A turkey crown is the easiest way to do turkey — all the breast meat, none of the awkward carving — and the air fryer keeps it juicy with genuinely crisp skin in a fraction of the oven time. Here's exactly how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does a turkey crown take in an air fryer?
A: About 30–35 minutes per kg at 160°C (320°F), to an internal 74°C (165°F), then rest 20–30 minutes. A 2kg crown takes roughly an hour.
Q: Will a turkey crown fit?
A: Up to about 2–2.5kg fits most air fryers. Measure your basket against the crown before buying.
Times by weight
| Crown | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 kg | 160°C / 320°F | 50–55 min |
| 2 kg | 160°C / 320°F | 60–70 min |
| 2.5 kg | 160°C / 320°F | 75–85 min |
Always cook to temperature, not the clock — 74°C at the thickest point, then rest.
Method
- Butter and season the skin; bring near to room temperature first.
- Cook skin-side down to start, then flip for the last third to crisp.
- Check 74°C at the thickest point.
- Rest 20–30 minutes under foil — essential for juicy meat.
The recipe
Air Fryer Turkey Crown
Ingredients
- 1 turkey crown (≈2kg)
- 30g soft butter
- 1 tsp dried herbs
- Salt & black pepper
Method
- Rub the crown with butter, herbs and seasoning.
- Air fry at 160°C (320°F) skin-side down for 40 min.
- Flip and cook 20–30 min more to 74°C.
- Rest under foil for 20–30 minutes before carving.
Tips
- Use a thermometer — turkey dries out fast past 74°C.
- Rest properly — 20–30 minutes keeps it juicy and frees the basket for roast potatoes.
- Plan the whole meal with our air fryer roast dinner guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long per kg for a turkey crown in an air fryer?
Around 30–35 minutes per kg at 160°C, cooking to an internal 74°C. A 2kg crown takes roughly 60–70 minutes plus resting.
What size turkey crown fits an air fryer?
Most air fryers take up to about 2–2.5kg. Measure your basket against the crown before buying to be sure.
Do you rest a turkey crown?
Yes — rest it under foil for 20–30 minutes. It keeps the meat juicy and conveniently frees the basket to crisp your potatoes.