Dreaming of that perfect, golden-brown turkey with crispy skin and juicy meat, but without the hassle of a traditional oven or deep fryer? You’re in luck! Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier, faster, and often more convenient way to achieve delicious results. While most standard air fryers might not fit a 20-pound Thanksgiving beast, many larger models are surprisingly capable of handling smaller whole turkeys, substantial turkey breasts, or other large roasts, making them a fantastic alternative for holiday meals or a delicious Sunday dinner.
Finding the best air fryer for whole turkey (or a sizeable turkey breast!) means looking for ample capacity, powerful heating, and sometimes even a rotisserie function. In this guide, we’ve rounded up six top contenders that offer the space and features to help you achieve that succulent, air-fried poultry perfection. Let’s dive in!
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This multi-functional powerhouse from Emeril Lagasse is more than just an air fryer; it’s a versatile countertop oven designed to handle a variety of cooking tasks. Its standout feature for turkey enthusiasts is the generous 26-quart capacity, which, while not a 20-lb turkey, can comfortably rotisserie a 6-lb chicken, making it ideal for a small whole turkey or a substantial turkey breast. The elegant French doors and interior light also let you keep an eye on your bird as it crisps to perfection.
Key Features:
* VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO
* PERFECTLY DONE TOAST with automatic shut-off
* 25 COOKING PRE-SETS including Roast and Chicken
* DUAL-SPEED FAN for 360º superheated air circulation
* 26-QUART CAPACITY, suitable for 4–6 people, rotisseries a 6-lb chicken
* STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR and elegant French doors
Pros:
* Excellent versatility with numerous cooking presets.
* Large capacity for smaller turkeys, roasts, and family meals.
* Rotisserie function ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
* Stylish French door design and interior light for monitoring.
* Dual-speed fan for superior air frying.
Cons:
* Takes up significant counter space.
* May have a learning curve due to many functions.
User Impressions: Users love its multi-functionality and the quality of cooked food, especially crispy items. The rotisserie feature is a huge hit for whole chickens, indicating its potential for small turkeys. Some mention the size, but agree it’s worth it for the capabilities.
Charbroil® The Big Easy® TRU-Infrared™ Cooking Technology
If you’re serious about frying a whole turkey outdoors without the messy oil, The Big Easy from Charbroil is in a league of its own. This isn’t a typical countertop air fryer but a propane-powered, oil-less turkey fryer specifically designed for larger birds. Its TRU-Infrared cooking technology ensures even heat distribution and no flare-ups, delivering incredibly juicy meat with a crispy exterior. This is the best air fryer for whole turkey if you’re aiming for a traditional-sized bird (up to 16 pounds) in an outdoor setting, offering a safer and less cumbersome alternative to deep-frying.
Key Features:
* CAPACITY: Fries whole turkeys, chicken, or roasts up to 16 pounds
* COOKING TECHNOLOGY: TRU‑Infrared for even heat and no flare-ups
* RELIABLE: Rotary ignition for quick and easy starts
* CLEANING: Front-access grease tray for easy clean-up
* SAFER: No hot oil means safer frying and easy disposal
* POWER: 16,000 BTU, conveniently powered by liquid propane
Pros:
* Designed specifically for large whole turkeys (up to 16 lbs).
* No oil needed for healthier and safer “frying.”
* Produces incredibly juicy and crispy results.
* Easy to use with reliable ignition.
* Perfect for outdoor cooking and reduces cleanup mess.
Cons:
* Requires propane and outdoor space, not a kitchen appliance.
* Limited to “frying” and roasting functions, not as versatile as indoor air fryers.
User Impressions: Owners rave about the ease of use and the consistently delicious results, especially for turkeys and chickens. They appreciate the absence of hot oil and the simplified cleanup compared to traditional deep fryers. It’s often called a “game changer” for holiday cooking.
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast TurboBlaze
The COSORI 6-quart TurboBlaze air fryer is a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance between capacity and countertop footprint. While it won’t fit a massive whole turkey, its 6-quart square basket is wider and deeper than many similar models, making it ideal for a large turkey breast, smaller roasts, or a whole chicken. The innovative TurboBlaze Technology with its 3600 rpm fan ensures rapid, even cooking and achieves that desirable crispy texture with up to 95% less oil, offering a healthier way to enjoy your favorite poultry.
