Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

This air fryer turkey tenderloin is a simple way to make turkey without cooking a whole bird or a large turkey breast.

I like this recipe for easy dinners, but it also works well for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a small family gathering when you do not need a full turkey. The jerk seasoning and brown sugar give the turkey a sweet, smoky flavor, and the air fryer cooks the tenderloins quickly.

The biggest thing I watch is the internal temperature. Turkey tenderloin is lean, so I start checking before the end of the cook time and remove it as soon as the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Quick Success Tips

Pat the turkey dry. The seasoning sticks better when the surface is not wet.
Spray lightly with oil. This helps the seasoning coat the tenderloin.
Season all sides. Rub the jerk seasoning mixture over the whole tenderloin.
Keep the basket in one layer. Leave space around each tenderloin so the hot air can move.
Flip halfway through. Both sides need time against the hot air.
Start checking early. Smaller tenderloins may finish before 25 minutes.
Cook to 165°F. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer.
Rest before slicing. Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes so the slices stay juicy.

Why This Turkey Tenderloin Recipe Works

Turkey tenderloin cooks faster than a whole turkey breast, which makes it helpful for smaller dinners and holiday meals.

The jerk seasoning gives the turkey bold flavor without a long marinade. Brown sugar adds a little sweetness and helps the outside brown in the air fryer.

I start checking the temperature near the end of the cook time because turkey tenderloin is lean. Once the thickest part reaches 165°F, I let it rest before slicing so the turkey stays juicy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It is easier than cooking a whole turkey.
The prep takes less than 10 minutes.
The sweet-smoky seasoning gives the turkey plenty of flavor.
It works for weeknight dinner or a small holiday meal.
The turkey slices well for plates, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and meal prep.
Leftovers are easy to use the next day.

Ingredients you'll need to make turkey tenderloin

**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions at the end of this post**

Ingredients you'll need to make the recipe, brown sugar in a small bowl and the seasoning and chicken tenderloins in a bigger bowl.

Turkey breast tenderloins: These are boneless, skinless pieces from the turkey breast. They cook faster than a whole turkey breast and are a good size for small dinners.

Jerk seasoning: Adds sweet, smoky, savory flavor with a little heat. Use your favorite blend and check the salt level before adding more salt.

Brown sugar: Helps the outside brown and balances the spice in the jerk seasoning. Brown sugar can darken quickly, so start checking near the end of cooking.

Salt and pepper: Use to taste, especially if your jerk seasoning is not already salty.

Olive oil spray: Helps the seasoning stick to the turkey.

Tools used to make the recipe

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How to cook turkey tenderloin in air fryer

Combine the jerk seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels.

Spray the turkey lightly with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture over all sides.

Place the turkey tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between them.

Air fry at 390°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve and Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

Check the salt level in your jerk seasoning before adding extra salt.
Brown sugar can darken quickly in the air fryer, so start checking near the end of the cook time.
Cook the tenderloins in one layer so they cook evenly.
Use a thermometer instead of judging by color.
Remove the turkey as soon as the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Rest the turkey before slicing so the juices settle.
Slice across the tenderloin for tender pieces.

How Long to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

Turkey tenderloin usually takes about 20-25 minutes at 390°F in the air fryer, depending on the size of the tenderloins and your air fryer.

Turn the tenderloins halfway through cooking and start checking near the end of the cook time. Smaller tenderloins may finish closer to 20 minutes.

The turkey is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Make It a Meal

Small holiday plate: Serve with green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, acorn squash, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce.

Easy weeknight plate: Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, or a simple salad.

Sandwich or wrap: Slice the turkey and add lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, and your favorite sauce.

Rice bowl: Serve sliced turkey over rice with vegetables and a drizzle of sauce.

Meal prep: Pack cooled turkey slices with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or salad ingredients for easy lunches.

Leftover turkey plate: Serve warm slices with gravy, mashed cauliflower, vegetables, or holiday leftovers.

plater turkey tenderloin sliced and garnish with lemon and fresh thyme.

How to Store and Reheat Turkey Tenderloin

Store cooked turkey tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze cooked turkey tenderloin for up to 3 months. Slice it before freezing when you want easier portions for lunches or quick dinners.

Reheat refrigerated turkey in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or just until hot. Turkey tenderloin is lean, so start checking early to keep it from drying out.

You can also reheat slices in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water when you want them extra moist.

Juicy and delicious sliced turkey tenderloins in the air fryer basket.

FAQs

What temperature should turkey tenderloin reach?

Turkey tenderloin is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer so you do not have to guess.

How do I keep turkey tenderloin juicy?

Do not overcook it. Start checking near the end of the cook time, remove the turkey when it reaches 165°F, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?

Turkey tenderloin comes from the turkey breast, but it is a smaller, boneless, skinless piece. A whole turkey breast is larger and may be bone-in or skin-on.

Can I make this for Thanksgiving?

Yes. Turkey tenderloin works well for a small Thanksgiving or holiday meal when you do not need a whole turkey.

Can I use a different seasoning?

Yes. Use another poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning, garlic herb seasoning, or your favorite dry rub. Check the salt level before adding extra salt.

What can I do with leftovers?

Use leftover turkey slices in sandwiches, wraps, salads, rice bowls, soups, or meal-prep containers.

Turkey tenderloin in the air fryer basket with lemon and thyme as a garnish.

More Turkey Recipes to Try

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