These air fryer turkey tenderloin medallions are seasoned with a delicious mustard herb blend, making for a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. This recipe for air fryer turkey tenderloin is simple to follow and yields tender, juicy results every time. Each serving provides about 35 grams of protein.

Discover how easy it is to bring a delicious and healthy dinner to your table without a lot of fuss or complicated steps. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these turkey medallions will become a fast favorite in your meal rotation.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Medallions
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These air fryer turkey tenderloin medallions are seasoned with a delicious mustard herb blend, making for a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. This recipe for air fryer turkey tenderloin is simple to follow and yields tender, juicy results every time. Each serving provides about 35 grams of protein. Discover how easy it is to bring a delicious and healthy dinner to your table without a lot of fuss or complicated steps. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these turkey medallions will become a fast favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Turkey: Start by patting the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a nicer sear. Place them on a clean cutting board.
2. 2. Slice into Medallions: Using a sharp knife, slice each tenderloin crosswise into 1-inch thick medallions. Aim for consistent thickness so they cook evenly. You should get about 6-8 medallions per tenderloin.
3. 3. Create the Seasoning Blend: In a medium bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried thyme, crushed dried rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined paste.
4. 4. Coat the Turkey: Add the turkey medallions to the bowl with the mustard herb mixture. Use tongs or your hands to toss the turkey until each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides. Ensure there are no dry spots.
5. 5. Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375 F (190 C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This helps achieve a nice crust on the turkey.
6. 6. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned turkey medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate properly around each piece. Overcrowding can lead to steamed, rather than air-fried, turkey.
7. 7. Air Fry Until Cooked: Cook for 8 minutes, then flip the medallions over. Continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a medallion. The turkey should be golden brown and the juices should run clear.
8. 8. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey medallions from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful turkey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Protein: 35
Keywords: turkey, air fryer, medallions, healthy, quick, dinner, protein, weeknight, mustard, herb
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true weeknight hero, designed for anyone who wants a flavorful, healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy families, individuals looking for simple meal prep, or anyone trying to incorporate more lean protein into their diet. The air fryer does most of the work, ensuring the turkey is cooked perfectly with minimal effort on your part. The mustard herb blend adds a bright, savory flavor that complements the turkey beautifully, making it feel a little more special than plain cooked meat. You can serve this with a simple side salad, some roasted vegetables, or even a quick rice pilaf for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll find that most of these items are likely already in your pantry, or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available components.
INGREDIENTS:

- 1.5 pounds turkey tenderloin, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the turkey tenderloin, look for packages that contain two individual tenderloins, usually weighing around 1.5 pounds total. If you can only find larger tenderloins, simply cut them into medallions as described in the instructions. Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick, but a good stone-ground mustard can also work if you prefer a slightly coarser texture and milder flavor. When it comes to dried herbs, make sure they are relatively fresh for the best aroma and taste; older herbs lose their potency. You can substitute fresh herbs if you have them on hand – use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. For example, 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme and 3 teaspoons of fresh rosemary, finely chopped.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for those busy evenings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Total Time: 25-30 minutes
The prep time includes trimming the turkey and mixing the seasoning. The cook time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your medallions and the specific model of your air fryer, but generally, it’s a very quick process.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly cooked, flavorful turkey medallions in your air fryer.
- Prepare the Turkey: Start by patting the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a nicer sear. Place them on a clean cutting board.
- Slice into Medallions: Using a sharp knife, slice each tenderloin crosswise into 1-inch thick medallions. Aim for consistent thickness so they cook evenly. You should get about 6-8 medallions per tenderloin.
- Create the Seasoning Blend: In a medium bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried thyme, crushed dried rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined paste.
- Coat the Turkey: Add the turkey medallions to the bowl with the mustard herb mixture. Use tongs or your hands to toss the turkey until each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides. Ensure there are no dry spots.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This helps achieve a nice crust on the turkey.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned turkey medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate properly around each piece. Overcrowding can lead to steamed, rather than air-fried, turkey.
- Air Fry Until Cooked: Cook for 8 minutes, then flip the medallions over. Continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a medallion. The turkey should be golden brown and the juices should run clear.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey medallions from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful turkey.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly approach, you might reduce the amount of mustard slightly or offer a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch on the side.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other dried herbs like oregano, sage, or a poultry seasoning blend. Fresh parsley or chives chopped and sprinkled on top after cooking can add a fresh finish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a bit of heat.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked medallions just before serving can brighten all the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: These turkey medallions pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, a simple garden salad, mashed potatoes, or quinoa. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside sweet potato fries or a wild rice pilaf. They also make excellent additions to a packed lunch, either warm or cold.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help ensure your air fryer turkey medallions turn out perfectly every time.
- Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: This is perhaps the most common mistake. When you pack too many items into the air fryer, the hot air can’t circulate effectively, leading to uneven cooking and a steamed texture instead of a crispy exterior. Always cook in a single layer, in batches if necessary.
- Not Patting the Turkey Dry: Excess moisture on the surface of the turkey can prevent it from browning nicely. A quick pat with paper towels before seasoning makes a big difference.
- Overcooking the Turkey: Turkey tenderloin is lean and can dry out quickly if cooked too long. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and then remove it promptly. Don’t rely solely on visual cues.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Resting the meat for a few minutes after cooking is crucial. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and moist. If you cut into it immediately, the juices will run out, leaving you with drier turkey.
- Unevenly Sliced Medallions: If your medallions are of varying thickness, some will cook faster than others. Aim for consistent 1-inch slices for uniform cooking.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
These air fryer turkey medallions are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store and reheat well, making them great for meal prep.
To store leftovers, allow the cooked turkey to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the medallions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend again. Place the cold medallions in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until just heated through. Be careful not to overcook them during reheating, as this can dry them out. You can also reheat them gently in a microwave, though the texture might be slightly less crisp.
If you want to make them ahead, you can prepare the turkey and coat it with the mustard herb blend up to 24 hours in advance. Store the seasoned raw turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply proceed with step 5 of the cooking instructions. This can save you valuable time on a busy weeknight.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Here are some common questions that pop up when making air fryer turkey medallions:
Can I use chicken breast instead of turkey tenderloin? Yes, absolutely! Chicken breast can be substituted for turkey tenderloin. Slice it into 1-inch thick pieces and follow the same cooking instructions. The cooking time might be slightly less

FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.












