Jump to recipe
Air Fryer Dry-Brined Crispy Turkey Crown
- Category: Family |
Every Christmas I have lots of BOL fans asking can they do a turkey in their air fryer, and while you certainly can, a crown is more suitable in terms of size with capacity.
SERVES
8
COOKING TIME
2 hours
DIFFICULTY
simple
Air Fryer Crispy Turkey Crown, deeeelicious. I dry-brine it so the inside is rich with flavour and a buttery zesty drizzle to help crisp up that skin. Gorgeous.
Can I cook a turkey crown in the air fryer?
Yes!! Cooking a turkey crown in the air fryer is not only possible but incredibly efficient. It gives you juicy meat with beautifully crispy skin in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven — perfect for a stress-free Christmas dinner.
How long does it take to cook a turkey crown in the air fryer?
The exact time will depend on the size of your turkey crown and your specific air fryer model. As a general rule, a 2kg turkey crown will take around 50–60 minutes at 180°C, turning halfway through for even crisping. Always check that the internal temperature has reached 74°C (165°F) before serving.
Why should I dry-brine the turkey crown?
Dry-brining involves rubbing the turkey with salt and seasonings and leaving it uncovered in the fridge for 12–24 hours. This process draws out moisture, which then reabsorbs, making the turkey more flavourful and tender. It also helps achieve that crispy skin we all want in a festive turkey.
Will a turkey crown fit in my air fryer?
Most medium to large air fryer models can fit a 1.5–2.5kg turkey crown. Be sure to measure your basket or tray beforehand and ensure there’s enough space around the meat for the air to circulate. If it’s slightly too tall, you can trim off the backbone or ask your butcher to do so.
Do I need to baste the turkey in the air fryer?
No basting is necessary in the air fryer, as the dry circulating heat seals in the moisture. However, brushing the turkey with a bit of oil or butter before cooking enhances the crispiness and adds flavour.
Can I make this recipe ahead of Christmas Day?
Yes – you can dry-brine the turkey crown the night before and store it uncovered in the fridge. Then, simply cook it in the air fryer on the day. You can also cook it earlier in the day, let it rest, and gently reheat before serving.
What should I serve with air fryer turkey crown?
This turkey crown pairs beautifully with all your Christmas favourites: roast potatoes, air fryer stuffing balls, carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts and a rich gravy. It also makes brilliant leftovers for turkey sandwiches or Boxing Day salads.
Is air fryer turkey healthier?
Yes – using the air fryer means you can cook with less oil while still achieving golden, crispy skin. It’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying and even traditional roasting, especially when paired with lean white turkey meat.
@boredoflunch Airfryer Turkey Crown 🦃 One thing I get asked at Xmas is can you do a turkey in their air fryer, and while you certainly can, a crown is more suitable in terms of size with capacity. It’s just the bird without the legs and wings. For an even better result wet or dry brine your turkey too. A 1.5-2Kg Turkey crown will feed 6-8 people comfortably. Zesty herby butter: – 175g butter (I use half-fat) – 4 garlic cloves, grated – 1 bay leaf, chopped – pinch of pepper – 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped – zest of 1 lemon – juice of 1 orange – add the zest too if you like – zest of 1/2 lime – 1 tsp dried sage – 1 tsp dried thyme – ½ tsp dried oregano 1. Pat dry the turkey with kitchen paper and add the butter all over the bird. 2. Add the turkey to the air fryer for 1 hour and 5 minutes at 180ºC OR 20 minutes per 450g plus an additional 20 minutes, (my crown took 1 hour 25 minutes). Baste it halfway, remove the foil for the last 20 minutes with some of the butter and once cooked, let it rest covered in foil for at least 20 minutes before slicing Tip, baste as much as you can throughout so the bird stays super moist. #hack #airfryerrecipe #airfried #turkey #turkeycrown #christmas #christmasrecipes #airfryer #food #delicious #viral #video #moneysavingrecipes #moneysaving #budget #cheap #hungry #dinnerideas #dinner #share #sharing #tiktok
For more delicious air fryer recipes like this, you can pick up a copy of my cookbook The Healthy Air Fryer on Amazon today.
Tags:
Method
Step 1
Combine the dry brine ingredients, then rub it all over the turkey and rest the bird on a plate on top of orange slices overnight in the fridge.
Step 2
On the day you’re planning to cook the turkey, combine all the butter ingredients in a bowl.
Step 3
Pat the skin of the turkey dry with kitchen paper, then cover the entire bird in the butter and cover with foil – if you want to be a bit ambitious you can put some butter under the skin, too.
Step 4
Add the turkey to an air fryer preheated to 180ºC (350ºF) and cook for 20 minutes per 450g (1 lb), plus an additional 20 minutes (my 2kg (4 lb 8 oz) crown took 1 hour 40 minutes). Remove the foil for the last 20 minutes of cooking and baste with some of the butter. Once cooked, cover with some foil and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. For quick and easy air fryer recipes, pick up a copy of my new air fryer cook book Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals today.
Ingredients
2kg (4 lb 8 oz) turkey crown or breast
1 large orange, sliced
Dry brine ingredients:
2 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp each dried thyme and sage
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Zesty butter ingredients:
175g (6 oz) butter (I use half-fat)
4 garlic cloves, grated
1 bay leaf, chopped
pinch of pepper
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
zest of 1 lemon
zest and juice of 1 orange
zest of 1/2 lime
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
