This holiday season, stay stress-free with this easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin recipe seasoned with a delicious spice rub and made in about 30 minutes! Air fryers are not just for busy weeknights; you can prepare a holiday meal, too!
You are going to love our other Air Fryer Turkey Recipes; try this Air Fryer Turkey Breast, these Air Fryer Turkey Thighs, and these Air Fryer Turkey Legs.
No air fryer? No worries, I give you easy directions on how to cook turkey tenderloin in the oven.
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
What are turkey tenderloins?
Turkey tenderloins are a boneless and lean cut of meat from the turkey, typically taken from the skinless portion of the turkey breast. They are a tender cut of meat, a great lean protein, and mildly flavored, making them a popular choice for various recipes.
Turkey tenderloins can be made in different ways; grilled, roasted, sautéed, or used in multiple dishes like chicken breast, sandwiches, stir-fries, and salads. Turkey tenderloins come in all shapes and sizes too. Mine were smaller, but sometimes they can be as large as 1-2 pounds each.
Recommended Tools
- A trusted instant-read thermometer is a must for recipes liek these and this one is wireless, making it so much easier.
Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe
- Turkey for Two – This small Thanksgiving turkey is perfect for a small family or couple celebrating together.
- 30-minute Meal – It’s also a great option for an easy weeknight meal.
- Easy Holiday Recipe – Enjoy more than just the cooking when you make this quick and easy turkey recipe that allows you to spend extra time with your loved ones without all the stress, taking only a fraction of the time.
Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
- Turkey Tenderloins | Like people, turkey tenderloins come in all shapes, weights, and sizes. Be sure to choose ones that aren’t pre-seasoned, as they are commonly sold at the grocery store.
- Oil | Use olive or avocado oil to prep the air fryer and adhere the dry rub to the tenderloin.
- Turkey Tenderloin Rub | Season the turkey with smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and salt and pepper. I like to use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Also, add a bit of freshly grated nutmeg for fall flavor.
- Fresh Herbs | Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and thyme, adding color to the dish.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Our favorite air fryers
- Turn your Instant Pot into an air fryer with this air fryer lid — one less appliance!
- Cosori Air Fryer is the next up, a dedicated air fryer with a larger square basket.
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer & Indoor Grill — a nice wide and easy-to-operate air fryer.
- My favorite Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (it does it all!), love, love this air fryer, countertop oven.
How to Make Turkey Tenderloin Air Fryer
Step 1 | Preheat and prep
Before beginning the recipe, remove the turkey tenderloins from the fridge for around 30 minutes and pat them dry with paper towels. Preheat the air fryer to 400° F (205° C) and lightly coat the air fryer basket or tray with oil.
Fresh Tips
- All air fryers heat differently; get a good instant-read thermometer (I love this one) and keep your eye on your tenderloins.
Step 2 | Rub turkey with seasonings (may do up to 24 hours ahead)
Next, place the tenderloins in a medium bowl and toss to cover with oil. Add the turkey seasoning mixture in a separate small bowl to combine. Then, sprinkle the seasonings on the tenderloins, using your hands to rub them into the tops and sides of the turkey tenderloins.
If desired, cover the seasoned tenderloins in the fridge for about 24 hours to dry brine.
Step 3 | Air fry tenderloins, rest, slice, and serve!
Now, set the tenderloins in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165° F, remove it from the air fryer and set it on a cutting board. Tent the tenderloins with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Then, slice and serve!
Turkey Tenderloin Cooking Times
- For small, thin turkey tenderloins (like mine, < ½ pound) air fry 5 minutes, flip and cook another 5 minutes.
- For medium turkey tenderloins (< ¾ pound), air fry for 7-10 minutes, flip and cook about 7 more minutes.
- Large turkey tenderloins > 1 pound each. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flip and cook for 10 more minutes.
For all types, use an instant-read meat thermometer and remove from air fryer when the turkey tenderloins reach 165° F internal temperature.
Fresh Tips
- The cooking time will vary based on your air fryer brand and model. Always cook turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F using an instant-read thermometer.
- Use an avocado or olive oil spray to coat the air fryer tray or basket, not baking spray.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer. The hot air needs to circulate all around the meat. So, cook the tenderloins in batches, if necessary.
Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?
