Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloins Recipe
Turkey tenderloins with a Mexican twist, and an easy citrus brine if you have the time!
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Ingredients
Herb and Citrus Brined Turkey Tenderloins
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 1 onion - sliced
- 1 each orange, lime, lemon - cut in wedges; see notes below!
- 2 teaspoons peppercorns
- 5 cloves garlic - smashed
- 2 sprigs cilantro or epazote - smashed to release oils
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 pounds turkey tenderloin - see notes below
Mexican Spiced Panko Breading
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon ground red chile - chipotle, ancho, New Mexico red chile powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground annatto/achiote - see notes below
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- zest of 1 orange
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Dissolve the salt in the water. I use the microwave.
- Add the remaining brine ingredients to a bowl with the dissolved salt water. Stir to combine.
- Add the turkey tenderloin pieces. Push them down into the brine. Move the pieces around periodically for 2-4 hours.
- Add all of the ingredients for the breading - panko, spices, salt, zest - to a bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly combine.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° for 5 minutes. Spread the breading mixture out in a shallow tray or bowl. Press each tenderloin into the breading to coat.
- Place the breaded tenderloins in the air fryer. Set for 20-25 minutes. Flip them after 10 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature. It should read160-165° F. Rest the turkey for a few minutes before slicing the turkey tenderloin into 1" pieces.
Notes
Turkey tenderloins typically come in a package of 2, and the package weighs 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.
Ground annatto/achiote imparts a deep red color and an earthy flavor. It is totally optional. It affects the color more than the flavor of the breading.
Before you cut the orange in wedges for the brine, zest it for the breading!
Nutrition information is based on 8 servings and 2 pounds of turkey tenderloin. The brine does not add calories, and not all of the panko breading clings to the turkey.
Nutrition
Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 1g
NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or star rating! Email us with any questions: tamara@beyondmeresustenance.com