment
- Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets
Ingredients
- 2 –3 lb boneless turkey breast, or bone-in half breast that fits in your air fryer
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, store-bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, reduce if Cajun seasoning is salty
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
Instructions
Prep the turkey:
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels — moisture prevents crisping.
Season:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if using).
- Rub the mixture evenly all over the turkey, getting it under the skin if possible.
Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Cook:
- Place the turkey breast skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook on very high heat for 10 minutes, then carefully flip and cook another 20–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Cooking time varies WILDLY based on your turkey breast and air fryer – always go by temperature, not by time.
Rest:
- Remove the turkey and let it rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
