Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

My juicy and flavorful air fryer turkey tenderloin is so easy, but tastes so indulgent! I found the perfect balance of tender meat and crispy edges for a hassle-free crowd-pleaser any time of year.

My Favorite Way to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in the Air fryer

I came up with the idea to make my air fryer turkey tenderloin when my daughter Leah was requesting turkey, but I didn’t want to spend the whole day roasting one in the oven.

I spotted the turkey tenderloin in the store and knew she would love it. My goal was to make something super simple yet flavorful so I could make it any time of the year, and I succeeded.

I just put the turkey tenderloin in the air fryer, and the air fryer basically does all the work. It beats sitting around with the oven all day, and cooking this cut of turkey is faster and crispier than using an oven anyway. All minimal effort!

And, if you love air fryer turkey recipes, try my recipes for air fryer turkey breast, air fryer turkey legs, air fryer turkey wings, and air fryer turkey burgers!

Air fry Turkey Tenderloin Ingredients

• Turkey tenderloins – These are lean, boneless cuts that cook quickly while staying tender and juicy. I always pat them dry with paper towels first for better browning.
• Italian seasoning – This mix of herbs adds savory depth without overpowering the natural flavor of the turkey.
• Salt and black pepper – Just the basics, but essential for enhancing the overall flavor.

How to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.

STEP TWO: Sprinkle the turkey breast tenderloin with a generous amount of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

STEP THREE: Carefully place the turkey in the air fryer basket and cook it for approximately 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the air fryer turkey tenderloins reaches 165 degrees F.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

• To get the best crispiness along the edges, I always pat the tenderloins dry before seasoning to remove extra moisture.
• I place the tenderloins in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the air can circulate evenly around the meat. I also flip the tenderloins halfway through the cooking time.
• I use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature at the thickest part of the tenderloin reaches 165 degrees F for perfectly cooked turkey!
• If I only have frozen turkey tenderloins, I let them fully thaw before cooking them in the air fryer. This gives me much better results than trying to cook from frozen.
• I always let the turkey rest for at least 5 minutes after air frying so the juices can redistribute. This is the key to moist, tender turkey!

Air Fryer Turkey Variations and Substitutions

• To make pesto-stuffed turkey tenderloin, I cut a slit in each tenderloin and spread in a generous amount of pesto before air frying. This might be my favorite version!
• If I want a festive, tangy glaze, I like to mix together cranberry sauce, a touch of maple syrup, and Dijon mustard to brush over the turkey tenderloin before air frying.
• For bacon-wrapped savory goodness, I wind bacon slices around each tenderloin and then lay them in the air fryer so the weight of the turkey is on top of the ends of the bacon, preventing it from unraveling. 
• When I’m craving smoky BBQ flavor, I brush the turkey tenderloins in my favorite BBQ sauce before air frying.
• To dial up the fresh herb flavor, I’ll use fresh rosemary and thyme to season the turkey. I’ve found a spritz of olive oil spray helps the fresh herbs stick to the turkey.

What to Serve with Turkey Breast Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

My air fryer turkey tenderloin is perfect to serve for a smaller Thanksgiving dinner alongside turkey gravy or mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes!

Personally, I like serving turkey tenderloin all year round with easy sides like air fryer carrots, air fryer cauliflower, or air fryer sweet potato fries for a quick weeknight meal or Sunday dinner!

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin FAQs

How long to cook turkey tenderloin in the air fryer

I aim to cook my turkey tenderloins at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes per 1.5 pounds. I also like to use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F at the thickest part of the tenderloin before taking the turkey out to rest. 

How to store leftovers

I let the air fryer turkey tenderloin cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to reheat turkey tenderloin the air fryer

To reheat, I preheat my air fryer to 350 degrees F and air fry the leftovers for 5-6 minutes until the turkey is warmed through.

Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?

Turkey tenderloin comes from the breast, but it’s the smaller, boneless, leaner part that cooks much faster. I like using it when I want tender, flavorful turkey without the long oven time or complicated carving.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air fryer sweet potato
• Air fryer ham
• Air fryer cornbread
• Air fryer butternut squash
• Air fryer acorn squash
• Air fryer halibut