If you love BBQ, then these turkey burnt ends will definitely be your jam, especially for Thanksgiving! They make an excellent snack or appetizer, and go well on sandwiches and salads too. Best of all, you don’t need a smoker to make them – the air fryer is perfect!
What Are Turkey Burnt Ends?
Turkey burnt ends are a smoky, flavorful twist on the classic BBQ burnt ends usually made from brisket. Instead of beef, these are made from smoked turkey breast or thigh meat that’s cubed, seasoned, sauced, and caramelized until the outside becomes crispy and sticky while the inside stays juicy.
Why They’re a Must-Try
- Lighter but Still Indulgent: Perfect for those wanting something a little leaner than traditional beef burnt ends without sacrificing flavor!
- Incredible Texture Contrast: The caramelized edges offer a sweet, smoky bite while the inside remains tender and moist
- Perfect For Leftovers: They’re a great use for leftover turkey from Thanksgiving and other holidays, or a budget-friendly alternative to brisket anytime!
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, in sliders, over mac and cheese, or piled high on a BBQ platter! They’re great for cookouts, tailgates, and even Thanksgiving!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients List
- 1 ½ pounds fresh turkey tenderloin
- 2 Tbsp BBQ dry rub of choice (if it doesn’t contain salt, add ½ tsp or to taste)
- ½ cup black cherry chipotle BBQ sauce (see notes for alternative options)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use other cuts of white or dark meat turkey. The tenderloin is easy to work with and most similar to a brisket tip in terms of shape. Feel free to substitute leftover turkey here as well (skip the initial cook in this case)
- Any BBQ rub you like is fine – you can use the same sweet or savory rub and sauce flavor, or a different one. Turkey goes well with brown sugar, garlic, onion, paprika, chili powder, thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, sage, and fruity flavors like cherry, cranberry, lemon, or orange. I use a woodfired garlic rub to add some smoke flavor since we’re not making these on the grill
- Same with the BBQ sauce – you can substitute other flavors (or make your own). The cherry chipotle is a perfect combo of flavor for the turkey (with a nice kick of spice), but you can use cranberry barbecue sauce, maple bourbon, raspberry, blackberry, or apple-based sauces for different flavor combinations! Feel free to tweak a regular premade sauce with apple cider vinegar for some tang, brown sugar for sweetness, or jellied cranberry sauce for a festive twist!
Step By Step Instructions
- Season your turkey tenderloins with the BBQ rub on both sides
- Place the seasoned tenderloins into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches around 100°F-110°F (it is not fully cooked at this point)
- Rest the turkey for 15 minutes, then dice it into 1 inch cubes. Try to keep them similarly sized for best results. Stir the cubes with the BBQ sauce until well coated
- Return the sauced ends to your air fryer, and cook an additional 7-10 minutes at 400°F, until the internal temp of the turkey reaches 165°F in the center of a cube and the sauce is caramelized to your liking. If you want the edges darker after the target temperature is reached, you can cook it longer, but at the risk of drying out your turkey a bit – you can always add more sauce after to help if it gets a little dry!
- Serve with your favorite BBQ sides or buns for sandwiches. Enjoy!
Note For Leftover Turkey
If you are using leftover pre-cooked turkey for this recipe, just cut it into large (1” or so) cubes, toss it in both BBQ seasoning and sauce, and air fry it until the sauce caramelizes – usually 7-10 minutes.
- Chicken Burnt Ends
- Salmon Burnt Ends
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dish Pairings
- Mac & Cheese – Creamy, cheesy pasta balances the smoky, saucy richness of burnt ends
- Cornbread – Slightly sweet and crumbly, it’s perfect for soaking up BBQ sauce. My Pillsbury Cornbread Swirls in the Air Fryer are an easy option!
- BBQ Baked Beans – A hearty, smoky side that echoes the BBQ flavors. Try some Air Fryer Baked Beans!
- Coleslaw – Crunchy and tangy to cut through the richness and add refreshing contrast
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Adds sweetness and char-grilled flavor
- Potato Salad – Especially mustard- or vinegar-based, to bring zippy balance. My creamy roasted Air Fryer Potato Salad is the perfect choice!
- Stuffing. You can’t go wrong with a side of classic Stove Top stuffing, or even stuffing waffles (press leftover stuffing in your waffle iron, then serve the turkey on top of the waffle)!
Drink Pairings
- Sweet Tea – A Southern classic that pairs well with BBQ spice and sauce!
- Smoky Bourbon or Whiskey Cocktail – Enhances the depth of flavor in the turkey. My Bourbon Blackberry Lemonade compliments the fruity notes perfectly!
