If your oven is already full this Thanksgiving but you want to add extra turkey to the table, try cooking a turkey breast tenderloin in the air fryer. It’s an easy, fast way to serve extra meat with minimal effort. Seasoned tenderloins cook in under 30 minutes and come out moist and tender without basting or extra liquid.
After the tenderloins rest for a few minutes, slice and serve — you’ll likely be surprised at how tender the meat is. A simple oil rub and a mix of common holiday spices are all that’s required before placing them in a preheated air fryer.
This straightforward recipe only requires flipping the meat halfway through cooking. It’s reliable, quick, and consistently flavorful.
What Is Turkey Breast Tenderloin?
Turkey breast tenderloin is not the same as a whole turkey breast. Although both cuts come from the same area of the bird, they differ in shape and size. For this air fryer recipe you want the long, slender tenderloin rather than a thick roast-style breast.
Think of the difference between a pork loin and a pork tenderloin: the loin is a broad roast while the tenderloin is narrow and elongated. The turkey tenderloin is the center cut where the two breasts attach and it’s the most tender part because the muscle is rarely used.
Most grocery stores sell turkey tenderloins in sealed packages in the refrigerated poultry section. They may be plain or pre-seasoned — garlic herb and mesquite rubs are common. If you can’t find an unseasoned tenderloin for Thanksgiving, a garlic herb flavored one works well with this recipe.
Turkey Breast Tenderloin
The tenderloin is the center section between the two breasts and is prized for its tenderness. It’s commonly packaged like pork tenderloin and is easy to handle in an air fryer. When buying, look for plain or simply seasoned packages; both will work.
Equipment Required
1. Air Fryer Oven or Air Fryer Basket
This recipe works in either an air fryer oven or a basket-style air fryer. If your basket is small, you may need to cut the tenderloin or cook in batches. Small 3–4 quart units often require multiple batches for two tenderloins, while larger air fryer ovens can hold several at once using racks.
2. High Heat Oil
Use a small amount of high heat oil to keep the meat from sticking and to help the seasonings adhere. Oils with higher smoke points such as avocado, grapeseed, canola, or light olive oil are suitable for cooking at 400°F.
3. Seasonings
The spice list is mainly pantry staples. If you don’t have smoked paprika, swap in sweet or Hungarian paprika. If you lack individual herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage, poultry seasoning is a good substitute. The goal is a balanced dry rub you already have on hand.
4. Instant Read Digital Thermometer
An instant-read digital thermometer is the best way to ensure the tenderloin is cooked perfectly. Turkey breast can dry out if overcooked; remove when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and let the meat rest. The carryover heat will raise the temperature to the safe 165°F (74°C) while keeping the meat juicy.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe
*Specific measurements and the printable recipe card are included below. Read the tips and instructions before cooking for best results.
INGREDIENTS
- 1–2 turkey breast tenderloins
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet/Hungarian paprika)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or poultry seasoning)
- ½ tsp dried rosemary (or poultry seasoning)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground sage
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your unit has no preheat option, run it at 400°F for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the tenderloins.
Pat the tenderloins dry with paper towels, then coat all sides lightly with olive or another high-heat oil. In a small bowl, combine the spices and mix well. Rub the seasoning blend over the tenderloins, coating evenly.
Place the seasoned tenderloins in the oiled air fryer basket or on the tray, then air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes. Flip the tenderloins halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat; remove when the thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).
Let the tenderloins rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving so the internal temperature can finish rising and the juices redistribute.
Enjoy! Mary
Air Fryer Turkey Breast Tenderloin
Moist and delicious turkey breast tenderloin cooked in an air fryer. Ready in under 30 minutes.
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1–2 Turkey breast tenderloins
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground sage
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes.
- Pat tenderloins dry and coat all sides with oil.
- Mix spices in a bowl and rub evenly over the tenderloins.
- Place tenderloins in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer and remove at 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
If your tenderloins are pre-seasoned, spray the basket with non-stick spray and follow the same temperature and cook time. Air fryer models vary, so begin checking doneness 3–4 minutes before the listed time. You can also use a probe thermometer if you prefer.
Recipe provided by Make Your Meals.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 106
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 142mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 12g
Nutritional information is a general guideline and will vary by product brands and portion sizes.
To receive three recipe articles in your inbox each week, sign up for the free email list on the site or email [email protected]. Follow Make Your Meals on social media. This article may contain affiliate links where a small commission is paid at no additional cost to you.