Turkey breast and tenderloin are two different cuts. Turkey breasts are usually larger with skin and meat. This lean meat is from the front of the turkey and has a grainy texture. On the other hand, tenderloin is smaller and taken from the underside of the breast, where there is no skin. Tenderloin is lean and tender with a mild flavor.
When you think of a Thanksgiving dinner, you likely imagine a massive roasted turkey surrounded by delicious homemade dishes like mashed potatoes, corn pudding, and green beans. But not all holiday feasts need a whole turkey and enough food to feed a crowd.
If you’re hosting a smaller group for Thanksgiving this year, try an easy dinner, like my Easy Air Fryer Marinated Pork Tenderloin, this Roasted Air Fryer Turkey Breast Recipe, or an Instant Pot Turkey Breast! Pair them with your favorite sides!
Variations & Substitutions
- Cajun Spice Turkey Tenderloin: Use a Creole or Cajun seasoning blend or combine paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder for Creole Turkey Tenderloin!
- BBQ Turkey Tenderloin: Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika, then add liquid smoke and a bit of cumin for that classic BBQ flavor.
- Citrus Rub Tenderloin: Mix fresh lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and black pepper for a lemon-pepper herb blend.
- Honey Mustard Glazed-Tenderloin: With Dijon mustard, honey (try hot honey too), fresh garlic, some cayenne, and a touch of soy sauce, make a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Garlic Parmesan Rub: Freshly grate parmesan cheese, mince garlic, and add dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, combining well.
- Maple Bourbon Glaze: Blend maple syrup, your favorite bourbon, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar for a smoky, sweet glaze.
- Finally, you could also use poultry seasoning, or your favorite seasoning blend, personally, I love this versatile Carrabba’s Grill seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s an excellent source of lean protein and is considered a healthier choice of meat when consumed in small portions. It’s a low-carb protein option that fits the low-carb or keto diet.
Sure! Cook frozen turkey in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a longer cook time. For instance, an ideal temperature is 330° F, cooking the turkey for about 40 minutes or until it reaches 165° degrees F.
Turkey tenderloin is considered white meat. If you want dark meat, try my Air Fryer Turkey thighs, turkey legs and turkey wings air fryer!
Turkey Tenderloin Recipe Oven
You can still enjoy this easy turkey tenderloin recipe if you don’t have an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C). Place the dry-brined tenderloins on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, if they are larger sizes, you might need to cook them for 30-35 minutes.
Fresh Tips
- If your air fryer is crisping the turkey tenderloins too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil. Like people, turkey tenderloins come in all shapes, weights, and sizes. So adjust your time and temperature based on the size of the turkey tenderloins.
Storage Tips for Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloins
Refrigerate – Store cooled leftover turkey tenderloin in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
How to Freeze – Wrap the completely cooled turkey in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight baggie or container for up to 4 months.
Reheating – Reheat this delicious recipe in the air fryer by preheating it to 360° F, cooking for about 8 minutes until warmed.
What to do with leftover turkey tenderloin?
Be sure to make these easy turkey cranberry sliders, these turkey and cheese sliders, this turkey divan and these leftover turkey tacos!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloins
Our favorite side dishes to serve with this turkey tenderloin air fryer recipe
Since this tender meat is so easy, it calls for easy side dishes. Try these Instant Pot Rustic Mashed Potatoes, these stovetop Southern-style Green Beans, and this popular Corn Pudding casserole.
Instant Pot Rustic Mashed Potatoes {Stovetop & Crockpot too}
These Instant Pot Rustic Mashed Potatoes quick, and they are loaded with incredible flavors; like garlic, Boursin cheese, spices, cream and broth for restaurant style mashed potatoes! Stovetop and slow cooker instructions included.
Southern-Style Green Beans
Homemade Southern-style green beans are a staple of the holiday celebrations in my home. Parmesan makes them rich and cheesy, and they have just the right amount of crunch from fried onions and toasted almonds. It's my take on green bean casserole with bacon!
Easy Homemade Corn Pudding Recipe without Jiffy Mix
This homemade Corn Pudding Recipe without Jiffy Mix is so simple, ready in a jiffy, without Jiffy! Using everyday, all-natural ingredients will become your favorite side dish, too!
