Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this turkey tenderloin in air fryer recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!
Happy frying!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air fryer turkey tenderloin
Here are all you need to make delicious air fried turkey tenderloin.
- Turkey tenderloins
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your air fryer turkey breast tenderloin for a subtle burst of heat. The gentle spiciness will add a delightful twist to your tenderloin without overpowering its natural flavors. Give it a try and discover a new dimension of taste that will leave you pleasantly surprised!
Recipe Video
Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in an Air Fryer?
With minimal prep and cook time, it’s perfect for anyone—whether you’re an air fryer pro or just starting.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 2: Prepare the ingredients.
First (second to preheating), mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Then, pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
Now:
Give the turkey a good rub-down with olive oil, ensuring every inch is well coated. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture generously over the tenderloin, ensuring they’re fully seasoned for an explosion of taste with every bite.
Step 3: Air fry the turkey tenderloin for 20 – 25 minutes at 380ºF (193ºC).
Place the seasoned turkey tenderloins in the air fryer. They should be arranged in a single layer, not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each tenderloin, promoting even cooking.
Cook the turkey tenderloin at 380ºF (193ºC) for 20 – 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
To ensure the turkey is cooked all the way through, use an instant-read thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should reach 165ºF (74ºC).
✦ If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook the tenderloins in batches, ensuring each gets the attention it deserves.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
After air frying to perfection, don’t rush to the table yet! Give those tender turkey tenderloins a well-deserved rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
This short resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in an even juicier and more succulent final dish.Â
💡 Pro Tip: While resting, you can top it with cold butter. Then, cover the turkey with aluminum foil. The residual heat will melt the butter and infuse the turkey with that lovely butter flavor.
Once rested, serve and pair them with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, for a complete and delicious meal.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin, infused with the aromatic flavors of rosemary and thyme. It’s tender, juicy, and oh-so-delicious!
What to Serve with Turkey Tenderloin?
The options are limitless when serving a delicious meal with Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin! Here are three delightful pairings that will complement the tender and flavorful turkey perfectly:
1. Garlic Roasted Potatoes. The earthy and buttery flavors of roasted potatoes are an excellent match for the savory turkey tenderloin.
2. Cranberry Orange Salad. Add a burst of freshness to your meal with a vibrant cranberry orange salad.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots. For a touch of sweetness, honey-glazed carrots make a delightful side dish.
With these mouthwatering pairings, your Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin meal will be complete and utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these sides will elevate your turkey tenderloin to a new level of deliciousness!
Related Turkey Recipes
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: You can freeze the air fried turkey tenderloins for up to 3 months. Let the tenderloins come to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and store in the freezer.
To reheat from frozen, preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC) and cook the tenderloins for 10 – 12 minutes until heated through.
Fridge: Leftover turkey tenderloins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350ºF (175ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook the turkey tenderloin in the air fryer for 20 – 25 minutes at 380ºF (193ºC). Remember to flip the tenderloins halfway to ensure even browning. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that turkey is cooked to 165ºF (74ºC) internally.
Yes, you can air fry turkey tenderloin. Follow the recipe instructions, season the tenderloins well, and preheat your air fryer before cooking. With the right temperature and cooking time, your air fryer will do wonders for your turkey tenderloin, making it a quick and convenient option for a delicious meal.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 2 turkey tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC).
- Make the dry rub. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Season the turkey tenderloins. Pat the tenderloins dry with a paper towel. This’ll remove any excess moisture. Next, rub the turkey with olive oil, ensuring they're evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture over the tenderloins, ensuring they're fully seasoned.
- Air fry the turkey tenderloin. Place the seasoned turkey in the air fryer in a single layer. Set the air fryer’s temperature to 380ºF (193ºC) and cook for 20 – 25 minutes. Flip the tenderloin halfway through.
- Check if the turkey is cooked thoroughly. Insert an instant-read thermometer in its thickest part. The internal temperature ought to reach 165ºF (74ºC).
- Once done, remove the turkey tenderloin from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy your air fried turkey tenderloin. Slice the turkey tenderloins and serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Remember that cooking durations may differ depending on the turkey’s thickness and your air fryer’s size and model. Before serving, ensure it has been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.Â
- You can skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the turkey tenderloin.
- I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the turkey tenderloin. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
Share or save this recipe for later:
Have you tried making the turkey breast tenderloin air fryer recipe?
Leave us a note, and give this recipe a star rating. Good or bad, we appreciate your opinion. Let’s improve this air fryer recipe as a community!
Are you on Instagram? Share your photo and tag us at @fryitco. We can’t wait to see what you’ve made!
Or you can also subscribe to our Youtube Channel. We’re constantly uploading easy and tasty air fryer recipe videos, ASMR style.
You can also find us on Facebook & Tiktok 🙂. See you there!
Thank you for your support!
