Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin: Juicy in 25 Minutes
Juicy air fryer turkey tenderloin: 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipped halfway, until 165°F. An easy Thanksgiving main for 2–4 people, with an herb butter recipe.
Quick answer
Cook turkey tenderloins in the air fryer at 375°F190°C for 20–25 minutes for 1–1½ lb of tenderloins, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 165°F74°C. Rest them for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices stay in the meat. A frozen tenderloin takes about 50% longer, around 30–38 minutes.
- Time
- 20–25 min (1–1½ lb)
- Flip
- Yes, halfway
- Done when
- 165°F74°C in the thickest part
Herb Butter Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin air fryer times
| What you're cooking | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey tenderloins, 1–1½ lb total | 375°F190°C | 20–25 min | Flip halfway |
| Single small tenderloin, about ¾ lb | 375°F190°C | 16–20 min | Check early |
| Tenderloins, 2–2½ lb total | 375°F190°C | 24–30 min | Single layer, don't overlap |
| Marinated tenderloins | 370°F190°C | 22–26 min | Pat dry, sugar browns fast |
| Bacon-wrapped tenderloin | 375°F190°C | 24–28 min | Use thin-cut bacon |
| Frozen turkey tenderloin | 375°F190°C | 30–38 min | Season after 15 minutes |
| Turkey breast cutlets, ¼–½ inch | 375°F190°C | 8–10 min | Flip halfway |
| Reheating sliced turkey | 350°F175°C | 3–5 min | Wrap in foil with a splash of broth |
Times are for a preheated 5–6 quart basket air fryer with food in a single layer. Oven-style and very large air fryers can run 1–3 minutes slower. Always check doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
Turkey tenderloin is the easiest way to get Thanksgiving turkey on the table without cooking a whole bird. It’s lean, tender and cooks in about 25 minutes in the air fryer, with a golden herb-butter crust. Two tenderloins feed 4 people, so it’s perfect for a small holiday dinner or a weeknight.
How to cook turkey tenderloin in the air fryer
- Pat it dry and trim any silver skin.
- Season generously. Herb butter, a simple rub, or your favorite marinade all work.
- Air fry at 375°F190°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, in a single layer.
- Check for 165°F74°C in the thickest part with a thermometer.
- Rest for 10 minutes, then slice across the grain.
Why turkey tenderloin works so well in the air fryer
Tenderloins are small and even in thickness, so the hot air cooks them quickly and evenly. That short cook time is the key to keeping lean turkey juicy. Cook them too long and they dry out, so a thermometer matters more than the clock.
Seasoning ideas
- Herb butter: the recipe below, with rosemary, thyme and garlic.
- Maple Dijon: brush with 1 tablespoon each of maple syrup and Dijon mustard for the last 5 minutes.
- Cajun: 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and a little oil.
- Lemon pepper: lemon zest, black pepper and olive oil, finished with a squeeze of lemon.
For a small Thanksgiving
Cook the tenderloins first, then make two sides in the air fryer while they rest, such as garlic parmesan green beans and maple sweet potatoes. Our air fryer side dishes guide has a timing plan. Cooking for more people? An air fryer turkey breast serves 6–8, and the turkey cooking time calculator helps you plan.
Tips for juicy turkey tenderloin
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between tenderloins so they brown on all sides.
- Pull it at 165°F74°C, not later. Lean turkey dries out quickly once it’s past done.
- Always rest it. Slicing too soon lets the juices run out onto the board.
- Brine for extra juiciness if you have an hour or two (see the recipe notes).
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate sliced turkey for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap the slices in foil with a splash of broth and heat at 350°F175°C for 3–5 minutes. See our reheating guide for other leftovers.
Herb Butter Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Air fryer
- 375°F190°C
- Makes
- 4 servings
- Calories
- 275 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 turkey tenderloins (about 1½ lb total)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Tap a step to check it off.
- Dry the turkey. Pat the tenderloins dry with paper towels, and trim off any thin silver skin.
- Make the herb butter. Mash the butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper and smoked paprika together.
- Season. Rub the herb butter all over the tenderloins.
- Preheat. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F190°C for 3 minutes.
- Air fry. Place the tenderloins in the basket in a single layer, with space between them. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flip, and cook another 10–13 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F74°C.
- Rest and slice. Move the turkey to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes. Slice across the grain into ½-inch slices and spoon any juices over the top.
Notes
- Tenderloins vary in thickness, so start checking with a thermometer at 18 minutes.
- For extra-juicy turkey, brine the tenderloins in 4 cups water with 3 tablespoons salt for 1–2 hours, then rinse and pat dry.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches. Refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
Nutrition is an estimate calculated from typical ingredient values and will vary by brand and portion.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook turkey tenderloin in the air fryer?
Cook 1–1½ lb of turkey tenderloins at 375°F190°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. A single small tenderloin takes 16–20 minutes, and 2–2½ lb in one layer takes 24–30 minutes. It's done when the thickest part reaches 165°F74°C.
What temperature do you cook turkey tenderloin in the air fryer?
375°F190°C is the best setting. It browns the outside while the inside cooks through before it dries out. Marinated tenderloins do better at 370°F190°C, because sugars in the marinade can burn.
How do you know when turkey tenderloin is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part. The USDA safe minimum for turkey is 165°F74°C. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be white all the way through with no pink.
Can you cook a frozen turkey tenderloin in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook it at 375°F190°C for about 30–38 minutes, roughly 50% longer than thawed. Add the oil and seasoning after the first 15 minutes, once the surface has thawed, and flip it then. Check that the center reaches 165°F74°C.
What's the difference between turkey tenderloin and turkey breast?
The tenderloin is a small, boneless strip of meat from the inner part of the breast. It weighs about ¾ lb each and cooks in about 20–25 minutes. A whole turkey breast is much larger and takes about an hour. See our air fryer turkey breast guide for that.
Is turkey tenderloin good for a small Thanksgiving?
Yes. Two tenderloins (about 1½ lb) serve 4 people and cook in under 30 minutes. That leaves the oven free for sides, or you can make the sides in the air fryer while the turkey rests.
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