Air Fryer Turkey Tenders: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Turkey tenderloins are a versatile, inexpensive cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are a great option for a small Thanksgiving dinner or a busy weeknight meal. Cooking turkey tenderloins in an air fryer is a convenient and delicious way to prepare this dish, with very minimal effort and quick clean-up. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make juicy and flavorful turkey tenders in an air fryer oven, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about this cooking method.

Choosing and preparing the turkey tenderloins

Choosing the Turkey Tenderloins

Turkey tenderloins are usually found in the fresh meat section of most supermarkets. They are typically packaged in long, narrow vacuum-sealed packages of two, as they come in pairs per bird. They are often already brined, which means they are packaged with a solution of salt to maintain freshness and aid flavour, texture, and tenderness.

Preparing the Turkey Tenderloins

Once you have your turkey tenderloins, remove them from the packaging and give them a quick rinse. Dry them with paper towels, then add a teaspoon of olive oil to each tenderloin and rub it in. You can use vegetable oil or avocado oil spray as an alternative.

Next, season the tenderloins with a combination of herbs and spices. You can use a simple combination of rosemary, black pepper, and olive oil, or try other herbs such as sage, thyme, marjoram, and tarragon. You can also use an Italian blend seasoning or a pre-made dry rub.

Cooking the Turkey Tenderloins

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the seasoned tenderloins inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked or touching. Air fry for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenderloins halfway through to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the tenderloins should reach 165°F.

Once cooked, remove the tenderloins from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy. Finally, slice the tenderloins and serve with your favourite sides.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you start cooking your turkey tenders, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure your air fryer is ready for use. Firstly, it's a good idea to consult your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines. Here is a general guide on how to prepare your air fryer for cooking:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F, depending on the model and specific recipe you are following. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer for around 5 minutes, but this may vary, so refer to your user manual for exact instructions.
• Prepare the air fryer basket or tray: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray, olive oil, or another type of oil. This will help prevent the turkey from sticking to the surface and make cleaning easier.
• Position the air fryer basket or tray correctly: Ensure that the basket or tray is securely placed inside the air fryer before adding any food. Some models may have specific instructions for inserting the basket or tray, so refer to your user manual if you are unsure.
• Adjust the settings: If your air fryer has multiple cooking settings, make sure to select the appropriate one for your recipe. Many recipes call for the "air fry" setting, but this may vary, so always check your recipe instructions.
• Ensure proper ventilation: Air fryers can produce a lot of heat and steam during cooking, so it's important to use them in a well-ventilated area. Make sure your air fryer is not placed near combustible materials or flammable objects.
• Check for any food residue: Before placing your turkey tenders in the air fryer, ensure that there is no leftover food residue or debris from previous cooking sessions. This will help maintain good hygiene and prevent any unwanted flavours from transferring to your tenders.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully preparing your air fryer for cooking those delicious turkey tenders!

Cooking the turkey tenderloins

The first step to cooking turkey tenderloins is to preheat your air fryer to a temperature of between 350°F and 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, you can season the turkey tenderloins. Remove the tenderloins from their package and give them a quick rinse. Dry them with paper towels and then coat them with a thin layer of olive oil. Sprinkle a generous amount of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on the tenderloins. Alternatively, you can make a spice rub by mixing garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, sage, paprika, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spice rub on both sides of the tenderloins, ensuring that the entire surface is covered.

Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the air fryer rack or basket with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. Place the tenderloins inside the air fryer, ensuring they are not stacked or touching. Set the timer for around 25 minutes and cook the tenderloins, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

After the timer goes off, check the internal temperature of the tenderloins with a meat thermometer. The tenderloins are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once they are fully cooked, remove the tenderloins from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Finally, slice the rested turkey tenderloins and serve with your favorite sides.

Resting the meat

The length of time the turkey tenderloins should rest depends on the size of the cut. Smaller tenderloins may only need 3-4 minutes of resting time, while larger ones could require up to 10 minutes. It is important not to skip this step, as it helps prevent the meat from drying out.

During the resting period, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise, so it is important to take this into account when planning your meal. The meat will be hot when it comes out of the air fryer, and resting allows it to cool down slightly, making it easier and safer to handle when it comes time to slice and serve.

While the turkey tenderloins are resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to accompany the dish. Some suggested sides include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

Serving suggestions

Turkey tenderloins are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of dishes, including salads, entrees, and sandwiches. Here are some serving suggestions for your air fryer turkey tenderloins:

Salads

• Beet and Feta Salad
• Kale BLT Salad

Entrees

• Grilled Turkey Tenderloins with Mango Salsa
• Marinated Turkey Breast Tenderloins with Garlic Cauliflower Puree
• Montreal Turkey Tenderloin with Roasted Root Vegetables
• Pesto-stuffed Tenderloin
• Cranberry-glazed Tenderloin
• Bacon-wrapped Honey Mustard Turkey
• Smoky BBQ Tenderloin
• Sweet and Smoky Tenderloin

Sandwiches

Turkey Tenderloin Sandwiches

Sides

• Gravy
• Maple and Rosemary Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
• Herb Roasted Carrots
• Cranberry Jam
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Garlic Herb Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Glazed Carrots
• Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Acorn Squash
• Celeriac (Celery Root) Puree
• Savory Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Creamed Spinach
• Classic Sage Stuffing
• Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese

Frequently asked questions