How to Cook a Turkey Breast: 4 Simple Methods You Can Try at Home

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Cooking a turkey breast can be simple and delicious if you know the right method. Whether you're planning a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, learning how to cook a turkey breast the right way can make your dish tasty and juicy.

Turkey breast is a lean cut of meat with a mild, slightly savory flavor that works well with many seasonings. It has less fat than other parts of the turkey, so it's healthier and cooks faster. The best part is that it is so easy to cook and very versatile. You can cook it in different ways to get different flavors and textures.

In this article, we will show you how to cook a turkey breast using four easy methods: pan frying, grilling, baking, and air frying. All of these are great options depending on your tools and taste. We gathered these guides from various sources, Wednesday (6/8/2025).

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How to Pan Fry Turkey Breast

Chicken Breast — How to pan fry turkey breast. (Photo: valeria_aksakova/Freepik)... Selengkapnya

Pan frying is a quick and easy way to cook turkey breast. It gives the meat a nice brown color and a tasty crust. This method is perfect if you want something fast and flavorful.

Ingredients:

- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Cut the turkey breast into thin slices or cutlets for even cooking. Thinner slices help the meat cook quickly and evenly.

2. Season both sides of each slice with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Make sure the seasoning is spread well.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.

4. Carefully place the turkey slices in the skillet in a single layer.

5. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the meat is no longer pink inside.

6. Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

7. Remove from the pan and let the slices rest on a plate for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices stay inside.

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How to Bake Turkey Breast

Baking is a hands-off method that results in tender and juicy turkey breast. It is great for home cooks who prefer using the oven for even cooking.

Ingredients:

- 1 bone-in or boneless turkey breast (2 to 3 pounds)

- 2 tablespoons butter, melted

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon rosemary

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with foil for easier cleanup.

2. Place the turkey breast in the dish, skin side up if using a bone-in piece.

3. Brush the entire surface with melted butter to help it brown and stay moist.

4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic powder evenly over the turkey.

5. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

6. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the meat.

7. In the last 20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to turn golden and crispy.

8. Use a meat thermometer to check if the thickest part has reached 165°F (74°C).

9. Let the turkey rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in and improves the flavor.

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How to Grill Turkey Breast

Grilling gives the turkey breast a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks. It is perfect for outdoor cooking, especially during warm weather or barbecues.

Ingredients:

- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 2 pounds)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F or 190–200°C).

2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, then rub it with vegetable oil.

3. Season it generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder on all sides.

4. Place the turkey breast directly on the grill grates.

5. Grill for 6–8 minutes on each side to get a good sear and grill marks.

6. Close the grill lid and cook for another 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning.

7. Check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C).

8. Remove from the grill and let the turkey rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it moist.

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How to Air Fry Turkey Breast

Air frying is a modern method that makes the turkey breast crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is also faster than baking and uses less oil.

Ingredients:

- 1 boneless turkey breast (1 to 1.5 pounds)

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

2. Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and give it a nice crust.

3. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly on both sides.

4. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin side down if it has skin.

5. Cook for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

6. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 165°F (74°C).

7. Let the turkey rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle inside the meat.

Each of these methods shows you how to cook a turkey breast in a way that fits your kitchen tools and cooking style. Try them out and see which one you like best!