Cooking can be one of the most stressful parts of Christmas, with so many dishes to prepare and time often running short. But what if you could cook your Christmas turkey in a fraction of the time with less hassle? While roasting a turkey in the oven is a long-standing tradition, experts say there’s a new, convenient and time-saving method that’s gaining popularity: cooking your turkey in the air fryer.
According to new research by online butchers, Campbells Meat, Google searches for “can you cook turkey crown in an air fryer” increased by 5,000% in the past 90 days in the UK. Food experts from Campbells Meat have said that this much loved kitchen appliance could revolutionise the way we cook at Christmas, producing delicious results with no added stress.
Using an air fryer to cook your turkey brings several benefits. Firstly it cooks much quicker than a traditional oven, without having to worry about preheating as part of the preparation. Additionally, air fryers use hot air circulation to cook the food, which results in a crispy outer skin while keeping the inside moist and tender.
However, Campbells Meat highlights that while air fryers are perfect for smaller birds and quick cooking, when it comes to preparing a Christmas turkey for a large group, the oven may still be your best bet. If you’re cooking for a crowd, a larger turkey or multiple types of meat, the oven offers more space and allows you to cook a bigger turkey in one go.
If you fancy trying out your air fryer this Christmas, the experts at Campbells Meat have suggested ways to perfectly cook your turkey in the air fryer.
How to prepare the turkey
Start by selecting a turkey that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Keep in mind that most standard air fryers can accommodate birds weighing between 1.5 to 2.5 kg. If you’re cooking a larger turkey, you may need to cook it in parts.
Once you’ve chosen your bird, pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the skin becomes crispy when cooking. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices such as thyme, rosemary, garlic, or a bit of paprika for colour.
If you want to add a little extra flavour, you can stuff your turkey with aromatics like onions, citrus fruits, or fresh herbs before cooking.
Cooking the turkey
Place the prepared turkey into the air fryer basket, making sure it fits comfortably without touching the sides. It’s important to make sure your turkey isn’t too big for your air fryer because air needs to circulate to ensure it’s evenly cooked. If you have a rack, place the turkey on top of it to help create an even crisp throughout.
How long you should cook the turkey will depend on the size. For example, if the turkey is under 4kg, cook for 20 minutes per kilogram, plus 70 minutes. Be sure to flip the turkey halfway through cooking to ensure an even, crispy finish.
For a juicier turkey, you can baste it with a bit of butter or oil during cooking. However, this isn’t strictly necessary since the air fryer helps keep moisture locked in naturally.
Check the internal temperature
The key to a perfectly cooked turkey is ensuring it reaches the proper internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the bird, typically the breast or thigh. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 75°C to be safe for consumption.
If your turkey is cooking too quickly on the outside and not reaching the correct temperature inside, wrap it with foil and reduce the air fryer temperature slightly to finish cooking.
Let it rest before serving
Once your turkey has reached the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your turkey is moist and tender when you carve it.