For whole birds, the Char‑Broil Big Easy is the best air fryer for turkey.
I live in the US, in Austin, Texas, where Thanksgiving and game days mean big birds, tight schedules, and hungry guests. I love turkey with crisp skin and juicy meat, but I hate the mess and risk of dunking it in hot oil. That is why I set out to find the best air fryer for turkey that can handle a whole bird or at least a hefty breast, with less fuss and more flavor. Below, I break down the top outdoor and indoor picks that make turkey night simple, safe, and delicious.
Char‑Broil Big Easy TRU‑Infrared Oil‑Less Fryer
This outdoor, oil‑less turkey fryer uses TRU‑Infrared heat to cook turkey with crackly skin and juicy meat without a drop of frying oil. It is a proven pick for whole birds up to about 16 pounds, and it shines when you want that “fried” finish with safer, simpler prep. Expect around 10 minutes per pound in mild weather, plus a quick rest. I like that the basket manages drips well, and cleanup is easy since there is no used oil to store or toss. It is one of the best air fryer for turkey options for backyard cooks.
The cooking chamber heats fast and keeps airflow even, so you get uniform browning. There is no greasy smell, and no risk of oil spills. A propane tank powers it, and the ignition is simple. I suggest a reliable meat thermometer and a light coat of oil or butter on the skin for a deep golden finish. Aim for 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh for food safety. If you want easy, repeatable results for big gatherings, this outdoor “air fryer” is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Oil‑less “fried” texture with TRU‑Infrared heat
- Handles whole turkeys up to about 16 lb
- No used oil to manage or dispose of
- Even browning and juicy meat without basting
- Quick setup and simple cleanup
- Great for holidays, tailgates, and block parties
Cons:
- Outdoor use only and weather dependent
- Requires a propane tank (not included)
- No digital temperature display
My Recommendation
If you want the best air fryer for turkey that can cook full birds with minimal effort, go with this Char‑Broil Big Easy. It is ideal for families who host, folks who love that crispy “fried” skin, and anyone who does not want to store or dispose of gallons of oil. The value is strong because it is safe, fast, and consistent. It is also widely available before the holidays, which helps. For most people who cook outdoors, this is the easiest path to turkey glory.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Whole turkeys (12–16 lb) | Large basket and even TRU‑Infrared heat |
| Oil‑free “fried” turkey | No oil to heat, store, or dispose of |
| Backyard cooks | Outdoor propane unit with quick ignition |
Char‑Broil Big Easy Oil‑Less Turkey Fryer (24102165)
This newer Big Easy model keeps the same oil‑less magic and adds smart refinements for day‑to‑day use. You still get infrared heat that cooks evenly and crisps the skin. The chamber is roomy for birds in the 12–16 lb range, and it handles turkey breast roasts like a champ. I find the basket easy to load, and the open top makes temp checks simple. It cuts the mess, saves money on oil, and reduces risk. If you want repeatable results with less guesswork, it is a top choice among the best air fryer for turkey picks.
Performance is strong even on cool days, though wind shields help on blustery afternoons. Preheat it briefly, season the bird, and add a light oil rub for color. Start checking temps early; carryover cooking will finish the job. I like how portable it is for tailgates and how it doubles for ribs and roasts. It is more than a turkey machine. It is a backyard workhorse that nails crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside every time.
