Skip to Content

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

My Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin is simple to prepare and quick to cook. Start by rubbing the tenderloins with olive oil, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt and pepper, then leave the air fryer to do all the hard work. A great tasting meal in minutes with flavorful turkey that’s beautifully soft and tender.

Two sliced turkey tenderloins set onto a white serving platter with a garnish of fresh parsley


 

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Turkey tenderloin is a really lean meat, and given the smaller size of this cut, is ideal for smaller Thanksgiving, Christmas or holiday gatherings.

However, don’t just think about cooking turkey over the festive holidays. I like using turkey tenderloin as this cut cooks quickly and cooks a lot quicker than a whole turkey breast. This makes it the ideal cut for family dinner any night of the week.

Also, this versatile cut of meat really takes on flavor and is a great, often cheaper, alternative to chicken breast.

The spice rub takes mere minutes to prepare, then the tenderloins get placed into the air fryer to be quickly cooked in only 25 minutes. The air fryer keeps the tenderloins tender and juicy.

For another great way to cook lean turkey breast meat with lots of flavor, try my Sous Vide Turkey Breast, my Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin, Turkey Thighs and Vegetables, or my Air Fryer Turkey Breast.

Are turkey tenderloins the same as turkey breast?

No, the turkey tenderloin is the boneless part of the turkey breast. It is the skinless piece that sits between the turkey breast and the breast bone. It is a smaller cut than using the entire breast.

Ingredients

Air fryer turkey tenderloin ingredients set into individual white bowls

Here is what you will need for this recipe:

  • Turkey breast tenderloins – these usually come two in a pack and are usually 1/2 a pound or a 3/4 of a pound each.
  • Seasoning – olive oil, poultry seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt and black pepper. This seasoning flavors the tenderloin.

How to cook turkey tenderloin in air fryer

Two seasoned turkey tenderloins set into a white bowl

Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Rub the turkey tenderloins with olive oil, poultry seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. 

Uncooked, seasoned turkey tenderloins set into air fryer basket

Place the turkey tenderloins in preheated air fryer basket.

Cook the tenderloins for 22-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Two cooked turkey tenderloins set into air fryer basket

Remove from the air fryer and set aside on a board to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best turkey tenderloin you’ve ever tasted. 

  • If time allows, you can marinate the turkey tenderloins in the seasoned rub from anything from 30 minutes to 4 hours (a longer marinate as it will improve the flavor).
  • A probe thermometer is the easiest method of checking the internal cooking temperature of turkey, or any other meat, to ensure it is done.
  • Once the turkey tenderloins have cooked, remove from the air fryer and set aside to rest for 5-10 minutes, before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to be absorbed back into the turkey and result is moist and tender slices of meat.

Variations 

This simple spice rub uses poultry seasoning and onion powder as a base. However, here are some other suggestions if you want to mix things up.

  • Spices: garlic powder; ground ginger; paprika; cumin; coriander; allspice.
  • Herbs: dried herbs like thyme; sage; parsley; tarragon or rosemary.
  • Citrus: add some fresh citrus zest, eg lemon; lime; or orange.
  • Chili: kick up the heat with some fresh chili, chili flakes or chili powder.

How to serve my air fryer turkey tenderloin  

Turkey is a very versatile meat and works with many different sides. I always like to serve potato, one or two veggie sides and some Homemade Gravy.

When it comes to great tasting sides you can’t beat my Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes with Blue Cheese or my Garlic Mashed Potatoes. For a great alternative to regular potatoes try my Mashed Sweet Potatoes or my Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes.

For vegetable sides I like to add some green peas, or some simple steamed broccoli. Try my Fried Cabbage, Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage, Southern Green Beans, Smothered Green Beans, Carrot Soufflé or Marinated Air Fryer Vegetables.

Cooked and sliced turkey tenderloin set onto white plate with garnish of fresh parsley sprigs

How to store cooked turkey breast

To refrigerate: Keep any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Leftovers make a great addition to salads, soups, pasta dishes and sandwiches the next day.

To freeze: Once cooked and cooled, place the turkey into an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator when you are ready to enjoy.

FAQs:

How long do you cook turkey tenderloins in an air fryer?

Place the tenderloins into an air fryer basket at 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 22-25 minutes.

What temperature should turkey tenderloin be cooked to?

Cook turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Always check the thickest part of the tenderloin.

Can I cook a frozen turkey tenderloin in an air fryer?

Yes, according to the USDA you can cook frozen turkey from frozen in the air fryer. You will need to cook the turkey at a lower temperature of 330 degrees Fahrenheit and cook it longer, closer to 40-50 minutes. The turkey is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are turkey tenderloins healthy?

Yes, this is a low fat, lean cut of meat.

Which part of the turkey is most tender?

As the name suggests, the tenderloin is the most lean, tender part of a turkey.

Is air frying healthier than regular frying?

Yes, air frying is significantly healthier than regular frying as the air fryer uses a lot less fats and oils.

If you have tried this Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Two sliced turkey tenderloins set onto a white serving platter with a garnish of fresh parsley
Print Pin Save
5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

Air fryer turkey tenderloin is simple to prepare and quick to cook. Rub the tenderloins with olive oil, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt and pepper, then leave the air fryer to do all the hard work.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer turkey tenderloin, best air fryer turkey tenderloin, best turkey tenderloin, healthy air fryer recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 217kcal
Author Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs turkey tenderloins 2 tenderloins, approx 3/4 lb each
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Rub the turkey tenderloins with olive oil, poultry seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Place the turkey tenderloins into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook the tenderloins for 22-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove from the air fryer and set aside on a board to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Suggested Tools

Nutrition

Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 551mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg
My Southern Air Fryer ECookbookFind all my Top Southern Air Fryer recipes in one place! My Southern Air Fryer ECookbook!
Subscribe to my YouTubeSubscribe to my YouTube Channel for full length recipe videos. Click the bell icon to be notified when I upload a new video.
Tried this recipe? Share on InstagramMention @Myforkinglife or tag #myforkinglife!
Although myforkinglife.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Under no circumstances will myforkinglife.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




Stephanie

Saturday 24th of February 2024

Thanks, Tanya! The turkey came out tender and juicy -- with very little work from me. We'll definitely make this again!

Tanya

Sunday 25th of February 2024

Thank you Stephanie! So happy you enjoyed the recipe.