Ella Walter
Cooking turkey tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The process is simple: season the tenderloins, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook for around 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is juicy, evenly cooked turkey that's perfect for slicing and serving with your favourite sides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through |
| Internal temperature | 165° F |
| Resting time | 5-15 minutes |
| Cooking spray | Cooking spray or olive oil spray |
| Seasoning | Honey, salt, pepper |
What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
For a 1-1.5 lb turkey tenderloin, it is recommended to cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes on each side, resulting in a total cooking time of 20 minutes. If you have a larger tenderloin, such as 2-3 lbs, increase the cooking time to 15 minutes on each side at the same temperature, for a total of 30 minutes. For the largest tenderloins, weighing 4-5 lbs, cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes on each side, resulting in a total cooking time of 40 minutes.
It is important to note that some recipes suggest cooking the tenderloin for approximately 25 minutes, flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method also recommends using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are cooking frozen turkey tenderloin, the cooking time and temperature will differ. Cook at 330 degrees Fahrenheit until the thickest part of the tenderloin reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can take up to 40-50 minutes, depending on the thickness of the tenderloin.
Air-Fryer Tricks: Frozen Lumpia, Can You?
You may want to see also
Seasoning and preparation
Once the tenderloin is seasoned, heat up a cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan to prevent sticking, or use a non-stick cooking spray. Place the tenderloin in the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This step helps to create a delicious crust and seal in the juices before transferring to the air fryer.
When the tenderloin is nicely browned, it's time to transfer it to the air fryer basket. Ensure the basket is sprayed with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the tenderloin inside the basket, making sure it's not stacked or touching any other pieces. Set the air fryer temperature to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin.
For even cooking, it's important to flip the tenderloin halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when fully cooked. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5-15 minutes. This resting time is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final product.
Air-Fried Salmon Perfection: Timing and Temperature Tips
You may want to see also
Cooking method
Cooking a turkey tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. First, you should season the tenderloins and drizzle a little honey on top. Then, heat up a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the tenderloins, cooking each side for 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the turkey to the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are not stacked or touching. Close the basket and cook for 15 minutes at 350F degrees, or 25 minutes at a lower temperature, flipping the tenderloins once halfway through. The internal temperature of the tenderloin should reach 165 degrees F, which you can check with a meat thermometer. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Air Fryer Scones: A Quick, Easy, and Healthy Treat?
You may want to see also
Resting time
After resting, the tenderloin can be sliced and served with your favourite sides. If you are cooking with leftover turkey tenderloin, it should be placed back in the air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes (2 to 3 minutes for slices) to heat through.
The resting time for a turkey tenderloin cooked in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the tenderloin and the desired level of doneness. For a 1-1.5 lb tenderloin, a resting time of 10-15 minutes is recommended. For larger tenderloins, up to 5 lbs, a resting time of 20-40 minutes may be needed. This longer resting time ensures that the meat is cooked evenly throughout and allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender final product.
Air-Fried Corn Dogs: Quick, Easy, and Delicious
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Once your turkey tenderloin is cooked, it's important to let it rest for 5-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Serve your tenderloin with your favourite sides. You could try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. For a more indulgent option, you could make some gravy or cranberry sauce to accompany the meat.
If you have any leftovers, you can place them in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes to reheat. For sliced leftovers, 2-3 minutes in the air fryer should be enough.
Air-Fried Zucchini Bread: A Healthy, Quick Treat?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You should cook the tenderloin for about 25 minutes, flipping it once halfway through.
The internal temperature of the tenderloin should be 165 degrees F.
You should let the turkey rest for about 5-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
No, you do not need to preheat the air fryer.
You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey has reached 165 degrees F.
