Name: Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 (12 ounce) beef tenderloin; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin: Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this incredibly simple yet surprisingly elegant dish. If you’re searching for a healthy, flavorful, and lightning-fast meal that feels like a special occasion, look no further. This Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin is the answer to your culinary prayers. It’s a recipe that consistently wins rave reviews because it delivers tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned turkey without the fuss of oven roasting or the mess of pan-frying. The magic of the air fryer truly shines here, creating a beautiful exterior crust while keeping the inside unbelievably moist. We all love a meal that’s both impressive and easy to clean up, and this one certainly fits the bill. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly and flawlessly this Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin comes together, making it a go-to for busy evenings and unexpected guests alike.

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 (12 ounce) turkey tenderloin
1 tablespoon olive oil

Prepare the Turkey Tenderloin

The first step in creating a delicious Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin is to properly prepare the meat. Begin extract by patting the turkey tenderloin completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for ensuring a beautifully seared exterior. Moisture on the surface of the meat can steam rather than crisp, so take your time to get it as dry as possible. Once dry, place the turkey tenderloin in a medium bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey and use your hands to coat it evenly. This oil acts as a binder for the seasonings and helps them adhere to the meat, promoting even cooking and flavor development.

Season the Turkey

Now it’s time to imbue our turkey tenderloin with fantastic flavor. In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk these spices together thoroughly to ensure they are well-mixed. Sprinkle this spice blend generously over the olive oil-coated turkey tenderloin. Use your hands to rub the seasonings all over the meat, making sure every surface is covered. This even distribution of spices is key to ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness. For an even more intense flavor, you can let the seasoned turkey rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes, or even up to a few hours, before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is just as important as preheating your oven for conventional cooking. It ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature when the food goes in, leading to more even cooking and better texture. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Most air fryers have an indicator light or sound that will let you know when it’s ready. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your workspace and ensure you have everything you need for the next steps.

Air Fry the Turkey Tenderloin

Carefully place the seasoned turkey tenderloin in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the hot air from circulating effectively, resulting in unevenly cooked meat. If your turkey tenderloin is particularly long, you might need to arrange it slightly curved, or consider cutting it in half to fit more comfortably. Set your air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 18-22 minutes. During the cooking process, about halfway through, I recommend carefully opening the air fryer basket and flipping the turkey tenderloin over. This ensures that both sides get nicely browned and cooked through. You can also give the basket a gentle shake if you prefer, though flipping the tenderloin itself is usually sufficient.

Check for Doneness and Rest

The final and most critical step is to ensure your Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin is cooked to perfection. The best way to do this is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey tenderloin, avoiding any bone if present (though turkey tenderloins are typically boneless). The turkey is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature yet, return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes, checking the temperature every couple of minutes to avoid overcooking. Once it reaches the safe internal temperature, carefully remove the turkey tenderloin from the air fryer basket and place it on a clean cutting board. It’s crucial to let the turkey rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. If you slice it too soon, all those delicious juices will run out onto the cutting board. Once rested, slice the turkey tenderloin against the grain into medallions and serve immediately.

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to create this incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin! This recipe is a weeknight savior, offering a healthy and flavorful meal that’s ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The air fryer creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior while keeping the turkey incredibly moist and tender on the inside. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways, making it a go-to option for busy families and aspiring home cooks alike. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

For serving suggestions, consider slicing the Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin and serving it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli and sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting classic. It also makes fantastic sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day.

Feeling adventurous? Try marinating the tenderloin beforehand in different flavor profiles – a lemon-herb marinade, a spicy Cajun rub, or even a teriyaki glaze can all elevate this dish. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices directly to the rub for added complexity.

So go ahead, give this Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin a try! We’re confident you’ll be delighted with the results and impressed by how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality flavor at home. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen turkey tenderloin for this recipe?

While it’s best to use fresh or thawed turkey tenderloin for optimal cooking results, you can technically air fry a partially frozen tenderloin. However, you will need to significantly increase the cooking time and monitor the internal temperature carefully to ensure it’s cooked through safely. It’s always recommended to thaw your turkey completely for the best texture and even cooking.

What is the best internal temperature to aim for when cooking Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin?

The safest and most delicious internal temperature for cooked turkey is 165°F (74°C). Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin to check for doneness. The juices should also run clear.