Pros:
- Oil‑less frying with clean, even heat
- Great for 12–16 lb turkeys and large roasts
- Safer than deep frying with hot oil
- Easy access for seasoning and temp checks
- Portable for tailgates and block parties
- Multi‑use for ribs, pork loin, and chickens
Cons:
- Requires propane tank and outdoor space
- Weather and wind can affect cook time
- No precise digital thermostat
My Recommendation
Pick this model if you want the best air fryer for turkey that is simple, safe, and outdoor ready. It is perfect for hosts who cook a whole bird without oil or a cramped kitchen. It gives you holiday showpiece results with very little stress. If you are upgrading from an older fryer or oven, this is a sweet spot between performance and price.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Holiday birds | Roomy basket and clean infrared heat |
| Oil‑free cooking | No messy oil means safer, easier cleanup |
| Tailgates | Portable propane power for on‑site cooking |
Emeril Lagasse 26QT French Door Air Fryer Oven
This countertop giant replaces a standard oven for many meals, yet it fits on a counter. It has 26 quarts of space, French doors that open with one hand, and 24 cooking functions. The air fry mode is strong, with fast, even airflow that crisps skin and renders fat. For turkey, it handles spatchcocked birds, turkey breasts, and bone-in legs with ease. Whole birds under about 12 pounds can fit depending on shape. It doubles as a daily toaster oven, which boosts value.
The presets are handy, but I still rely on manual temp and time for turkey. I preheat, pat the bird dry, and use a rub with a bit of baking powder for crunch. Use the lower rack to keep skin near the fan, and rotate once for even color. Add a drip tray with stock and aromatics to collect juices for gravy. If you want an indoor unit that works year-round, this is one of the best air fryer for turkey choices for apartments and small kitchens.
Pros:
- Large 26QT capacity with easy French doors
- 24 functions for baking, roasting, and air frying
- Even airflow for crisp skin and juicy meat
- Multi‑rack cooking for sides and bread
- Good daily oven replacement
Cons:
- Big footprint on the counter
- Whole birds above ~12 lb may not fit
- Preheat and warmup can add time
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want the best air fryer for turkey and a full‑time toaster oven in one. It is great for families who roast turkey breasts often and want an oven that toasts, bakes, and broils well. It is also a win for renters who cannot use outdoor propane units. The value is strong since it replaces several small appliances and handles holiday sides easily.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Turkey breasts and parts | Roomy interior with strong air fry mode |
| Apartment cooking | Indoor use, no propane or oil needed |
| Everyday oven replacement | 24 functions and multi‑rack capacity |
Chefman 10L Digital Air Fryer + Rotisserie
If you want crisp, juicy turkey breast with that rotisserie finish, this 10‑liter Chefman is a sleeper hit. It is compact, budget friendly, and includes a rotisserie set, racks, and a drip tray. The front window makes it easy to track color without opening the door. For a whole bird, it is too small, but for a 3–5 lb turkey breast roast or leg quarters, it is excellent. It gives you that slow-rotated, evenly browned surface people love.
The interface is simple, with 17 presets that work well as starting points. I still use a meat thermometer and adjust based on the roast size and skin color. Expect quick preheat, strong airflow, and an easy cleanup thanks to the drip tray. It is one of the best air fryer for turkey options when you cook for two to four people and want a reliable rotisserie at home without a giant machine.
Pros:
- Built‑in rotisserie for turkey breast roasts
- Clear window and interior light
- Compact, budget‑friendly footprint
- Fast preheat and strong airflow
- Simple touch controls with presets
Cons:
- Too small for whole turkeys
- Louder fan at high speed
- Rotisserie trussing takes practice
My Recommendation
This is the best air fryer for turkey lovers who prefer juicy rotisserie‑style breast without heating the whole kitchen. If you are cooking for a small family or want easy weeknight turkey sandwiches, this hits the mark. The value is great, it stores well, and the window lets you nail the color. It is also a good starter unit if you are new to air frying.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Turkey breast roasts | Rotisserie attachment and strong airflow |
| Small kitchens | Compact 10L size saves counter space |
| Budget buyers | Affordable with useful accessories |
Beelicious 32QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
With a roomy 32‑quart chamber and 1800 watts of power, this Beelicious oven takes on big family meals. It fits a 13‑inch pizza, multiple sheet pans, and large roasts. For turkey, it handles a spatchcocked bird or a smaller whole bird depending on height. I like the rotisserie kit for turkey breast and the wide range of 19 functions for sides and desserts. The air fry baskets move plenty of air for crisp skin.
