Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Tenderloins: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

how to cook bacon wrapped turkey tenderloins in air fryer

Bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloin is a delicious dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a great option for a family feast or a small gathering during Thanksgiving or Christmas. The air fryer ensures the turkey is moist, juicy, and cooked evenly, while the bacon provides a crispy texture. This dish is perfect for those who want a tasty, low-effort meal without the added fat of deep frying.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 24-25 minutes at 370°F
Temperature 165°F
Resting time 5-10 minutes
Seasoning Herbes de Provence, garlic, onion, thyme, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
Storage Refrigerate for 3-4 days, freeze for up to 6 months
Reheating Preheat air fryer to 325°F-350°F, air fry for 5-6 minutes
Sides Butternut squash, baby carrots, potatoes, Brussel sprouts

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Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloins in an air fryer depend on the size of the tenderloins and the air fryer model. It is recommended to cook the tenderloins until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes 24 to 25 minutes at 370°F. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the tenderloins and the air fryer model.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to place the tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not stacked or touching. Halfway through the cooking process, flip the tenderloins to ensure even browning. After cooking, remove the tenderloins from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and juicy meat.

For frozen bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloins, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 20 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through. If you are cooking from frozen, it is recommended to add 10 minutes or more to the cooking time, depending on the thickness of the tenderloins. Always keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn't burn.

When reheating bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloins in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 15 to 16 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the meat has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.

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Preparing the turkey tenderloin

Step 1: Seasoning the Turkey Tenderloin

Start by patting the tenderloin dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasonings adhere to the meat. Next, sprinkle your choice of seasonings onto the tenderloin. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or herbes de Provence. You can also brush the tenderloin with a glaze, such as a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard, or a combination of cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard for a festive flavour.

Step 2: Wrapping with Bacon

Take slices of bacon and wrap them around the seasoned tenderloin, ensuring the meat is completely covered. You can use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place if needed. This step not only adds flavour but also helps to keep the turkey moist during cooking.

Step 3: Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically between 350°F and 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you are cooking frozen turkey tenderloin, lightly spray the rack with a cooking spray that is non-toxic to the skin.

Step 4: Cooking the Bacon-Wrapped Tenderloin

Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not stacked or touching other pieces of meat. Set the timer for the recommended cooking time, which can range from 12 minutes per side to 20-25 minutes in total, depending on the size of your tenderloin and the specific air fryer model. For even cooking, it is recommended to flip the tenderloin halfway through the cooking process. The tenderloin is ready when the bacon is crispy and the turkey is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat.

Step 5: Resting and Serving

Once the tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and juicy meat. Serve the bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloin with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables or potatoes. Enjoy!

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Wrapping the turkey tenderloin in bacon

When wrapping the bacon, ensure that the tenderloin is completely covered. This will help ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and that the tenderloin remains moist. It is important to note that the top side of the bacon will cook faster underneath the heating element of the air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once the tenderloin is wrapped, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer.

Placing the wrapped tenderloin in the air fryer basket, ensure that it is not touching or stacked on top of other tenderloins. This will allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, typically between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of your tenderloin and the specific air fryer model.

In summary, wrapping a turkey tenderloin in bacon involves seasoning the meat, wrapping it securely in bacon slices, glazing it if desired, and then placing it in the air fryer basket for cooking. This method ensures that the tenderloin remains moist and flavorful while achieving the desired crispiness of the bacon.

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Cooking the bacon-wrapped tenderloin

Now, it's time to cook the bacon-wrapped tenderloin in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350-370°F (176-187°C). Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn't touch or stack with other tenderloins to allow for even cooking. Set the timer for 12 minutes per side or a total cook time of 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your tenderloin and air fryer. For a frozen tenderloin, cook for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

To ensure your bacon-wrapped tenderloin is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister slice of meat. Finally, slice the tenderloin and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

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Resting, storing, and reheating the cooked tenderloin

Resting the cooked tenderloin:

After cooking, it is important to let the turkey tenderloin rest for a few minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, making for a moister slice. It is recommended to let the tenderloin rest for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Storing the cooked tenderloin:

To store the cooked bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloin, it is important to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. The container helps to keep out air, which can dry out the meat or introduce contaminants. Then, place the wrapped or contained tenderloin in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. It will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To freeze the tenderloin, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date to keep track of storage time.

Reheating the cooked tenderloin:

To reheat the stored tenderloin, you can use an oven or an air fryer. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 325-350°F and air fry for 5 to 6 minutes until warmed through. Flip the tenderloin once during cooking. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 15-16 minutes. The temperature of the meat should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. You can also reheat the tenderloin in a cast-iron skillet. Heat the skillet to medium-hot and add the tenderloin, allowing it to heat through gradually.

Frequently asked questions

First, wrap the bacon slices around the tenderloin, ensuring it is all covered. Then, place the wrapped tenderloin in the air fryer basket and cook at 370ºF for 12 minutes on each side or until an instant meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin registers 165ºF. Remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

It takes about 24-25 minutes at 370°F to cook bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloin in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and air fry for 5 to 6 minutes. If you are heating from frozen, increase the time to 15-16 minutes.

Let the tenderloin cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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