- Citrus IPA or Amber Ale – The hoppy bite and citrus notes pair well with BBQ glaze
- Lemonade or Arnold Palmer – Tart, refreshing, and great for outdoor BBQs. For a boozy version, try my Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade!
Serving Ideas
- Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls – Make mini sandwiches with slaw or pickles!
- Loaded Fries or Tater Tots – Top with cheese sauce, turkey burnt ends, and green onions
- BBQ Bowls – Serve over rice, grits, or mashed potatoes with your favorite fixings
Recipe FAQs
What Cut Of Meat Is Best For Burnt Ends?
Traditionally, burnt ends come from the point end of a beef brisket due to its rich marbling and tender texture when smoked low and slow. However, other alternatives can be delicious, like chicken, turkey, fish, pork, or even hot dogs!
Why Do They Call Them Burnt Ends?
The term “burnt ends” comes from the crispy, caramelized edges of a smoked brisket point. These flavorful bits were once considered leftovers or trimmings but became beloved for their bold taste and almost bark-like texture.
Are Burnt Ends Actually Burnt?
Not quite. They’re not truly burnt, just deeply caramelized and charred from extended cooking and sauce glazing. The exterior gets crispy while the inside stays tender and juicy, which is part of their signature appeal.
Why Are Burnt Ends So Popular?
Burnt ends are loved for their intensely smoky, savory flavor and crispy caramelized edges. Whether made from brisket or turkey, they offer a perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and spice, making them a BBQ favorite and a great choice for sliders, nachos, or standalone bites.
Tips For the Best Turkey Burnt Ends
- Do not cook the burnt ends in a pan or use foil in your air fryer! It’s best to leave them directly on the grate (even though it’s a little messy) because they turkey tends to release a lot of juice that will interfere with the sauce caramelization otherwise
- You can easily scale this recipe up or down for more or less quantities of turkey, especially when dealing with leftovers!
- This recipe was made in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other air fryers can vary slightly in terms of cooking time (as well as the size and thickness of your turkey). Adjust as needed for your specific setup
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled turkey burnt ends in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
- Freezer: Freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Wrap in foil first to help prevent freezer burn
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F and cook for about 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through. This crisps the edges nicely without drying them out (though note that they will be drier overall when reheated versus fresh)
- Oven: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. I recommend adding in some extra sauce as well to help with dryness
- Microwave (not ideal for texture as they get soggy): Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short 30-second bursts to prevent overcooking
Final Thoughts
Cooking turkey burnt ends in the air fryer is a great way to make bite-sized caramelized pieces packed with BBQ flavor! They’re a leaner (and more budget friendly) alternative to traditional brisket, and there’s no grill or smoker required for this version.
Sure, turkey, especially white meat, can be tricky sometimes, but even slightly overcooked turkey is somehow still delicious in the air fryer (and you can always add some extra sauce too).
These tasty BBQ bites make a perfect appetizer or snack and is a family favorite recipe for using up leftover turkey (after Thanksgiving or other occasions).
For more ways to serve up your poultry, check out all of my tasty Air Fryer Turkey Recipes for different cuts, flavors, and inspiration!
Air Fryer Turkey Burnt Ends
Equipment
- Mixing bowl (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh turkey tenderloin
- 2 Tbsp BBQ rub of choice (if it doesn’t contain salt, add ½ tsp or to taste)
- ½ cup black cherry chipotle BBQ sauce (or similar)
Instructions
- Season your turkey tenderloins with the BBQ rub on both sides1 ½ pounds fresh turkey tenderloin, 2 Tbsp BBQ rub of choice
- Place the seasoned tenderloins into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches around 100°F-110°F (it is not fully cooked at this point)
- Rest the turkey for 15 minutes, then dice it into 1 inch cubes. Try to keep them similarly sized for best results. Stir the cubes with the BBQ sauce until well coated½ cup black cherry chipotle BBQ sauce
- Return the sauced ends to your air fryer, and cook an additional 7-10 minutes at 400°F, until the internal temp of the turkey reaches 165°F in the center of a cube and the sauce is caramelized to your liking. If you want the edges darker after the target temperature is reached, you can cook it longer, but at the risk of drying out your turkey a bit – you can always add more sauce after to help if it gets a little dry!
- Serve with your favorite BBQ sides or buns for sandwiches. Enjoy!
Notes
- If using leftover turkey instead, cut it into large (1” or so) cubes, toss it in both BBQ seasoning and sauce, and air fry it until the sauce caramelizes, about 7-10 minutes
- Times can vary between different air fryers and based on your turkey’s thickness. Adjust in small time increments as needed for your specific setup and preferences
- Feel free to swap in different BBQ rubs and sauces for this recipe. Other good flavor pairings include cranberry, maple bourbon, raspberry, blackberry, or apple
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, size of pieces, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