It comes with six accessories, so you can roast, dehydrate, and bake without extra purchases. The control layout is clear, and the interior light helps judge color. For turkey, I dry the skin overnight in the fridge, brush with butter, and air fry hot to start. Then I drop to a moderate temp to finish to 165°F. If you want indoor capacity and flexibility, this is one of the best air fryer for turkey options for big families.
Pros:
- Extra‑large 32QT capacity for family meals
- 19 cooking functions including rotisserie
- Strong 1800W heat for fast crisping
- Good accessory bundle out of the box
- Interior light and clear controls
Cons:
- Takes significant counter space
- Learning curve for best rack positions
- Exterior can run warm at high temps
My Recommendation
Choose this if you need the best air fryer for turkey plus room for sides on busy nights. It suits larger families, meal preppers, and hosts who want one appliance for roasting, baking, and air frying. It offers strong value thanks to size, power, and accessories. If you need a countertop “second oven” that can tackle turkey, this is a smart buy.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Big families | 32QT capacity and 1800W power |
| Rotisserie turkey breast | Rotisserie kit and strong airflow |
| Holiday sides | Multiple racks and even heat |
Ninja DT501 Smart XL Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Ninja DT501 is a favorite for speed, even heat, and smart design. It preheats fast, moves air evenly, and fits a surprising amount for its footprint. It can handle up to a 12‑pound turkey per the brand, which makes it a top indoor choice if you want a whole bird. The controls are clear, the fan is powerful, and browning is reliable across both racks. Sides finish fast while your turkey rests.
I like to start turkey hot at the top rack to set the skin, then lower the temp and move it down to finish gently. That keeps the breast juicy. Use a thermometer and pull at 160–162°F in the breast; carryover finishes it. If you want indoor speed and consistency, this is one of the best air fryer for turkey ovens you can buy today.
Pros:
- Fits up to a 12 lb turkey
- Fast preheat with strong convection
- Even browning across racks
- Simple controls and solid build
- Great for sides, bread, and desserts
Cons:
- Premium price
- Large and heavy for a countertop unit
- Exterior can get hot near exhaust
My Recommendation
Pick the Ninja if you want the best air fryer for turkey that fits a whole 12‑pound bird indoors. It is ideal for busy home cooks who want quick preheat, even browning, and room for sides. The performance is worth the price if you roast often. It is also a smart second oven during holidays when your range is already full.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Whole turkeys up to 12 lb | Roomy interior and strong airflow |
| Fast weeknight roasts | Quick preheat and consistent heat |
| Holiday overflow | Acts as a reliable second oven |
FAQs Of Best air fryer for turkey
Can an air fryer cook a whole turkey?
Yes, but size matters. Outdoor oil‑less fryers fit 12–16 lb birds. Large indoor ovens handle up to about 12 lb or a spatchcocked bird.
What is the safe internal temperature for turkey?
Cook to 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh. Use a reliable meat thermometer and rest the turkey before carving.
How long does turkey take in an air fryer?
Plan about 8–12 minutes per pound outdoors and 10–15 minutes indoors. Start checking early and adjust for weather and size.
How do I get crispy skin in an air fryer?
Dry the skin well, salt ahead, and use a light oil or butter rub. Start hot to set the skin, then finish at a lower temp.
Is oil‑less frying healthier than deep frying?
Yes. It uses little to no added oil and reduces calories from fat, while still giving crisp skin and juicy meat.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want the best air fryer for turkey for full birds, the Char‑Broil Big Easy is my top outdoor pick. For indoor cooking, the Ninja DT501 stands out for speed, space, and even browning.
For turkey breasts and small spaces, the Chefman rotisserie is a great value. If you need capacity plus versatility year‑round, look at the Emeril 26QT or Beelicious 32QT. Any of these can be the best air fryer for turkey for your needs and space.
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