Marinated Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin (Boneless)

I love making marinated turkey tenderloin in the air fryer because it's quick, healthy, and always turns out tender and juicy. The boneless turkey tenderloins first get marinated in a simple citrus herb marinade and then it air fries in less than 30 minutes to juicy and crispy perfection.

You'll love this recipe because it's easy, high in protein, and full of flavor. The marinade locks in moisture while the air fryer creates perfectly cooked turkey. This is a stress-free option for dinner or the holidays when you're serving a smaller group or don't want to cook the whole bird.

We served this for Thanksgiving last year and everyone loved it!

Things to Know Before Air Frying Turkey Tenderloin

• For the juiciest turkey: Marinate the tenderloin for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is truly best!
• Oil matters: A light coat of olive oil helps keep the surface from drying out in the air fryer and helps with browning.
• We use a 2 ½ lb turkey tenderloin from Trader Joes, but we also give you a cooking size chart if your tenderloins weigh more or less.
• You can skip our homemade turkey marinade and opt for a store bought one if preferred, but you'll need to add seasoning before air frying since it could be milder than our homemade option.

I've been creating easy and healthy air fryer recipes since 2018, testing different turkey cuts and cooking methods to get them just right. We have a ton of air fryer turkey recipes on our website! Readers also love our Air Fryer Turkey Cutlets recipe or our Air Fryer Bone In Turkey Breast.

Ingredients Overview

• Turkey tenderloin (boneless): The star of the recipe, lean and naturally tender. We used two 1 ¼ lb tenderloins.
• 1 batch of marinade (below)
• Optional seasonings: You can brush on more olive oil half way through cooking for increased browning or sprinkle on extra paprika for increased color as well.

Marinade

• Extra virgin olive oil: Locks in moisture and helps the seasoning stick. You can also use avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and helps tenderize the turkey. White wine vinegar or lemon juice also work.
• Orange juice: Adds brightness and subtle sweetness that balances the herbs.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, we also love using the frozen Dorot cubes or even jar garlic.
• Fine sea salt
• Coarse ground black pepper
• Paprika: Gives mild warmth and helps the turkey brown beautifully in the air fryer. Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor.
• Dried rosemary: Brings a classic herby aroma that pairs perfectly with poultry.
• Dried thyme: Adds earthy, savory balance to the marinade.
• Brown sweetener: Balances the tang and enhances caramelization. Use brown sugar, golden monk fruit, or coconut sugar depending on your preference.

💡 For a lower-carb version, replace the orange juice with a splash of chicken broth and choose golden monk fruit as your sweetener.

The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Cook Time by Size Table

Turkey Tenderloin Size	Temperature	Estimated Cook Time	Notes
1 lb	370°F	24–26 minutes	Check early at 23 min
1.25–1.5 lb	370°F	27–30 minutes	Flip halfway through
1.75–2 lb	370°F	30–33 minutes	Rest 5–10 min before slicing

💡 Pro Tip: Air fryer's can vary slightly by brand due to the air fryer wattage. We used a Cosori air fryer. Keep a close eye on the cooking time the first time you make this recipe since the cooking time might vary slightly.

How to Cook Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

Step 1: Marinate

Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sweetener. Coat the turkey tenderloin well and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

The more time you have, the more infused with flavor the meat becomes.

Step 2: Preheat

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 3: Cook

Place the marinated turkey tenderloin in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. As an optional step, you can brush on more olive oil for increased browning.

The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This keeps the meat juicy and makes it easy to serve. Enjoy!

Jenni's Recipe Tips

• Check with a thermometer: Cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F to avoid dry meat.
• Slice against the grain: This keeps each bite tender and flavorful.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate for even cooking. If you're cooking multiple pieces, air fry in batches.
• Let it rest: Rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.

Substitutions

• Use Italian dressing or a store-bought marinade to save time. You might need to add more seasoning to the turkey before cooking like garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika if you skip our marinade.
• Make it a smokier flavor with chipotle or smoked paprika.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

This juicy turkey pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes, air fryer green beans, or air fryer smashed potatoes. For a holiday meal, add mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to round out the plate.

Storage and Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes or until heated through.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze in an air tight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook turkey tenderloin in the air fryer?

It takes about 25-30 minutes at 370°F, depending on the size of the tenderloin. Always check with a thermometer. The cook time can vary based on the air fryer wattage and weight of the tenderloins.

Can you cook frozen turkey tenderloin in the air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry turkey tenderloin from frozen but it will take longer. Adding 8-10 minutes to the cooking time and check that the internal temp reaches 165°F.

Do you cover turkey tenderloin when cooking in the air fryer?

No, keep it uncovered so the air circulates and creates a golden, lightly crisp surface.

How do you keep turkey tenderloin from drying out?

Marinate the meat, cook at the right temperature, and let it rest before slicing. Using a thermometer helps prevent overcooking.

More Turkey Recipes

We love eating turkey, it's a delicious and lean protein source that's terrific year round. Many of these cuts are still available in the freezer section throughout the year.

• Herb turkey thighs in the air fryer
• Turkey wings in the air fryer
• Turkey legs in the air fryer
• Easy roast turkey
• Herb butter baked turkey thighs
• Breaded turkey cutlets
• Air fryer boneless turkey breast roast (from frozen)
• Simple turkey brine
• Roast half turkey breast recipe
• Smoked turkey breast recipe

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