Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
This Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe is the easiest way to get a juicy, golden turkey dinner on the table without turning on the oven. All you need is a simple herb and spice rub and about thirty minutes, and you have tender, flavorful turkey that slices beautifully. It works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for a small holiday meal when a whole bird feels like too much work.
Equipment
- Air fryer Basket style works best for even airflow
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl For the seasoning blend
- Kitchen tongs
- Paper towels For patting the turkey dry
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife For slicing
- Cooking spray Optional, for misting the basket
Ingredients
- 2 turkey breast tenderloins about 1 to 1.5 pounds each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 30ml
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt 5g
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper 2.5g
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3g
- 1 teaspoon onion powder 3g
- 1 teaspoon paprika 3g
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme 1.5g
- 0.5 teaspoon dried sage 1.5g
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels on all sides to help the seasoning stick and achieve a better sear.
- In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried sage. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tenderloins and rub it into the meat. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes to help the turkey start browning right away.
- Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the seasoned tenderloins in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation.
- Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
- Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part and cook until it reaches 165°F. If needed, return in 2-minute increments.
- Transfer to a cutting board, rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Buy tenderloins that are similar in size so they finish cooking at the same time.
- Do not skip patting the turkey dry since excess moisture prevents good browning.
- Always check temperature at the thickest point, not just the surface.
- Let the air fryer preheat fully before adding the turkey for the best crust.
- Save the resting time step since slicing too early lets the juices run out.
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze sliced turkey in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of broth or gravy to keep it moist, or warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Try variations like honey-glazed (brush with honey and soy sauce in the last 5 minutes), maple-garlic, or Cajun-style.
- These tenderloins are naturally lean, high protein, and low carb, making them great for various eating styles.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 30gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 450mgVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 4mg
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