Everything is better with bacon, so I’m making this bacon wrapped turkey tenderloin for dinner! Seasoned turkey, crispy bacon, and BBQ sauce come together for a delicious entree that’s elegant enough for Thanksgiving and easy enough for a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bacon-wrapped turkey tenderloin is the perfect combination of savory flavor and juicy texture in a dish that’s surprisingly easy, yet elegant all the same. The air fryer ensures the turkey stays tender and moist while crisping the bacon beautifully, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite!
The bacon adds smoky, salty depth that complements the lean turkey, making it feel like a special occasion meal without the fuss of roasting a whole bird. It’s perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving, or just on a weeknight when you want something different.
Air frying keeps cleanup minimal and cooking time short compared to the oven, making this dish a favorite around my house. It’s comfort food that delivers big flavor in a compact, easy-to-prepare package!
Katie’s tip
For a “classic” version without bacon, check out my Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin recipe!
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Ingredients List
- 1 ½ pounds turkey tenderloins (plain or marinated)
- 1 tsp kosher salt per pound (unless marinated)
- ½ tsp black pepper per pound (unless marinated)
- 10-12 slices bacon (5-6 per tenderloin depending on size)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce of choice (I use a chipotle cherry)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use any sort of seasonings on the turkey itself you like! Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, BBQ seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or sage are all great choices. If desired, you can use a small amount of olive oil or butter (around 1 Tbsp) to help adhere the seasoning, but I don’t find the extra fat is needed overall with the bacon
- I use regular cut bacon. Thick cut can work, but takes longer to cook and results in a chewier finished product. Feel free to use maple flavored bacon too!
- Any BBQ sauce you like is fine, or you can swap in maple, honey, or even brown sugar for alternatives to change it up! Fruit flavored BBQ sauces pair well with turkey – try apple, pear, or pumpkin-based ones to reinforce the fall theme if you like
Step By Step Instructions
- Pat your turkey tenderloins dry, then season as desired (make sure to get all sides)
- Start at the narrow end, wrapping a piece of bacon around with a slight amount of overlap. Start a new piece by overlapping the ends of the bacon (it usually takes 5-6 pieces of bacon to fully wrap, depending on the size of your tenderloin)
- Place in your air fryer’s basket or rack, leaving air space between each tenderloin
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 20 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 10-15 minutes, until the turkey reaches about 160°F (note that this is not fully cooked)
- Brush the bacon with the BBQ sauce, then cook an additional 5 minutes to caramelize it, and until the center of the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F and juices run clear. If you want extra crispy bacon, you can give it a few more minutes as desired
- Serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Add wrapped tenderloins to a baking sheet lined with parchment or nonstick foil
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 30 minutes
- Baste with BBQ sauce, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the turkey reaches 165°F in the center
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
- Roasted sweet potatoes – their natural sweetness complements the smoky, salty bacon. Try my Air Fryer Candied Yams!
- Garlic mashed cauliflower or potatoes – creamy and mild, they balance the richness of the dish
- Brussels sprouts or green beans with almonds – earthy and slightly bitter, adding freshness to the plate. My Longhorn Steakhouse Brussel Sprouts are another great choice, with sweet and smoky flavor!
- Cranberry sauce or chutney – the tartness cuts through the richness beautifully (especially around the holidays). Try my easy homemade Microwave Cranberry Sauce!
Drink Pairings
- Chardonnay or Viognier – creamy, buttery wines that echo the savory richness of the bacon
- Pinot Noir – light enough not to overpower but still fruity and structured to complement the turkey
- Hard cider or bourbon cocktail – adds a warm, caramelized note that matches the smoky flavors perfectly. Try my Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned!
Desserts
- Pumpkin pie or pecan pie bark – brings cozy fall sweetness to the table
- Apple crisp or brown sugar bread pudding – both offer warm, spiced flavors that end the meal on a comforting note. Air Fryer Apple Crisp is a perfect compliment!
Recipe FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Turkey Breast And Turkey Tenderloin?
