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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

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

    Published: May 5, 2022 · Modified: Oct 27, 2022 by bobbieblue

    46 shares
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    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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    A sliced tenderloin with potatoes on the side on a table set with a glass of wine.

    (Blue's Best Life is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Programs.  I earn a small commission if you purchase through those links.  This helps me keep the blog going!)- Bobbie

    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.

    Table of contents

    • Why this air fryer turkey breast is the best!
    • key Ingredients
    • step-by-step instruction
    • expert tips
    • Looking for more delicous air fryer recipes? Try these!

    Equipment Needed

    PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic- air fryers are a must have appliance. I can not say enough about how easy and quick they are to use. If you do not own an air fryer, get one and thank me later.

    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.

    Ingredients for air fryer turkey tenderloin: red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and brown sugar.

    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.

    The tenderloin rubbed with olive oil and then rubbed with the spice mixture.

    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.

    The tenderloin in the air fryer before and after cooking.

    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.

    A fork with a piece of turkey tenderloin showing the juicy meat and spice rub.

    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 Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!

    Print Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin (with Sweet & Spicy Rub)

    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?
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time25 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: spice rub, air fried,
    Servings: 4
    Author: Bobbie Blue

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 1 24 ounce package tenderloin 2
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
    • ½ teaspoon Italian seasonings

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl mix the spice rub together.
    • Use a paper towel to pat the tenderloins dry.
    • Rub tenderloins with olive oil and spice rub.
    • Place the turkey in the basket of the air fryer.
    • Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and time for 25 minutes.
    • At the 25 miniute mark check the tenderloins with a meat themomtor for an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
    • Allow turkey to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

    More Main Dishes

    • Greek-Inspired Mediterranean Bean Salad
    • Easy Loaded Vegetable Quiche Recipe (Vegetarian)
    • The chicken stuffed peppers on a plate.
      Easy Ground Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
    • Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe (30 Minutes)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judith

      May 14, 2022 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      I love quick recipes, and this is so tasty too.

      Reply
    2. Jessica

      May 14, 2022 at 11:23 pm

      5 stars
      I need an air fryer now!

      Reply
    3. nancy

      May 15, 2022 at 2:29 am

      5 stars
      i love this juicy turkey recipe. I couldn't believe how moist it was still

      Reply
    4. Katie

      May 15, 2022 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      Super easy and flavorful!

      Reply
    5. Greg

      May 18, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      wow is all I can say about this amazing turkey recipe! This was my first time ever to experience a meal in an air fryer. I’m definitely getting one this weekend. So tender and juicy in just 20 minutes. I looking forward to eating healthier. Thank you Bobbie

      Reply
    6. Cale Lytton

      May 18, 2022 at 5:45 pm

      This was absolutely wonderful, it was my first experience with an air fryer. So juicy and tender, excellent recipe!!
      Thanks Bobbie!

      Reply
    7. Granny

      July 27, 2022 at 12:31 am

      5 stars
      This is great! Perfect timing for 24oz juicy turkey tenderloin. Mine was marinated packaged.

      Reply
      • bobbieblue

        July 27, 2022 at 12:46 am

        Hi Granny! I'm glad to hear the tenderloin cooked perfectly for you!

        Reply
    5 from 6 votes

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    Hi, I'm Bobbie! Welcome to Blue's Best Life. I'm a self-taught cook that loves to cook wholesome meals while still enjoying a truly decadent dessert, because there is always room for a little something sweet!

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