Best desserts to serve with this easy air fryer recipe
Try making my Pumpkin Custard Pie, or this gluten-free Apple Pie, and of course, no one has ever turned down Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Pumpkin Custard Pie Recipe (Costco Copycat)
This pumpkin custard pie recipe is spot-on for a Costco pumpkin pie recipe! With a buttery crust, creamy custard filling; this is the best pumpkin pie, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!
Easy Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe with Crumb Topping
This gluten-free apple pie will rock your socks off; with the crust and crumble topping made from the same dough, this is an easy, fail-proof pie.
Best Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This classic Crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe is a perfect copycat of the real thing. Packed with milk chocolate chips, this no-chill copycat Crumbl cookie recipe will become a family favorite. Learn how to make these incredibly popular cookies right at home!
More Easy Turkey Recipes
- Easy Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Recipe
- Oven Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs
- Best Turkey Giblet Gravy Recipe Without Drippings
- Simple Tender Tasty Turkey
- Best Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
If you have the time, letting the seasoned turkey tenderloin rest covered in the fridge overnight yields the best flavors!
I hope you loved this the air fryer turkey tenderloin recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds turkey tenderloins turkey tenderloins come in all shapes and sizes, aim for about ½-1 pound per tenderloin, not-preseasoned
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil
Turkey Tenderloin Rub
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt if purchasing “pre-seasoned turkey tenderloins” do not add salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ scant teaspoon nutmeg fresh ground is best
Instructions
- Remove the turkey tenderloins from the fridge about 30 minutes before air frying. Pat dry with paper towels and proceed with rub instructions.
- In a medium bowl, toss turkey tenderloins with oil.
- In another small bowl combine turkey rub ingredients and then sprinkle over tenderloins. Using your hands, rub the seasonings all over the tenderloins. If desired, at this point you may place the turkey tenderloins back in the fridge, covered for up to 24 hours to dry brine.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° F (205° C) and lightly spritz the air fryer basket or tray with a little oil (not baking spray).
- Without crowding (doing in batches if necessary), place the turkey tenderloins in a single layer the air fryer and cook according to the below chart:
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165° F using a good meat thermometer.
Suggested Cooking Times Based on Size of Turkey Tenderloins
- For small, thin turkey tenderloins (like mine, < ½ pound) air fry 5 minutes, flip and cook another 5 minutes.
- For medium turkey tenderloins (< ¾ pound), air fry for 7-10 minutes, flip and cook about 7 more minutes.
- Large turkey tenderloins 1 > pound each. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flip and cook 10 more minutes.
- For all types, use an instant read meat thermometer and remove from air fryer when the turkey tenderloins reach 165° F internal temperature.
Notes
Remove to a cutting board and tent with foil resting for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. If your air fryer is crisping the turkey tenderloins too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil. Like people, turkey tenderloins come in all shapes, weights, and sizes. So adjust your time and temperature based on the size of the turkey tenderloins. How to Make Oven-Baked Turkey Tenderloins
Lay brined turkey tenderloins on an aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375 F (190° C) oven for about 20-35 minutes. The time will also be determined by the size of your tenderloins, if smaller, watch them closer. Storage Tips
Fridge: Store cooled turkey tenderloin in an airtight container for 3 days and freeze up to 4 months.
Reheat: To reheat in the air fryer; preheat air fryer to 360° F and cook for about 8 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition
Sara Welch
This was such a quick and easy way to enjoy turkey; my whole family loved it! Turned out tender, juicy and flavorful; easily a new favorite recipe!
So glad you loved it, Sara!
Nancy
This recipe is perfect for our small family instead of making a whole bird. Thanks for this recipe
Absolutely perfect!!
Elisa
Love this Best Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe, definitely will make it for the holidays, it looks so delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you!!
Chahinez
Anything made in the airfryer is my favorite!
Mine too!!
Janelle
Absolutely delicious! A huge hit with our family!
Yay!! So glad to hear!!
JulesM
This recipe was so easy that we’ll be using it all year long. Using my air fryer really made it quick too.
Love hearing that!!! Thanks Jules!
Laura Johnson
This turkey was SO juicy and delicious!! Thank you for the recipe!
YAY! So glad you loved it, Laura, thank you!
You are welcome!!
Ellen
This is such an easy and delicious way to prepare turkey for a smaller gathering. I did a trial run before deciding to serve for the holiday and it was enjoyed by everyone.
So glad you enjoyed it!