Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin (with Sweet & Spicy Rub)

Everyone loves turkey time during the holidays! The gathering of loved ones, the aromas of the main course, side dishes and desserts. But the chores of holiday meal prep can often be too overwhelming to even consider as a normal work night meal. There is a way to enjoy the flavors with a fraction of the time, money and stress! A delicious, juicy turkey breast tenderloin is an easy weeknight meal when cooked in the air fryer. It is a great option for a healthy dinner that can be on the table in just 30 minutes! Juicy and tender with a delicious sweet and spicy rub, this turkey breast tenderloin is made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! Why cook an entire turkey when this is so much easier with little to no waste?

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Why this air fryer turkey breast is the best!

Forget the idea of turkey being dry and bland! This tender meat is so moist from cooking quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Plus the seasoning mix gives the turkey incredible flavor. Each bite of juicy meat is perfectly cooked! This air fryer recipe makes cooking turkey a breeze! Now turkey doesn't have to be reserved just for the holiday season, it's perfect for a week night meal.

If you are looking for an air fryer turkey breast recipe for a Thanksgiving dinner this could definitely be an option if you have a small get-together. If you are looking for more of the flavor of a traditional turkey try this Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin recipe that has a rub made with fresh herbs.

key Ingredients

turkey breast tenderloins- A part of the turkey breast that is all white meat. It is usually sold at the grocery store as a boneless skinless turkey breast. They are a little larger than chicken breast and come in a package containing 2 tenderloins. This is a very tender cut of meat.

olive oil- I prefer to rub the skinless turkey breasts with olive oil. You can also spray the inside of the basket with olive oil spray.

step-by-step instruction

Start by patting dry the tenderloins with paper towels. Rub the tenderloins with olive oil. In a small bowl mix the spices and the brown sugar together and sprinkle over the turkey tenderloins. Use clean hands to season turkey by rubbing spice mixture all over the sides of the turkey tenderloins.

Place turkey in the air fryer basket or air fryer rack depending on your model. No aluminum foil or cooking spray is necessary. For best results set the temperature to 400 degrees F and the cooking time for 25 minutes.

Check the turkey tenderloin with either an instant read thermometer or insert a meat thermometer inside of the turkey breast. Always check the temperature at the thickest part of the turkey. The turkey breast tenderloins are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. If needed you can return the turkey to the air fryer and add additional time.

How to serve

Once the tenderloin is fully cooked remove from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5 minutes. This gives the juice in the turkey time to redistribute into the meat.
Slice your turkey and serve warm with cauliflower and potato mash, Instant Pot Asparagus or a salad. This is perfect for dinner or even meal prep for lunches.

How to Store Leftover Turkey

Not only is this a great quick meal, it is perfect for meal prep! After the turkey has cooled store your leftover turkey in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

expert tips

• Air fryers work quickly by hot air circulating around the food as it cooks. Do not put aluminum foil in the bottom of the air fryer because that would stop the circulation.
• Do not use cooking spray in your air fryer. Olive oil is a better option for air fryers and is used to rub on the tenderloin and will keep it from sticking to the basket.
• Because the rub has brown sugar it is a good idea to soak the basket in warm water to make clean up very easy.

faq

What temperature does turkey tenderloin needed to be cooked to?

According to the FDA the internal temperature of poultry should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

what is a turkey tenderloin?

The turkey tenderloin is a boneless and skinless part of the turkey breast. Because it is white meat it is very lean and low fat.

How Healthy is Turkey Tenderloin?

Because this is a skinless boneless turkey breast that is all white meat it is very low in fat and high in protein. A 4 ounce piece of turkey has 20 grams of protein and only 100 calories making it a very healthy choice.

Looking for more delicous air fryer recipes? Try these!

Hot Honey Chicken Wings {Air Fryer}

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings {Raw}

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Homemade Glaze

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!