The Best Turkey Air Fryer Recipe
By Ty from Duronic
Let us be honest. The traditional Christmas turkey can be intimidating. The anxiety of a dry breast, the struggle for oven space, the endless hours of basting. I have been there. Last Christmas, I decided to challenge convention and cooked the main event in my Duronic AF34 large air fryer. The result was the most succulent, evenly cooked, and perfectly golden turkey crown my family has ever tasted.
This is not a compromise for small kitchens. This is a superior cooking method for anyone who values their time, their sanity, and exceptionally moist turkey. The powerful, circulating heat of an air fryer like the Duronic AF34 delivers a crispy, herb-infused skin and a juicy interior in under two hours. I am going to guide you through a simple, foolproof method that will free up your oven for the roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, and all the other festive essentials. This year, reclaim your kitchen and your Christmas morning.
Why an Air Fryer is the Ultimate Tool for Cooking Turkey
The common fear with turkey is ending up with a dry, overcooked bird. A conventional oven throws heat from one or two directions, often leading to uneven cooking. The breast meat cooks faster than the legs, leaving you with a difficult choice. The Duronic AF34’s rapid air technology solves this by surrounding the turkey crown with a consistent, intense heat. This creates a microclimate that seals in juices immediately while rendering the fat under the skin to a beautiful, crisp finish.
The Duronic AF34 digital air fryer is uniquely equipped for this task. Its large 10L drawer provides the perfect capacity for a generous turkey crown that will feed a family of six to eight. The precise digital temperature control allows you to set the exact heat needed, while the viewing window and internal light let you monitor the colouring of the skin without opening the drawer and losing precious heat. This feature alone ensures the cooking process is uninterrupted and efficient.
Meet Your New Christmas Sous Chef: The Duronic AF34 Air Fryer
This turkey air fryer recipe leverages the specific, powerful features of the Duronic AF34. We will be using the single, large 10L drawer, which is ideal for a substantial cut of meat like a turkey crown. The 2400W power ensures a strong, immediate blast of heat that is crucial for sealing in juices. The ‘Meat’ preset is an excellent starting point, but we will adjust the time and temperature for perfect results. The non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleaning up after a big meal remarkably straightforward, a true Christmas miracle in itself.
Preparing Your Air Fryer Turkey Crown
This recipe is designed for flavour and simplicity, letting the quality of the turkey shine.
For the Turkey and Brine (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 turkey crown (approx. 2-2.5kg), fully thawed if frozen
- 2 litres cold water
- 100g sea salt
- 50g brown sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 black peppercorns
For the Herb Butter and Seasoning:
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of one lemon
- A large handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
You will also need:
- Kitchen string
- A meat thermometer (the most crucial tool for perfect turkey)
A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Turkey
This air fryer turkey recipe is designed for flavour and simplicity, letting the quality of the turkey shine.
Step 1: Brine the Turkey (The Day Before)
Brining is the single best way to guarantee a moist turkey. In a large pot, heat the water, salt, sugar, bay leaf, and peppercorns until the salt and sugar dissolve. Allow this brine to cool completely. Submerge the turkey crown in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb Butter and Turkey
Remove the turkey from the brine, pat it completely dry with kitchen paper. This is essential for crispy skin. Mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, and a good crack of black pepper. Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast by gently sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin. Truss the crown with kitchen string to create a neat, even shape for consistent cooking.
Step 3: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer
Place the empty 10L drawer into the Duronic AF34. Select the ‘Pre-heat’ function and set the temperature to 170°C. Once preheated, place the prepared turkey crown directly into the drawer, breast-side up. The generous space of the 10L drawer means it should not be touching the sides.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Close the drawer and set the air fryer to 170°C. Calculate the cooking time: allow approximately 30 minutes per kg, plus an extra 30 minutes. For a 2kg crown, this is about 1 hour 30 minutes. However, a meat thermometer is your true guide. The internal temperature of the turkey is the only reliable way to know it is done.
Step 5: Checking for Doneness and Resting
About 15 minutes before the end of the calculated cooking time, use the internal light to check the colour. The skin should be a deep, golden brown. Carefully open the drawer and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The target temperature is 74°C. If it has not yet been reached, continue cooking, checking every 5-10 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the drawer and transfer the turkey crown to a warm platter. Cover it loosely with foil and leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size turkey crown can I fit in an air fryer?
The 10L drawer of the Duronic AF34 can comfortably accommodate a turkey crown weighing up to 2.5kg, which is perfect for serving 6-8 people. It is important the crown is not crammed in and has some space for the air to circulate.
Is air fryer turkey as juicy as an oven-roasted one?
Many find that using an air fryer makes it even juicier. The rapid, circulating air creates a seal on the outside of the meat very quickly, which helps to trap the internal juices. The shorter cooking time also reduces the overall moisture loss.
Can I cook a full turkey with legs in the air fryer?
A full, whole turkey is unlikely to fit. The method is specifically designed for a turkey crown (the breast section with wings attached). This is often the preferred cut for many as it is easier to cook evenly and is all white meat.
Do I need to baste the turkey during cooking?
No, that is the beauty of this method. The sealed environment and the initial layer of herb butter mean that basting is not necessary. In fact, opening the drawer frequently will release heat and extend the cooking time. Trust the process.
How do I make gravy from the air fryer drippings?
Absolutely. Once the turkey is removed, you will find a small amount of concentrated, flavourful juices and butter in the bottom of the drawer. Carefully pour these into a small saucepan. Add a tablespoon of plain flour, cook for a minute, then gradually whisk in 300-400ml of hot chicken or turkey stock until you have a smooth, rich gravy.
Can I cook other Christmas dishes at the same time as my turkey in an air fryer?
Yes, this is where the Duronic AF34 triple air fryer shines. While the turkey crown is resting, you can use the two independent 5L drawers to cook your pigs in blankets and roast potatoes simultaneously, using the Sync Finish function to have them all ready at the same time.
Why is my turkey skin not crispy?
The most common reason for soggy skin is not patting the turkey dry thoroughly after brining. The skin must be completely dry before you apply the butter and start cooking.
Carving and Serving Your Masterpiece
After the rest, your turkey is ready to carve. You will notice the juices that pool on the platter; this is liquid gold. Slice the breast evenly and serve immediately with all the classic trimmings.
Conclusion
The true success of this method is not just the magnificent turkey, but the calm, organised kitchen you have maintained. Your oven is free, your worktops are clear, and you have enjoyed a stress-free lead-up to the main event. The Duronic AF34 dual zone air fryer does not just cook a turkey; it transforms your entire Christmas cooking experience.
