Description
This Savory Herb Butter Turkey Breast (Oven or Air Fryer) recipe delivers juicy, tender meat and crispy golden skin infused with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. Whether roasted in the oven or crisped in the air fryer, this easy dish is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or meal prep. Ready in about an hour and bursting with flavor, it’s a must-try for turkey lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (3–4 lb) boneless or bone-in turkey breast, skin-on
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth (for oven version)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and fragrant.
- Butter the Turkey: Pat turkey breast dry. Gently lift the skin and spread half of the herb butter under it. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place turkey breast in a roasting pan with ½ cup chicken broth. Roast for 1 to 1½ hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey breast skin-side up in the basket and cook 45–55 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest before slicing.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice the turkey and drizzle with melted butter or pan juices. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
Use room-temperature butter so it spreads evenly. Always let the turkey rest before slicing to keep it juicy. For a flavor twist, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before roasting. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven or Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 6 oz turkey)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 115mg