Tillie Doyle
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast. It's a long, tender strip of white meat hidden beneath the turkey breast. Turkey tenderloin is a great alternative to roasting a whole turkey, especially if you're cooking for a small group. It's also a healthier option, being low-carb, low-fat, and gluten-free. The air fryer's efficiency allows you to cook turkey breast tenderloin in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a quick and easy holiday meal. So, how long does it take to cook turkey tenderloin in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 160°F-165°F |
| Resting Time | 3-15 minutes |
| Reheating Time | 7-9 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for turkey loin in an air fryer
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast. It is a long, tender strip of white meat hidden beneath the turkey breast. Turkey breast tenderloins are very lean, narrow in shape, and considered very tender. They are ideal for a healthy air fryer meal.
To cook turkey tenderloin in an air fryer, first, brush the tenderloin with oil and rub it with a spice mix. Then, preheat the air fryer to 350–380°F (176–193°C). Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 20–30 minutes, flipping it once halfway through. The internal temperature of the tenderloin should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for 3–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is juicy and tender.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloin, as well as the specific air fryer model. For a smaller tenderloin, cook for 20–25 minutes. For a larger tenderloin (2–3 lbs), cook for 30–40 minutes. If cooking a frozen tenderloin, cook at a lower temperature for a longer time, up to 40–50 minutes.
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How to prepare the turkey loin
Preparing a turkey loin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious meal. It's perfect for a small gathering or a busy weeknight, and you'll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a juicy and flavorful turkey loin in an air fryer:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Turkey Tenderloin
Select a fresh or frozen turkey tenderloin for air frying. Turkey tenderloins are lean, white meat cuts found under the turkey breast. They are typically ½lb to 1lb in size and rather narrow in shape. Most supermarkets sell them packaged similarly to pork tenderloin in long, narrow vacuum-sealed packages of two.
Step 2: Marinating the Turkey Tenderloin (Optional)
If you have time, marinate the turkey tenderloin to enhance its flavour and juiciness. You can pierce the meat with a fork and marinate it for as little as 15-30 minutes, or for the best results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the tenderloin from the marinade and allow the excess to drip off before cooking.
Step 3: Seasoning the Turkey Tenderloin
If you choose not to marinate, or after removing the tenderloin from the marinade, it's time to season it. Brush the tenderloin with olive oil or vegetable oil, ensuring it's coated on all sides. Then, apply a dry rub of seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and a touch of brown sugar.
Step 4: Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350-400°F (176-204°C). Some recipes suggest cooking at 375°F (190°C) or even 380°F. Lightly coat the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cooking the Turkey Tenderloin
Place the seasoned turkey tenderloin into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the tenderloin should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Step 6: Resting and Serving
Once the turkey tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meat is juicy and tender. After resting, slice the tenderloin and serve with your favourite sides. Enjoy!
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How to season the turkey loin
Turkey tenderloins are boneless, skinless turkey breasts that are very lean and tender. They are generally 1/2lb to 1lb in size and are considered ideal for a healthy air fryer meal.
How to Season Turkey Tenderloins for the Air Fryer:
Firstly, remove the tenderloins from their package and give them a quick rinse. Then, pat them dry with paper towels. Next, brush the tenderloins with olive oil or vegetable oil. You can also add a teaspoon of olive oil to each tenderloin and rub it all over.
Now, it's time to season the turkey tenderloins. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavor. Here are some suggestions for seasoning blends:
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, brown sugar, and ground red pepper (optional)
- Thyme, black pepper, paprika, pink salt, and sage
- Butter, rosemary, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and lemon
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture liberally and evenly on both sides of the tenderloins, making sure to cover all crevices so that every bite is flavorful. You can also use a dry rub by mixing all the seasonings in a small bowl before applying them to the meat.
Once the tenderloins are seasoned, they are ready to be placed in the preheated air fryer and cooked to perfection!
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How to know when the turkey loin is cooked
It is important to know when your turkey loin has finished cooking so that you do not overcook or undercook it. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the tenderloin. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked and safe to eat. If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the turkey loin by cutting into the thickest part of the meat to ensure that it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
When the turkey loin is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps ensure that the meat is juicy and tender. Depending on the thickness and size of your turkey loin, it may need to rest for a little longer, such as 10-15 minutes if it is a larger cut of meat.
It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and thickness of your turkey loin, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, a 1 to 1.5-pound turkey loin will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes to cook at 350°F (180°C). If your turkey loin is smaller or larger, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Additionally, if you are cooking a frozen turkey loin, it is recommended to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even and thorough cooking. Frozen turkey loins can be cooked in the air fryer at 330°F (165°C) until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which can take up to 40-50 minutes depending on their thickness.
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Reheating and storing turkey loin
Leftover turkey loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To maintain its juiciness, add a teaspoon or two of broth or water to the container. If you plan on storing it for longer, it is recommended to place the leftover turkey in the freezer, where it can be kept for up to a year.
When reheating, it is recommended to let the turkey sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to remove the chill. This will ensure that the meat is warmed properly. You can then reheat the turkey loin in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or in the air fryer at 325°F to 350°F for 7 to 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
If reheating a small portion of turkey, place it in a foil packet with a quarter cup of broth and seal it completely. For larger portions, use an oven-safe baking dish that fits in your air fryer basket. Add the packet or dish to the preheated air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes per pound of meat.
It is important to note that the internal temperature of the turkey loin should reach 165°F when originally cooked, and when reheated, to ensure it is safe to eat.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 20-25 minutes to cook a turkey loin in an air fryer at 350°F.
Set your air fryer to 350°F.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey tenderloin. It is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F.
Let the cooked turkey loin rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Yes, you can cook frozen turkey tenderloin in an air fryer, but it is not recommended. Frozen turkey tenderloin tends to cook unevenly and dry out. If you are cooking from frozen, cook at a lower temperature for a longer amount of time.
