I like turkey very much, and one of my favorite ways to cook it is in the air fryer. Not only is it quick and easy, but the result is always juicy and tender.
If you haven’t tried making air fryer turkey tenderloin yet, you are missing out!
In this post, I’ll show you how to make turkey tenderloin in air fryer with a delicious blend of spices.
I’ll also share some important tips and variations to help you customize the recipe to your liking.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this turkey tenderloin air fryer recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Juicy and Tender Meat – One of the best things about cooking turkey breast tenderloin in the air fryer is that it comes out incredibly juicy and tender.
The high heat of the air fryer helps to lock in the moisture, resulting in a flavorful meat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Quick and Easy – Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s quick and easy to prepare.
With just a few simple ingredients and a hot air fryer, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Ingredients
To make turkey tenderloin in air fryer you will need these ingredients:
- 2 Turkey Breast Tenderloins
- 3 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary (dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon Thyme (dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon Sage (ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
✨ Turkey Tenderloin Air Fryer Recipe
Follow this easy and delicious turkey breast tenderloin air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Start by mixing all the spices in a small mixing bowl.
Step 2
Coat the turkey breasts with olive oil. Then, apply the spice mixture – and make sure the meat is evenly coated.
Step 3
Preheat the air fryer to 390F. Once hot, place the turkey tenderloins into the air fryer basket and air fry for about 20 minutes. I recommend flipping the meat after 10 minutes.
Step 4
Make sure the internal temperature reached 165F, and then remove it from the air fryer. Serve with your favorite side dish, and enjoy this delicious air fryer turkey tenderloin!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked my air fryer turkey breast tenderloin recipe, make sure to check out these great recipes as well:
💡 Important Tips
Here are my top tips for this turkey loin air fryer recipe:
1. Use A Meat Thermometer
For turkey tenderloin, the internal temperature needs to reach 165F.
Overcooking the meat can result in a dry and tough texture. To ensure doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, and wait for the reading to stabilize.
2. Marinate The Turkey Tenderloin In Advance
Marinating the turkey tenderloin in advance can take the flavor of your dish to the next level. Marinating helps to tenderize the meat, infuse the flavors, and add juiciness to the turkey.
You can marinate the turkey tenderloin for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Simply mix the spices with olive oil and some lemon juice, then add the turkey tenderloin and refrigerate. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be.
3. Experiment With Different Spice Blends
Spices are an excellent way to add flavor and variety to your dishes. While this recipe calls for garlic powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, sage, black pepper, and salt, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with different spice blends.
You can try using cumin, chili powder, or curry powder for a more interesting flavor.
Or you can add some heat with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also add some sweetness by mixing in some brown sugar or honey.
4. Let The Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Rest Before Slicing
When you remove your turkey tenderloin from the air fryer, it will be very hot. To allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will also help to prevent the meat from drying out.
5. Brush With Melted Butter
If you want to add some richness and depth of flavor to your air fryer turkey breast tenderloin, you can brush it with melted butter before cooking.
The butter will help to brown the meat and add a savory flavor that complements the spices.
It will also help to keep the turkey tenderloin moist and juicy. Simply melt some butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave and brush it over the turkey tenderloin before coating it with the spice mixture.
6. Make A Gravy
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to your turkey tenderloin, try making gravy or sauce to serve with it.
You can use the drippings from the air fryer and some chicken broth to make a simple gravy.
Or you can make a creamy sauce by combining some heavy cream with the drippings and some herbs.
✔️ Variations
Are you looking for some exciting variations to try with your turkey tenderloin air fryer recipe? Look no further! Here are some mouth-watering variations that are sure to impress your taste buds:
1. Air Fryer Lemon Herb Turkey Tenderloin: For a fresh and zesty twist, you can add lemon juice and fresh herbs to your turkey tenderloin marinade.
Mix together olive oil, garlic powder, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Marinate the turkey in the mixture for at least two hours before air frying. The result is a juicy and flavorful air fryer turkey breast tenderloin with a tangy kick!
2. Air Fryer Cajun Spice Turkey Tenderloin: Add Cajun flair to your turkey tenderloin by mixing together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
The spices give the turkey a smoky and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with a side of dirty rice or jambalaya.
3. Air Fryer Maple Glazed Turkey Tenderloin: For a touch of sweetness, you can crush the turkey tenderloin with a maple glaze before air frying.
Mix together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Brush the glaze onto the turkey before coating it with your spice blend.