Key Features:
* Taste Upgrade: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology (3600 rpm fan, up to 450℉)
* Texture Upgrade: Advanced airflow and precise temperature control
* Pro Upgrade: Unique 5-fan speed system and 90°–450°F temperature control
* Time Upgrade: Speeds up cooking for crispy family meals
* Capacity Upgrade: 6-quart square basket for wider, deeper space
* Experience Upgrade: Operates at less than 53 dB (whisper-quiet)
* 95% Less Oil for guilt-free fried foods
* Dishwasher-Safe nonstick basket and accessories
* Customizable Preheat Function
* Includes user manual, 30-recipe cookbook, cooking charts
Pros:
* TurboBlaze technology for incredibly fast and crispy results.
* Generous 6-quart square basket for larger cuts of meat.
* Quiet operation compared to many air fryers.
* Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
* Excellent for healthier cooking with minimal oil.
Cons:
* Too small for a large whole turkey.
* Some users might prefer more physical buttons over a touch screen.
User Impressions: Customers love the speed and efficiency of this COSORI model, noting how quickly it cooks food to a perfect crisp. The quiet operation is a frequent highlight, as is the ease of cleaning. It’s often praised for handling large family-sized portions of chicken, fish, and various sides.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air Crisp Technology
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a reliable and popular choice for everyday air frying, and its 5-quart capacity is suitable for a substantial turkey breast or a small whole chicken, making it a contender for those wanting to air fry smaller turkey portions. Ninja’s signature Air Crisp Technology ensures even, superheated air circulation, delivering perfectly crispy results with little to no oil. It’s compact enough for most countertops, yet offers enough space for family meals, and its simplicity makes it a breeze to use for perfectly cooked poultry.
Key Features:
* AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results
* LARGE CAPACITY: 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings
* 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate
* GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional methods
* FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in minutes
* SPACE SAVER: Compact design without compromising capacity
* EASY TO CLEAN: Nonstick basket and crisper plate
* WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, 20 recipe book
Pros:
* Ninja’s reliable Air Crisp Technology for superior crisping.
* Compact size for easy countertop placement.
* Versatile 4-in-1 functionality.
* Easy to clean with nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts.
* Ideal for smaller turkey parts, chicken, and everyday meals.
Cons:
* Not suitable for even a small whole turkey, best for breasts or parts.
* Lacks a rotisserie function.
User Impressions: Users consistently praise the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for its ability to produce crispy foods quickly and efficiently. They love how easy it is to clean and its compact footprint. Many use it daily for everything from chicken wings to roasted vegetables, confirming its reliable performance.
Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer
The Chefman 12-Quart Air Fryer Oven is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a larger, multi-functional appliance that can comfortably handle a small whole turkey or a significant turkey roast. Its generous interior capacity is designed for “family-sized meals,” and crucially, it includes a stainless-steel rotisserie oven spit. This feature alone makes it a strong contender for the best air fryer for whole turkey if you’re working with a smaller bird, ensuring even cooking and that coveted crispy skin all around.
Key Features:
* 6-IN-1 AIR FRYER: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, roast, reheat
* ROTISSERIE CHICKEN COOKER: Stainless-steel rotisserie spit for crispy skin
* FAMILY-SIZED MEALS: Large capacity 12-qt interior
* LOW-TO-HIGH HEAT RANGE: 95-450°F with rapid air heating and Hi-Fry option
* 12 COOKING PRESETS and easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen
* MONITOR YOUR MEAL: Interior lights and extra-large air fryer oven window
* ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Three cooking racks, rotisserie spit, retrieval tool, drip tray
* EASY CLEAN-UP: Removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts
Pros:
* Large 12-quart capacity is great for small whole turkeys and roasts.
* Built-in rotisserie function is a huge plus for poultry.
* Highly versatile with 6-in-1 functionality and 12 presets.
* Transparent window and interior light allow easy monitoring.
* Comes with useful accessories and is easy to clean.
Cons:
* Takes up a good amount of counter space.
* The cooking area might still be tight for larger turkeys (e.g., over 8-10 lbs).
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the Chefman’s excellent capacity and the added convenience of the rotisserie function. They enjoy the wide range of cooking options and the clear view window. Many find it a valuable addition for preparing larger meals and healthier fried foods.
