Recipe Background
Lazy Thanksgiving Turkey: effortless, flavorful turkey ready in under an hour.
My first Thanksgiving in the city was marked by tight schedules and a tiny apartment kitchen, but I was determined to make it special. With only a don't-sneeze-or-you'll-miss-it oven and a 3 1/2-quart air fryer, I knew the traditional turkey wasn’t happening. So, I found myself wandering the aisles of a crowded grocery store, stumbling upon a turkey breast that promised simplicity. I picked up some kosher salt, thyme, and rosemary, knowing well they’d bring that nostalgic aroma. When I got home, the spices made a perfect rub, while olive oil provided just the right crispiness to the skin. As I checked the internal temperature, hitting that perfect 165-degree mark felt like a small victory.
That first city Thanksgiving brought a rush of memories as spices danced in the air. The scent of dried sage and garlic powder transported me to Thanksgivings past, complete with bustling kitchens and laughter with family. Trying something new, I added a hint of paprika and dark brown sugar, infusing a touch of smoky sweetness to the turkey. Letting the cooked turkey breast rest was a crucial tip I'd picked up over years of kitchen learnings, ensuring clean slices when shared with friends later that evening. It was a touch that made all the difference, turning a hurried meal into a cherished tradition. Friends gathered around, sharing stuffing and stories, marking the beginning of our own urban holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1 (2 1/2-pound) turkey breast bone-in and skin-on
- olive oil to taste
- stuffing optional, to taste, cooked and hot, for serving
Directions
- Preheat a 3 1/2-quart air fryer to 360 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, add the salt, the thyme, the rosemary, the black pepper, the sage, the garlic powder, the paprika, and the brown sugar and mix to combine.
- Brush the turkey breast on all sides with the olive oil.
- Rub the spice mixture on the turkey breast on both sides, making sure to also rub it under the skin wherever possible.
- In the basket of the air fryer, add the turkey breast, skin-side down, and roast it for 20 minutes.
- Carefully flip the turkey breast and roast it in the air fryer until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 15 minutes.
- Allow the turkey breast to rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve with the stuffing.
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