Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
This air fryer turkey tenderloin is a quick and healthy meal option, featuring juicy, tender meat with a crisp exterior. Seasoned with simple spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's ideal for weeknight dinners or smaller gatherings.
Servings 22 slices
Calories 34kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 24 ounces turkey tenderloin (pat it down with paper towels until dry)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon sage (ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (kosher)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the herbs and spices to a small mixing bowl. Whisk until combined.1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon tarragon, 1/2 teaspoon sage, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Remove the air fryer trays if you're using that type. Pick up each tenderloin and sprinkle both sides with the herb mixture. Place the tenderloin top side up on the air fryer tray. Leave a little room between each piece of meat.24 ounces turkey tenderloin
- Preheat the air fryer to 380℉ and set the timer for 20 minutes.If you have an air fryer with a basket, you will preheat it with the basket in the oven.
- Once the oven beeps that it is done preheating, add the tray with the tenderloins on the lowest rung in the air fryer.If you have the basket type, add the tenderloins to the basket top side up.
- At 10 minutes, flip the tenderloins and continue cooking for at least 10 more minutes. Take the temperature with a digital thermometer. Take the meat out at 160℉. If it needs more time, add it back to the oven for a minute or two.
- Take the turkey out of the oven and take a piece of aluminum foil and tent it over the meat. Let it rest for 5 minutes for the juices to redistribute.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
Helpful tips
- I used a tray type of air fryer. I have the Instant Vortex Pro, which I love. I mention this because, I have not made this recipe in an air fryer basket, but I'm sure it will work. Just keep your eye on it, so it doesn't brown too much.
- My air fryer has three tray slots—one for the drip pan and two for the cooking trays. I air-fried this turkey tenderloin in the lower tray slot so it's as far away from the heating element as possible.
- Preheating your air fryer ensures that the turkey tenderloin cooks evenly and helps achieve a nicely browned exterior.
- I cook the turkey at 380°F for 22 minutes. But as all ovens are different, keep your eye on it and take internal temperatures starting at 20 minutes.
- Use paper towels to pat the turkey as dry as you can before seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes even browning.
- Turkey tenderloin is a lean cut, so season it well with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices for maximum flavor. A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, tarragon, and sage works great. Other great additions are thyme and smoked paprika, but I didn't want the color to overtake the meat.
- I choose not to rub the tenderloin with a vegetable oil because I didn't want a crust around the meat. But if you want a crust, use a high smoke-point oil like avocado or olive oil.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to at least 160°F. You will remove it from the oven, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the meat, and let it rest for 5 minutes. The temperature should rise as it sits to 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking and keeps the tenderloin juicy.
- Letting the turkey rest before cutting into it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
- Flip the tenderloin halfway through the cooking time for even browning and cooking.
- Slice leftover turkey tenderloin and use it for salads, sandwiches, or wraps for easy meals throughout the week.
- Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 3slices | Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg