Did you know an air fryer can turn a simple turkey tenderloin into a delicious, healthy dish in just 32 minutes1? This easy recipe is great for smaller gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas2. With little prep and a few basic seasonings, you can have a tasty turkey dinner without much effort.
Key Takeaways
- Air fryer turkey tenderloin is a quick and easy way to cook turkey at home
- The recipe yields 4 servings and takes just 32 minutes to prepare1
- Turkey tenderloins are a lean, healthy, and versatile protein option
- Cooking turkey tenderloin in an air fryer results in a juicy, flavorful dish
- Seasoning options range from classic to international flavors
What Are Turkey Tenderloins?
Understanding the Cut
Turkey tenderloins are a lean and tender cut from the turkey breast’s underside3. They weigh between ½lb to 1lb3. These tenderloins are often sold in pairs, similar to pork tenderloin3. They are known for their tenderness and versatility, making them great for many cooking methods, including air frying.
One key feature of turkey tenderloins is that they are pre-brined3. This means they’ve been soaked in saltwater. This process keeps them fresh, enhances flavor, and improves texture3. It also helps keep the turkey juicy and succulent while cooking.
Turkey tenderloins are a lean protein option4. They cook quickly, making them perfect for a fast, healthy air fryer meal4. Their narrow shape and lack of bones or skin make them easy to prepare. This means you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious dinner quickly.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Generally ½lb to 1lb in size3 |
| Texture | Lean, tender, and often pre-brined34 |
| Cooking Time | Cook in 30 minutes or less in an air fryer4 |
| Meat Type | Skinless, boneless white meat4 |
| Recommended Internal Temperature | 165°F to prevent drying out4 |
Preparing Turkey Tenderloins for Air Frying
To get your turkey tenderloins ready for the air fryer, start by rinsing them under cool water5. This isn’t to wash away flavor, but to prepare the meat. After rinsing, dry the tenderloins with paper towels as well as you can5.
Next, drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over each tenderloin. Use your hands to spread it evenly over the surface. This oil helps the seasoning stick and creates a crispy exterior when air fried6.
- Season the tenderloins with your favorite spices and herbs. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper are great choices6.
- Make sure to rub the seasoning all over, including the sides and ends. This way, every bite is full of flavor5.
Once prepped and seasoned, your tenderloins are ready for air frying7. Just preheat your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up for about 5 minutes before adding the tenderloins5.
With a bit of prep, your turkey tenderloins will become a tasty, air-fried dish576.
Seasoning for Flavorful Turkey Tenderloins
Classic Seasonings for Turkey
Seasoning your air fryer turkey tenderloins with classic spices and herbs can make a big difference. Use a mix of garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, paprika, sage, salt, and pepper. This blend gives a savory taste that goes well with the turkey8.
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry. You can swap it out or leave it out without losing flavor8. Try Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like marjoram and tarragon for different tastes8.
Marinating the turkey overnight before cooking is a good idea8. It lets the seasonings soak into the meat, making it even more tasty8.
Make sure the turkey is cooked to at least 165°F for safety9. This ensures it’s fully cooked and ready to eat9.
Using these classic seasonings can take your air fryer turkey tenderloins to the next level. You’ll enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal89.
Cooking Turkey Tenderloin in Air Fryer
Now that your turkey tenderloins are seasoned, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer10. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the tenderloins inside, making sure they don’t touch each other10. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping them once10. The turkey should reach 165°F, as checked with an instant-read thermometer10.
Remember, air fryer times and temperatures can differ. Always cook the turkey until it hits 165°F11. This ensures it’s cooked right and stays juicy11.
- For a 1-1.5 lb turkey tenderloin, cook at 360°F for 10-12 minutes per side (total time 20 minutes)10.
- For a 2-3 lb turkey tenderloin, cook at 360°F for 15 minutes per side (total time 30 minutes)10.
- For a 4-5 lb turkey tenderloin, cook at 360°F for 20 minutes per side (total time 40 minutes)10.
The air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook turkey tenderloins12. With just 25-30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious, juicy, and healthy meal12.
So, whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just want a tasty turkey dish, the air fryer is perfect11. Just remember to check the internal temperature and adjust cooking time for the best air-fried turkey tenderloin11.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloins
Air fryer turkey tenderloins are great with many side dishes and toppings13. You can serve them as the main dish or add them to other recipes. There are so many ways to enjoy this tasty air-fried turkey.
Cranberry sauce is a classic choice. Its sweet and tangy taste goes well with the savory turkey13. Mashed potatoes are also a great match, making for a cozy and filling meal.
For a quick and healthy side, try air fryer asparagus or garlic herb potatoes13. These easy sides can be cooked with the turkey, making dinner complete and tasty.
You can also use air fryer turkey tenderloins in salads, sandwiches, or as the main ingredient in a big dish13. The options are endless for showing off this versatile air-fried turkey.
| Side Dish | Serving Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Cranberry Sauce | The sweet and tart flavors of cranberry sauce complement the savory turkey tenderloin perfectly. |
| Mashed Potatoes | A classic and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with air fryer turkey tenderloins. |
| Air Fryer Asparagus | A simple and healthy side that can be prepared alongside the turkey tenderloins. |
| Air Fryer Garlic Herb Potatoes | Another quick and easy air fryer side dish that complements the air fryer turkey tenderloins. |
When serving air fryer turkey tenderloins, let their flavor be the star. You can choose from many sides and creative recipes. This way, you can enjoy this versatile protein in many tasty ways.
Make sure the turkey tenderloins reach 165°F for safe eating13. Leftover turkey can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 3-4 months13.
Seasoning Variations for Turkey Tenderloins
While the classic savory seasoning blend works wonderfully for air fryer turkey tenderloins, there are many other ways to season this versatile cut of meat and explore different flavor profiles14. Try out various herb and spice combinations to create unique and mouthwatering dishes.
Exploring Different Flavor Profiles
For an Italian-inspired twist, try a seasoning blend with fragrant herbs like basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese14. If you’re in the mood for a Southwestern flair, a rub featuring chili powder, cumin, and a zest of lime will transport your taste buds to the Southwest14. The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning different seasoning for turkey tenderloin, allowing you to turkey tenderloin seasoning ideas and discover new favorite air fryer turkey tenderloin seasoning combinations.
No matter which direction you choose to take your seasoning, remember that turkey tenderloins are a versatile protein that pairs well with a wide variety of flavors14. Have fun experimenting and find the perfect seasoning blend to suit your personal taste preferences.
“The versatility of turkey tenderloins allows you to get creative with your seasonings.”
Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Tenderloins
Leftover air fryer turkey tenderloins are a treat. It’s key to store and reheat them right to keep them juicy and flavorful15. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days15. For a quick reheat, the microwave works best, taking just 1-2 minutes16.
To reheat in the air fryer, set it to 350°F. Heat for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway, until it hits 165°F15. This method keeps the turkey crispy on the outside and juicy inside16.
Freezing is another option for longer storage. Wrap them in plastic or foil and freeze in a bag or container. They’ll last 2-3 months in the freezer16. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warm.
Leftover air fryer turkey tenderloins are super versatile16. Slice them for salads, sandwiches, or wraps. They add protein to your meals all week15. No matter how you store and reheat, they’ll stay delicious.
Why Choose Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloins?
Looking for a quick, healthy turkey option this holiday? Air fryer turkey tenderloins are perfect17. They come in pairs, weighing about 1.5 pounds, serving 4 people17. Cooking them in the air fryer takes only 20-25 minutes17.
They’re great for small gatherings, weeknight meals, or when you want tasty turkey without the whole bird hassle.
The benefits of air fryer turkey tenderloins include their versatility. The air fryer’s hot air keeps the turkey moist and tender18. It also gives a crispy outside18. And, it uses much less oil than frying18, making it a healthier choice.
Using an air fryer for turkey tenderloin is quick and easy18. You can have a tasty turkey dish ready in under 30 minutes18. The air fryer cooks the tenderloins evenly and fast17. You can also try different seasonings18.
The advantages of air fryer turkey tenderloins are clear: quick cooking, juicy texture, healthy cooking, and lots of seasoning options1718. They’re perfect for small gatherings or when you just want a tasty turkey dish.
The air fryer turkey tenderloin recipe has received a rating of 5 out of 5 from 1 vote17, showing high satisfaction among those who’ve tried it.
Conclusion
Air fryer turkey tenderloins are a great way to enjoy tasty turkey any time19. They cook quickly and evenly, keeping the meat juicy and the outside crispy19. Plus, they’re easy to season and prepare, making them perfect for any occasion19.
For a holiday or a simple dinner, this recipe is a hit19. Just remember to preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tenderloins for 20-25 minutes19. This way, you’ll get perfectly cooked turkey every time19.
Enjoy the turkey with roasted veggies, salads, or wraps for a full meal19. The air fryer is also great for other dishes like chicken and seafood19.
In short, air fryer turkey tenderloins are a tasty and easy option for home cooking19. They require little effort and clean-up, making your meals feel like they’re from a restaurant19. Try air fryer turkey tenderloins to take your cooking to the next level.
FAQ
What are turkey tenderloins?
How do I prepare turkey tenderloins for air frying?
What seasonings work best for air fryer turkey tenderloins?
How long do I cook turkey tenderloins in the air fryer?
What are some good side dishes to serve with air fryer turkey tenderloins?
How do I store and reheat leftover air fryer turkey tenderloins?
What are the benefits of using an air fryer for turkey tenderloins?
Source Links
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloins – https://radfoodie.com/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloins/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – https://www.myforkinglife.com/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin/
- Best Damn Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – https://recipeteacher.com/best-damn-air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin/
- How to cook turkey tenderloin in an air fryer – Honeysuckle White – https://honeysucklewhite.com/cooking-how-to/how-to-cook-turkey-tenderloin-in-an-air-fryer/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – https://beyondmeresustenance.com/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloins/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – https://makeitskinnyplease.com/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin/
- Cajun Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloins – https://healthylittlepeach.com/cajun-air-fryer-turkey-tenderloins/
- Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe {VIDEO} – Key To My Lime – https://keytomylime.com/turkey-tenderloin-recipe/
- Baked Turkey Tenderloin {Juicy & Tender} – The Big Man’s World ® – https://thebigmansworld.com/turkey-tenderloin-recipe/
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast (boneless, tenderloin) – https://www.apinchofhealthy.com/air-fryer-turkey-breast/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin (Quick and Easy!) – Slender Kitchen – https://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin | Everyday Family Cooking – https://www.everydayfamilycooking.com/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin/
- Best Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe with Easy Marinade – – https://www.goglutenfreely.com/best-air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin-recipe-with-easy-marinade/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – Sugar & Snap Peas – https://sugarandsnappeas.com/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – https://dishesdelish.com/turkey-tenderloin/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe – https://www.melaniecooks.com/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin/51297/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – https://happyhoneykitchen.com/air-fryer-turkey-tenderloin/
- Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin (Ninja Foodi) – Season & Thyme – https://seasonandthyme.com/ninja-foodi-turkey-tenderloin-in-the-air-fryer/
- How To Cook Turkey Tenderloin In Air Fryer – https://recipes.net/articles/how-to-cook-turkey-tenderloin-in-air-fryer/