Olive Brined Air Fryer Turkey Breast: A Flavorful & Juicy Thanksgiving Alternative

Thanksgiving is a holiday synonymous with turkey, but let’s face it: roasting a whole bird can be daunting. It takes hours, requires precise temperature control, and often results in either dry breast meat or undercooked thighs. Enter the olive brined air fryer turkey breast. This method offers a quicker, easier, and remarkably flavorful alternative that’s perfect for smaller gatherings or anyone seeking a stress-free Thanksgiving main course.

This recipe focuses on a bone-in turkey breast, as the bone contributes to moisture and flavor. The olive brine, infused with aromatics, permeates the meat, ensuring a juicy and delicious outcome. The air fryer then works its magic, creating a crispy, golden-brown skin while keeping the interior tender and succulent.

## Why Olive Brine?

Traditional brines often rely on salt and sugar to draw moisture into the turkey. While effective, they can sometimes lead to a slightly sweet or overly salty flavor. Olive brine offers a more nuanced and savory profile. The olive brine will not only add more flavor but also add a unique and rich umami flavor that traditional brine will not be able to provide. The salty and savory notes of olives, combined with herbs and spices, create a complex flavor profile that complements the turkey without overpowering it. Additionally, the olive oil in the brine helps to keep the turkey moist during cooking.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

**For the Olive Brine:**

* 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
* 8 cups water
* 1 cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped (Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives work well)
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup kosher salt
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 4 cloves garlic, smashed
* 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
* 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
* 2 sprigs fresh thyme
* 1 lemon, sliced
* 1 orange, sliced
* 1 bay leaf

**For the Turkey Breast:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

## Equipment

* Large container or brining bag (large enough to hold the turkey breast and brine)
* Air fryer (at least 6-quart capacity; larger is better)
* Meat thermometer
* Small bowl

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Olive Brine

1. **Combine the Brine Ingredients:** In a large pot, combine the water, chopped olives, olive oil, kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, lemon slices, orange slices, and bay leaf. The large pot will allow you to heat the brine later. This will ensure the flavors will combine.
2. **Heat and Stir:** Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Heating the brine helps to meld the flavors and ensures the salt and sugar dissolve properly.
3. **Cool Completely:** Remove the pot from the heat and let the brine cool completely. This is crucial because you don’t want to add the turkey breast to a warm brine. A warm brine can encourage bacterial growth and potentially affect the turkey’s texture.

### Step 2: Brine the Turkey Breast

1. **Prepare the Turkey Breast:** Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets or excess fat.
2. **Submerge in Brine:** Place the turkey breast in a large container or brining bag. Pour the cooled olive brine over the turkey breast, ensuring it is completely submerged. If necessary, weigh the turkey breast down with a plate or a heavy object to keep it submerged.
3. **Refrigerate:** Cover the container or seal the brining bag tightly. Refrigerate the turkey breast for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours. Brining for too long can result in an overly salty turkey, so be mindful of the time.

### Step 3: Prepare the Turkey for Air Frying

1. **Remove from Brine:** After brining, remove the turkey breast from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey breast thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. This step is important to prevent the turkey from being too salty.
2. **Pat Dry:** Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. A dry surface is essential for achieving crispy skin in the air fryer.
3. **Prepare the Spice Rub:** In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful rub.
4. **Apply the Spice Rub:** Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat both the skin and the underside of the breast. Ensure even coverage for consistent flavor and browning.

### Step 4: Air Fry the Turkey Breast

1. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for at least 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps to create a crispy skin.
2. **Place Turkey in Air Fryer:** Carefully place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. If your air fryer is small, you may need to trim the turkey breast slightly to fit.
3. **Air Fry:** Air fry the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature. Baste the turkey breast with any pan drippings every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
4. **Check for Doneness:** Begin checking the internal temperature of the turkey breast after about 1 hour of cooking. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to touch the bone. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Rest:** Once the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey breast. Tent the turkey breast loosely with foil to keep it warm while it rests.

### Step 5: Carve and Serve

1. **Carve the Turkey Breast:** After resting, carve the turkey breast against the grain into thin slices. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. Carving against the grain shortens these fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew.
2. **Serve:** Serve the olive brined air fryer turkey breast with your favorite Thanksgiving sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Brining Time:** Don’t brine the turkey breast for more than 24 hours, as it can become too salty.
* **Spice Rub Variations:** Experiment with different spice combinations in the rub. Try adding chili powder for a smoky flavor, or Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous profile.
* **Add Vegetables to the Air Fryer:** During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to the air fryer basket to roast alongside the turkey breast. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the air fryer.
* **Use a Brining Bag:** If you don’t have a large container, use a brining bag. They are readily available online or at most grocery stores.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the turkey breast, as well as the specific air fryer model. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Make a Gravy:** Use the pan drippings from the air fryer to make a flavorful gravy. Simply whisk the drippings with flour or cornstarch over medium heat until thickened, then add chicken broth or turkey stock to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* **Olive Selection:** Feel free to experiment with different types of olives in your brine. Kalamata olives will provide a richer, more intense flavor, while Castelvetrano olives offer a milder, buttery taste.
* **Bone-In vs. Boneless:** While this recipe is specifically designed for a bone-in turkey breast, you can adapt it for a boneless breast. Reduce the cooking time accordingly and be sure to monitor the internal temperature closely to prevent overcooking.
* **Flavor Infusions:** Add other aromatics to the brine, such as ginger, star anise, or citrus zest, to customize the flavor profile.

## Serving Suggestions

This olive brined air fryer turkey breast pairs well with a variety of Thanksgiving side dishes, including:

* Mashed potatoes (classic or garlic-infused)
* Stuffing (traditional bread stuffing or cornbread stuffing)
* Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
* Green bean casserole
* Sweet potato casserole
* Roasted Brussels sprouts
* Dinner rolls
* Gravy (made from the pan drippings)

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Serving Size: 4 ounces (113g)
* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 12-15g
* Carbohydrates: 2-3g
* Fiber: 0-1g
* Sugar: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

The olive brined air fryer turkey breast is a game-changer for Thanksgiving. It offers a delicious and convenient alternative to roasting a whole turkey, delivering a flavorful and juicy result in a fraction of the time. The olive brine infuses the turkey with a unique savory flavor, while the air fryer ensures a crispy, golden-brown skin. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or simply want a stress-free Thanksgiving main course, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and experience the magic of olive brined air fryer turkey breast for yourself!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!