Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin: Can It Be Done?

Turkey tenderloin is a versatile, inexpensive, and healthy cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. It is a lean, boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast, weighing between 1/2 to 1 pound, and is considered very tender. Air-frying is a convenient, quick, and healthy way of cooking turkey tenderloin, as it circulates hot air around the food, reducing cooking time. This method seals in moisture, making the meat juicy and tender. The air fryer's efficiency makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and small gatherings, delivering a delicious and easy dinner with minimal effort and clean-up.

Turkey tenderloin cooking time and temperature

Turkey tenderloins are a great option for a quick and easy meal. They are lean, boneless, skinless, and super easy to cook. You can cook them in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes.

To cook turkey tenderloins in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F–400°F. Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray, making sure they are not stacked or touching. Spray the basket or tray with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set the air fryer to the “air fry” setting and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping the tenderloins once or twice during cooking.

The internal temperature of the tenderloins should reach 165°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. This is the recommended safe temperature for consuming turkey. To prevent the meat from drying out, keep a close eye on the thermometer and remove the tenderloins from the air fryer when they reach 165°F. Let the tenderloins rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloins, as well as the specific air fryer model. For larger tenderloins, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to add cook time in 5-minute increments and check the internal temperature to prevent overcooking.

How to prepare the turkey tenderloin

Turkey tenderloins are a great option for a quick, easy, and healthy meal. They are versatile, inexpensive, and perfect for a small holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook juicy and tender turkey tenderloin in an air fryer:

Step 1: Choosing the Tenderloin

Turkey tenderloins are boneless, skinless, and lean cuts of meat found under the breast bone. They are usually sold in pairs, weighing between 1/2 to 1 pound each, and are already brined to enhance their flavour, texture, and tenderness. You can choose between brined or unbrined tenderloins—if you prefer to marinate the meat yourself, opt for unbrined tenderloins.

Step 2: Marinating the Tenderloin

For a juicy and tender outcome, it is recommended to marinate the turkey tenderloin. You can use a variety of ingredients for the marinade, such as brown sugar and mustard, butter with rosemary and thyme, or olive oil with garlic and onion powder. Remove the tenderloin from the fridge about 30-60 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. After removing it from the marinade, let the excess drip off.

Step 3: Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F for about 5 minutes. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure the tenderloin browns and sears properly. Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent the meat from sticking.

Step 4: Seasoning the Tenderloin

Rinse the tenderloin and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, coat the meat with vegetable oil, butter, or olive oil, and season generously with your choice of spices. You can use a premade dry rub or single spices such as basil, thyme, sage, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the tenderloin is well-coated and seasoned on all sides.

Step 5: Cooking the Tenderloin

Place the seasoned tenderloin into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring it is not stacked or touching any other pieces of meat to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Set the air fryer to the "'air fry' setting" at 350°F-400°F, and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenderloin once or halfway through for even cooking.

Step 6: Checking Doneness and Resting

The tenderloin is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F, which can be checked with a meat thermometer. Remove the cooked tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and juicy.

Step 7: Serving the Tenderloin

After resting, slice the tenderloin and serve it with your favourite sides. Some classic side dishes for turkey include cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, asparagus, garlic herb potatoes, and various salads.

Enjoy your delicious and tender air-fried turkey tenderloin!

How to cook the turkey tenderloin

Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast. It is a long, tender strip of white meat found beneath the breast. It is a very tender cut of meat, as it comes from an underused muscle on the turkey.

Turkey tenderloin is an excellent choice for those on a low-carb, keto, or low-fat diet. It is also a great alternative to chicken, as it is a lean protein.

Firstly, take the marinated turkey tenderloin out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking. Then, remove it from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Pat the tenderloin dry and coat it with olive oil or vegetable oil. Season the tenderloin well on all sides with salt, pepper, basil, thyme, sage, rosemary, paprika, garlic, and onion powder.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. Place the tenderloin in the basket or on the tray, ensuring it is not stacked or touching any other food. Set the air fryer to the ''air fry' setting and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenderloin halfway through. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the tenderloin should reach 165°F.

Once cooked, remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Finally, slice the tenderloin and serve with your chosen side dishes.

How to serve the turkey tenderloin

Once your turkey tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meat is tender and juicy.

When it comes to serving, the options are endless. You can go for a classic approach and serve your tenderloin with cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes. Or, if you want to keep it healthy, opt for roasted asparagus, air-fried green beans, or garlic herb potatoes. You can also serve your tenderloin with rice and steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

If you're feeling creative, try a pesto-stuffed tenderloin by cutting a slit lengthwise and filling it with pesto sauce before cooking. For a festive touch, brush your tenderloin with cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard for a tangy glaze. Or, wrap your tenderloin with bacon and brush it with honey and mustard for a sweet and savoury combination.

For a Mexican twist, serve your tenderloin with black beans, salad, cilantro rice, and cojita cheese. Or, if you're looking for a more comforting option, try it with red roasted potatoes and a side of garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes.

Finally, don't forget that leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, soups, or pasta dishes. So, you can enjoy your tenderloin for days to come!

Benefits of cooking turkey tenderloin in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook turkey tenderloin, offering several benefits over traditional oven cooking. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer for your next turkey tenderloin meal:

Quick and Easy

Air fryers significantly reduce cooking time compared to conventional ovens. Turkey tenderloin can be cooked in an air fryer in about 30 minutes or less, making it a quick and convenient option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. The air fryer's ability to cook food with hot circulating air speeds up the cooking process, so you don't have to wait long to enjoy a delicious meal.

Juicy and Tender Results

Air fryers are known for producing juicy and tender turkey tenderloin. The hot air seals in moisture, ensuring that the meat stays moist and tender on the inside while developing a crispy, delicious crust on the outside. The even circulation of hot air also helps prevent the meat from drying out, which is a common issue with lean cuts of meat like turkey tenderloin.

Healthy and Lean Protein

Turkey tenderloin is a lean, boneless, and skinless cut of meat, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake. Air frying further enhances the health benefits by cooking the meat without the need for large amounts of oil, resulting in a low-fat dish. The lean protein content of turkey tenderloin also aligns with keto, low-carb, and low-fat diets.

Simple Ingredients and Cleanup

Cooking turkey tenderloin in an air fryer requires minimal prep work and simple ingredients. You can season the meat with a variety of spices, herbs, or marinades to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, the air fryer's small size and contained cooking area make cleanup a breeze, with less mess and fewer dishes to wash compared to oven cooking.

Versatile and Delicious

Air fryers offer versatility in cooking styles and flavors. You can season your turkey tenderloin with a sweet glaze, a savory herb rub, or a tangy BBQ sauce to create a variety of mouthwatering dishes. The air fryer's ability to cook meat, vegetables, and even desserts means you can prepare a complete meal with minimal effort and time.

Frequently asked questions