Turkey breast comes from the larger outer portion of the bird and is slightly firmer in texture, while turkey tenderloin is a smaller, lean, and more tender cut from beneath the breast, which also makes it cook faster as well.
Can I Grill Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenderloins?
Yes! Grilling works beautifully for this recipe. Use medium heat and turn the tenderloins occasionally to ensure the bacon crisps evenly and the turkey cooks through without drying out.
How To Tell If Turkey Tenderloin Is Done?
The turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; when it’s done, the juices should run clear, and the bacon should be golden and crisp.
Tips For the Best Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenderloin
- If you’re having trouble getting the bacon to stay wrapped, you can secure it with toothpicks. Soak in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning, and don’t forget to remove them before serving!
- The best way to check for doneness is an instant read or meat thermometer. In the absence of one, make sure juices run completely clear (no pink)
- Cooking times can vary based on the size of your tenderloins as well as your specific air fryer. For reference, I have a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer that I use to create my recipes. Adjust as needed to suit your specific setup!
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, slice before freezing so you can reheat portions easily
- Avoid sogginess: Let the turkey cool completely before sealing to prevent steam from softening the bacon
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer (Best Method): Reheat at 350°F for 4–6 minutes (depending on portion size), or until warm and the bacon is crisp again
- Oven: Place on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil; heat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes
- Microwave: Use only for quick single portions; it will soften the bacon. Heat in short bursts (30 seconds) at a time until heated through
Serving Tips
- Slice the tenderloin into medallions to show off the juicy interior and crisp bacon wrapping!
- Drizzle with maple glaze, herbed butter, or cranberry reduction for extra flavor
- Garnish with rosemary or fresh thyme sprigs for a festive touch, especially for holiday presentations!
More Air Fryer Turkey Recipes
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Final Thoughts
This tasty air fryer bacon wrapped turkey tenderloin is so simple to make, but looks fancy enough to be served on a holiday platter for Thanksgiving or even Christmas! It’s great for smaller gatherings, but also easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
The air fryer delivers juicy turkey breast tenderloin wrapped in crispy bacon for the perfect balance to the otherwise lean protein. Add in your favorite seasonings and some BBQ for a flavor-packed explosion!
For more delicious recipe options, see all of my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes for inspiration, or for more ideas to complete a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving spread, or even just to round out your seasonal meal, check out all of my Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes too!
Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenderloin (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds turkey tenderloins (plain or marinated)
- 1 tsp salt per pound (unless marinated)
- ½ tsp black pepper per pound (unless marinated)
- 10-12 slices bacon (usually 5-6 per tenderloin, depending on size)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (such as chipotle cherry)
Instructions
- Pat your turkey tenderloins dry, then season as desired (make sure to get all sides). If marinated, then just leave as is1 ½ pounds turkey tenderloins, 1 tsp salt per pound, ½ tsp black pepper per pound
- Start at the narrow end, wrapping a piece of bacon around with a slight amount of overlap. Start a new piece by overlapping the ends of the bacon10-12 slices bacon
- Place in your air fryer’s basket or rack, leaving air space between each tenderloin
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F for 20 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 10-15 minutes, until the turkey reaches about 160°F (note that this is not fully cooked)
- Brush the bacon with the BBQ sauce, then cook an additional 5 minutes to caramelize it, and until the center of the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F and juices run clear. If you want extra crispy bacon, you can give it a few more minutes as desired¼ cup BBQ sauce
- Serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Add wrapped tenderloins to a baking sheet lined with parchment or nonstick foil
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 30 minutes
- Baste with BBQ sauce, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the turkey reaches 165°F in the center
Notes
- You can use any sort of seasonings on the turkey itself you like! Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, BBQ seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or sage are all great choices
- I use regular cut bacon. Thick cut can work, but takes longer to cook and results in a chewier finished product. Feel free to use maple flavored bacon too!
- Any BBQ sauce you like is fine, or you can swap in maple, honey, Dijon, or even brown sugar for alternatives to change it up! Fruit flavored BBQ sauces pair well with turkey – try apple, pear, or pumpkin-based ones to reinforce the fall theme if you like
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, choice of seasoning, size of pieces, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