4. Air Fryer Greek Turkey Tenderloin: Mix together olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, lemon juice, and salt.
Marinate the turkey tenderloin in the mixture for at least two hours before air frying. Serve with a side of Greek salad and tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
5. Air Fryer Teriyaki Turkey Tenderloin: For an Asian-inspired flavor, brush your turkey tenderloin with a teriyaki glaze before air frying. To make it, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
Brush the glaze onto the turkey before air frying. The result is a tender and juicy turkey tenderloin with a sweet and savory glaze.
6. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin: Brush your turkey tenderloin with garlic butter before air frying. Melt butter in a small saucepan and add minced garlic and salt.
Brush the garlic butter onto the turkey before coating it with your spice blend.
7. Air Fryer BBQ Turkey Tenderloin: For a classic BBQ flavor, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, and salt. Coat the turkey tenderloin with the spice blend and air fry. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce before serving.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Olive oil: Can be substituted with any other type of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
Garlic powder: Can be substituted with fresh garlic, minced or crushed.
Smoked paprika: you can use regular paprika instead.
Rosemary: Can be substituted with thyme, oregano, or basil.
👍 Pair This Dish With These Sauces
Cranberry Sauce: This is a classic pairing for turkey dishes, and for a good reason.
Cranberry sauce’s tangy and sweet flavor complements the savory air fryer turkey tenderloi perfectly, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, or make your own by simmering cranberries, sugar, and water until it thickens.
Honey Mustard Sauce: Honey mustard sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that can add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your turkey tenderloin.
To make it- mix honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl and serve it on the side.
Chimichurri Sauce: Try serving it with chimichurri sauce. This green sauce made with parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil is bright and herbaceous, adding a fresh and tangy note to your turkey tenderloin.
Tzatziki Sauce: Tzatziki sauce is a creamy and refreshing sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and garlic.
It’s a perfect match for the Mediterranean flavors of your turkey tenderloin and can add some cooling relief to spicy variations.
Gravy: As mentioned earlier, you can make a simple gravy with the drippings from the air fryer and some chicken broth. It’s an easy and flavorful way to add richness to your turkey loin air fryer dish.
🌟 Side Dishes Ideas
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Hash: The sweetness and soft texture of the sweet potato make it an excellent side dish for the savory turkey tenderloin.
The crispy and caramelized edges of the air fryer sweet potato hash add a nice texture contrast to the tender meat.
Air Fryer Greek Potatoes: This side dish is an excellent choice if you want to stick with the Mediterranean flavors of your turkey tenderloin.
The air fryer Greek potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delightful lemon and herb flavor.
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes: Breakfast potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with any type of meat.
The air fryer breakfast potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a simple and delicious seasoning.
Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add some vegetables to your meal, the air fryer roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful choice.
You can use any type of vegetable you like, such as carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
The air fryer roasted vegetables are crispy and caramelized on the outside, with a tender and juicy inside.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread: The buttery and garlicky flavor of the garlic bread can also complement the richness and depth of flavor of the air fryer turkey tenderloin.
👪 FAQ
What can I do to prevent my turkey tenderloin from drying out in the air fryer?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your turkey tenderloin from drying out in the air fryer.
First, make sure to preheat the air fryer before cooking the turkey. Second, coat the turkey with a thin layer of oil or butter before cooking.
What should I do if my turkey tenderloin is still pink in the middle after cooking?
If your turkey loin in air fryer is still pink in the middle after cooking, it is important to cook it for a few more minutes.
The turkey is safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
I hope you liked my turkey breast tenderloin in air fryer recipe. I like this so much – the meat is always juicy and tender, with a crispy outer crust.
If you have any questions about this turkey breast tenderloin air fryer recipe – comment below and I would be happy to help. Make sure to check out other easy air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
- 2 Turkey Breast Tenderloins
- 3 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary (dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon Thyme (dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon Sage (ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- Start by mixing all the spices in a small mixing bowl.
- Coat the turkey breasts with olive oil. Then, apply the spice mixture – and make sure the meat is evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F. Once hot, place the turkey tenderloins into the air fryer basket and air fry for about 20 minutes. I recommend flipping the meat after 10 minutes.
- Make sure the internal temperature reached 165F, and then remove it from the air fryer. Serve with your favorite side dish, and enjoy this delicious air fryer turkey tenderloin!
Really tender and soft, great recipe.