This Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked in under 30 minutes. It’s a simple weeknight dinner or holiday main dish without all the fuss of roasting a full turkey..

Golden-brown air fryer turkey tenderloin sliced on a platter with fresh herbs and a side of roasted vegetables.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

This Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin is a quick and delicious way to enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey without the hassle of roasting a whole bird.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or smaller holiday gatherings.

Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cranberry sauce for a complete meal that feels festive any time of year.

Golden brown air fryer turkey tenderloin sliced on a plate, served with herbs and vegetables.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast main dish.
  • Juicy and Tender: The air fryer locks in moisture, giving you perfectly cooked turkey that’s never dry.
  • Flavor Packed: A simple seasoning blend adds big flavor without any complicated steps.
  • Healthier Option: Lean turkey tenderloin is high in protein and lower in fat than many other meats.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for everyday dinners, meal prep, or a smaller holiday feast.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin on kitchen table.
  • Turkey tenderloin: Raw and thawed for even cooking
  • Olive oil: For coating and crisping the surface
  • Ground sage: For earthy, savory holiday flavor
  • Dried rosemary: Adds fragrant, woodsy herbal notes
  • Garlic powder: Enhances depth and rich savory taste
  • Dried parsley: For a hint of fresh flavor
  • Salt: To bring out all the seasoning flavors
  • Ground black peppercorn: For a subtle, spicy kick

How To Make Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

Coating turkey tenderloin evenly with marinade before air frying for flavorful results.

Step One: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.

Step Two: Dry the turkey breast with paper towels, and then place the turkey tenderloin in a shallow dish or on a plate and rub the marinade all over it, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Seasoned turkey tenderloin placed in preheated air fryer basket, cooking to juicy perfection.

Step Three: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 360 degrees F (182°C) for 3-5 minutes. Once the turkey has marinated, please remove it from the dish and place the seasoned turkey in the preheated air fryer basket or air fryer tray. Cook at 360°F (182°C) set cook time for 20-25 minutes, turning the tenderloin halfway through the cook time. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step Four: Once the turkey tenderloin reaches the desired temperature, please remove it from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Seasoned turkey tenderloin cooking in an air fryer basket, turning golden brown.

Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe Tips

  • Pat the turkey dry: Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space around the tenderloin for even air circulation and cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results.
  • Let it rest: Allow the tenderloin to rest 5–10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  • Optional marinade: A quick 5–10 minute marinade or rub boosts flavor without extra prep time.

Storing and Make Ahead Instructions

  • Storing: Store cooked turkey tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer, oven, or microwave to retain moisture and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can season or marinate the turkey tenderloin a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Cook it in the air fryer just before serving for a fresh, juicy meal.
Golden-brown air fryer turkey tenderloin sliced on a plate, garnished with herbs and ready to serve.

Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe Faqs

What temperature should I cook turkey tenderloin in an air fryer? Cook the turkey tenderloin at 360°F (182°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I use frozen turkey tenderloin? It’s best to thaw the turkey completely before air frying to ensure even cooking and prevent the outside from overcooking.

How do I keep the turkey juicy? Pat the tenderloin dry, use a light coating of oil or marinade, and let it rest 5–10 minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate or season the turkey a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.

How do I reheat leftover turkey without drying it out? Reheat gently in the air fryer, oven, or microwave with a light cover to retain moisture and prevent dryness.

More Easy Thanksgiving Air Fryer Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​

Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Cook juicy, flavorful turkey quickly with this Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin recipe. Perfectly seasoned and air fried to golden perfection in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients 

  • 1.5 pound turkey tenderloin, raw and thawed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black peppercorn

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F, air fryer setting.
  • Meanwhile, prepare an air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon ground sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black peppercorn to a small bowl and mix until combined.
  • Coat tenderloins in 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  • Rub spice mixture over entire 1.5 pound turkey tenderloin.
  • Place in the air fryer basket, then cook for 28-30 minutes, flipping halfway through –cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  • Allow tenderloin to rest for a few minutes before cutting and servings.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 26gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!