What To Know
- Oven-style air fryers also come in a variety of sizes, from small models that can hold a 12-pound turkey to large models that can hold a 20-pound turkey.
- A higher-powered air fryer will cook the turkey more quickly and evenly than a lower-powered air fryer.
- The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the power of the air fryer.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook a delicious turkey, an air fryer is the perfect solution. But before you start shopping, it’s important to know what air fryer can you cook turkey in. Not all air fryers are created equal, and some may not be large enough to accommodate a whole turkey.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of air fryers available and help you choose the best one for your needs. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions on how to cook a turkey in an air fryer, as well as tips and tricks for achieving crispy, juicy perfection.
Types of Air Fryers
There are two main types of air fryers: basket-style and oven-style.
- Basket-style air fryers are the most common type. They have a removable basket that you fill with food and then insert into the air fryer. Basket-style air fryers come in a variety of sizes, from small models that can hold just a few pounds of food to large models that can hold up to 10 pounds.
- Oven-style air fryers are larger than basket-style air fryers and have a built-in oven cavity. This allows you to cook larger items, such as a whole turkey, in the air fryer. Oven-style air fryers also come in a variety of sizes, from small models that can hold a 12-pound turkey to large models that can hold a 20-pound turkey.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Turkey
When choosing an air fryer for cooking a turkey, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: The size of the air fryer will determine how large of a turkey you can cook. If you’re planning on cooking a large turkey, you’ll need an air fryer with a large capacity.
- Power: The power of the air fryer will determine how quickly and evenly the turkey will cook. A higher-powered air fryer will cook the turkey more quickly and evenly than a lower-powered air fryer.
- Features: Some air fryers come with additional features, such as a rotisserie function or a built-in thermometer. These features can make cooking a turkey in the air fryer even easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking a Turkey in an Air Fryer
Once you’ve chosen the right air fryer for your needs, you can follow these step-by-step instructions to cook a delicious turkey:
1. Prepare the turkey. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the turkey cook more evenly.
2. Season the turkey. Season the turkey with your favorite herbs and spices.
3. Place the turkey in the air fryer. Place the turkey in the air fryer basket or oven cavity.
4. Cook the turkey. Cook the turkey according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the power of the air fryer.
5. Check the turkey for doneness. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest. Remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bird.
Tips for Cooking a Turkey in an Air Fryer
Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey in an air fryer:
- Use a roasting rack. This will help the turkey cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer.
- Baste the turkey regularly. This will help keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If the air fryer is overcrowded, the turkey will not cook evenly.
- Cook the turkey to the correct internal temperature. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked safely and thoroughly.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble cooking a turkey in an air fryer, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- The turkey is not cooking evenly. This could be due to overcrowding the air fryer or not using a roasting rack.
- The turkey is too dry. This could be due to not basting the turkey regularly or cooking the turkey at too high of a temperature.
- The turkey is not cooked through. This could be due to not cooking the turkey to the correct internal temperature.
Key Points: The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
Cooking a turkey in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, juicy perfection. By following the tips and tricks in this guide, you can cook a delicious turkey that will impress your family and friends.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the best air fryer for cooking a turkey?
A: The best air fryer for cooking a turkey is one that is large enough to accommodate the size of turkey you want to cook and has a high power rating.
Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey in an air fryer?
A: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the power of the air fryer. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to cook a turkey in an air fryer for about 30 minutes per pound.
Q: Do I need to use a roasting rack when cooking a turkey in an air fryer?
A: Yes, it is recommended to use a roasting rack when cooking a turkey in an air fryer. This will help the turkey cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer.