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
The Ninja DZ401 Foodi DualZone Air Fryer is a game-changer for efficiency and versatility, especially when cooking a main and a side simultaneously. While it features two independent 5-quart baskets, which means it won’t fit a whole turkey as one piece, its unique IQ Boost and Match Cook features allow you to cook up to an 8-lb chicken (or a similar-sized turkey cut into pieces) quickly across both zones. If your idea of “whole turkey” involves perfectly cooked, crispy, large turkey pieces or a substantial breast, this dual-basket system provides unparalleled flexibility and speed.
Key Features:
* XL air fryer with 2 independent baskets for cooking 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time
* DualZone Technology: Smart Finish (finish at the same time) and Match Cook (copy settings)
* IQ Boost optimally distributes power for quick cooking (e.g., 6-lb whole chicken and side)
* 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
* XL 10-qt. capacity (2 independent 5-qt. zones) for large family meals or 8-lbs chicken wings
* Easy-to-clean baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates
* Wide temperature range: 105°F–450°F
* Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods
Pros:
* Revolutionary dual-basket design for simultaneous cooking.
* Smart Finish and Match Cook features save time and effort.
* Large total capacity (10 quarts) for big meals, even if split.
* Excellent for large quantities of turkey parts, roasts, or a butterflied small bird.
* Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
Cons:
* Cannot accommodate a traditional whole turkey in one piece due to the dual basket design.
* Takes up more counter space than single-basket models.
User Impressions: This Ninja DualZone air fryer consistently receives high marks for its innovative two-basket system, which users say significantly cuts down cooking time and simplifies meal prep. The Smart Finish feature is particularly praised. It’s considered ideal for families or those who frequently cook multiple dishes at once, providing crisp results for various foods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I really cook a whole turkey in an air fryer?
A1: It depends on the size of the turkey and the air fryer. Most standard countertop air fryers (5-7 quart) are too small for a typical Thanksgiving turkey. However, larger air fryer ovens (like 12+ quart models) or specialized outdoor units (like the Charbroil Big Easy) can accommodate smaller whole turkeys (e.g., 6-8 pounds) or large turkey breasts. For bigger birds, you’ll likely need to spatchcock it or cook it in pieces.
Q2: What are the benefits of air frying a turkey compared to oven roasting?
A2: Air frying typically results in much crispier skin due to the intense, circulating hot air. It can also cook faster than a conventional oven for smaller birds or cuts. Air fryers generally consume less energy and don’t heat up your kitchen as much as a large oven, making them ideal for smaller meals or during warmer weather. Plus, many air fryers require significantly less oil for that “fried” texture, making it a healthier option.
Q3: What size air fryer do I need for a turkey breast?
A3: For a standard turkey breast (2-4 pounds), a 5-6 quart air fryer is usually sufficient. If you’re cooking a larger, bone-in turkey breast or a whole turkey roll, consider a 7-quart or larger model to ensure even cooking and enough space for air circulation.
Q4: How do I ensure my air-fried turkey is juicy and not dry?
A4: To keep your turkey juicy, consider brining it beforehand. Also, ensure you don’t overcook it – use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Basting with butter or oil during cooking can also help keep the skin moist and promote browning.
Q5: Can I get crispy skin on my air-fried turkey?
A5: Absolutely! Air fryers excel at creating crispy skin. For best results, pat the turkey thoroughly dry before seasoning and air frying. You can also rub it with a little oil or butter and ensure there’s enough space around the turkey for air to circulate.
Q6: What accessories are useful for air frying turkey?
A6: A good meat thermometer is essential for checking doneness. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, the included rotisserie spit and retrieval tool are vital. A non-stick cooking spray can also be helpful for the basket, and heat-resistant tongs or gloves are useful for handling the hot turkey.
Q7: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking turkey?
A7: Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy. For any baked-on grease, soak the parts in warm, soapy water before gently scrubbing. Always allow the air fryer to cool down completely before cleaning the interior with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals that could damage the non-stick coating.
Conclusion
While no single countertop air fryer will fit a giant Thanksgiving bird, the options above provide excellent solutions for cooking a best air fryer for whole turkey (as in, a small one!) or a truly magnificent, crispy turkey breast. Whether you need the outdoor power of the Charbroil Big Easy for a large bird, the multi-functional convenience of the Emeril Lagasse, or the dual-zone efficiency of the Ninja Foodi, there’s an air fryer out there to help you achieve your perfect turkey. Happy air frying!