Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin: Cooking Time Perfection

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 tenderloin is an excellent choice for those on a low-carb, keto, or low-fat diet. Air frying is a healthy way of cooking turkey tenderloin, as it cooks food using hot air rather than oil. In this article, we will answer the question: how long do you cook turkey tenderloin in an air fryer?

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for turkey tenderloin in an air fryer will depend on the size and weight of the tenderloin, as well as the specific air fryer model. It is important to note that the internal temperature of the cooked tenderloin should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.

For a single tenderloin, it is recommended to cook it at 380°F (193°C) for 30 minutes. If you are cooking two tenderloins, they will take slightly fewer minutes to cook. It is important to ensure that the tenderloin is not overcrowded in the air fryer basket and that it is flipped once during cooking to ensure even cooking.

For a 1 to 1.5-pound tenderloin, cook at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. This will result in a juicy and moist tenderloin.

If you are cooking a larger tenderloin, you can cook it at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping it halfway through. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

You can also cook frozen turkey tenderloin in an air fryer, but it is recommended to cook it at a lower temperature for a longer amount of time. Cook at 330°F (165°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which can take up to 40 to 50 minutes depending on the thickness of the tenderloin.

Marinating the turkey

Choosing the Marinade

The type of marinade you choose will depend on your personal preference and the desired flavour profile for your turkey. You can opt for a wet marinade, such as a mixture of herbs, spices, and oil, or a dry rub with various spices. Some popular herbs and spices include rosemary, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and lemon. You can also try unique flavours like pesto stuffing, cranberry glaze, honey mustard, or smoky BBQ sauce.

Preparing the Turkey

Before marinating, it is essential to start with a clean, thawed turkey tenderloin. Rinse the turkey breast tenderloin and pat it dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the marinade adheres well to the meat.

Marinating Process

Once the turkey is prepared, place it in a container or bag and cover it with your chosen marinade. Ensure that the marinade coats the tenderloin evenly. You can also inject the marinade into the meat using a syringe for deeper flavour penetration. After marinating, let the turkey rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This step helps the meat come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.

Cooking Instructions

After the turkey has rested, remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated turkey tenderloin in the air fryer, ensuring it is not stacked or touching any other pieces. Set the air fryer to the ""air fry" setting and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenderloin once halfway through the cooking process.

Checking Doneness

To ensure your turkey tenderloin is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). However, some sources suggest removing the turkey from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F (68-71°C), as the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests.

Resting and Serving

Once the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender final product. After resting, slice the turkey tenderloin and serve it with your favourite sides, such as cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, asparagus, or garlic herb potatoes.

Remember, these instructions are general guidelines, and cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of your turkey tenderloin and the specific model of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your air fryer and adjust cooking times as needed.

Resting and reheating the meat

Resting the meat is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute and helps the meat retain moisture. The recommended resting time varies, but most sources suggest resting the turkey tenderloin for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking. One source suggests resting for 8 to 10 minutes to keep the juices in the meat, while another recommends 10 to 15 minutes.

When checking if the turkey tenderloin is cooked, it is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. It is worth noting that the USDA recommends cooking turkey to 165°F, but as the meat will continue to cook while resting, it can be removed from the air fryer at 155-160°F to prevent overcooking.

Leftover turkey tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. It can be helpful to add a teaspoon or two of broth or water to the container to maintain moisture.

When reheating the turkey tenderloin, the microwave is a convenient option, with 1 to 2 minutes usually sufficient. However, it is important not to overdo it and dry out the meat. Reheating in the air fryer is also possible, with a temperature of about 350°F for 7 to 9 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

Choosing a cooking oil

Cooking a turkey tenderloin in an air fryer takes around 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F (204.4°C). The internal temperature of the tenderloin should be 165°F (73.9°C).

When choosing a cooking oil for your air fryer, it's important to consider the smoke point of the oil. The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil will start to smoke and burn, and different oils have different smoke points. For example, extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point and is not recommended for air frying, whereas avocado oil has a high smoke point of 520°F (271.1°C) and is a popular choice for air fryer users. Other oils with suitable smoke points include light or extra light olive oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, and canola oil.

It's also important to note that not all air fryer recipes require added oil. Frozen foods, such as chicken fries, bagel bites, and crinkle fries, typically don't need any additional oil because they already contain enough. However, if you're not cooking from frozen, adding a small amount of oil can help achieve a crispy, golden brown exterior.

When preparing your air fryer, it's recommended to preheat it for two to four minutes. Then, lightly spray or brush your chosen oil onto the areas of the basket or tray that will touch the food. You can also lightly spray or coat the food itself before placing it in the fryer. Check your food halfway through the cooking process, and if it looks dry or burnt, you can give it another light spray of oil.

It's important to avoid using nonstick cooking sprays in your air fryer, as these can damage the surface. Instead, opt for a non-aerosolized, non-processed spray or a natural oil to ensure even distribution and protect your air fryer from chipping or other damage.

What to serve it with

Now that you've cooked your turkey tenderloin in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas to make your meal delicious and complete:

Classic Sides

As with most traditional turkey dinners, there are many classic sides that you can serve with your air fryer turkey tenderloin. Cranberry sauce is a perfect pairing, especially if you want to scoop it up with the meat all on one forkful. You can also try making mashed potatoes, particularly Parmesan garlic mashed potatoes, for a hearty and flavourful side dish.

Air Fryer Vegetables

If you want to stick with the air fryer theme, you can cook some vegetables in the air fryer to go with your tenderloin. Air fryer asparagus or air fryer garlic herb potatoes are great options that will complement the turkey well.

Rice and Steamed Vegetables

For a simple and quick option, serve your air fryer turkey tenderloin with rice and steamed vegetables. This is a great choice if you're looking for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Holiday Sides

If you're serving the air fryer turkey tenderloin for a holiday meal, you can pair it with some classic holiday side dishes. From roasted vegetables to green bean casseroles, there are endless options to choose from. Don't forget to include some gravy to top off your holiday feast!

Salads and Fresh Herbs

For a lighter option, you can serve the air fryer turkey tenderloin with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables tossed with fresh herbs. This can add a nice contrast of flavours and textures to your meal.

Frequently asked questions