Fried Turkey Tenders Recipe with Turkey Breast Tenderloin 

Try this oven baked turkey tenders recipe for juicy, flavorful boneless turkey tenderloin. Perfect for a quick family dinner, ready in under 40 minutes!

My kids love fried chicken breast tenders, but I try to switch things up every couple of weeks. This baked turkey tenders recipe is a great and healthier alternative to their usual request. These tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a savory flavor from the Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. 

The tenders are made in the oven, which helps achieve a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. This baking method also means less hands-on time, allowing you to prepare side dishes like an easy homemade corn casserole or help with homework while dinner cooks. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, with an additional 5 minutes of resting time.

The first time I made these for my kids, just like with my air fryer turkey thighs, they didn't even notice it wasn't their usual chicken tender recipe. They even asked for seconds! It's become a go-to meal in our house when we want something familiar but a bit healthier. With simple ingredients like flour, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, it's an easy-to-follow recipe that results in a protein-packed and tasty meal that's sure to please even picky eaters.

Ingredient Highlight: Turkey Breast Tenderloin Strips  

Pre-cut turkey breast tenderloin strips is one of those hidden gems in the poultry aisle. This cut comes from a specific muscle just beneath the turkey breast (similar to the chicken tenderloin) and is prized for being especially soft and quick to cook. While it's not the same as the whole turkey breast, it shares the same mild flavor and high protein content.

 A simple blend of garlic salt, Parmesan, and pepper is all you need, but you can easily switch things up with bold spices. For instance, if you love heat, try seasoning it with Cajun spice — like in this Cajun-style baked turkey breast with vegetables, where the flavors come alive with every bite.

Turkey tenderloin isn’t just for breaded recipes either. It’s part of a bigger world of underappreciated turkey cuts that deserve a second look. You can explore beyond the tenderloin with a rich turkey Bolognese made with ground turkey. And if you ever have leftovers — enjoy them the next morning in this Texas French toast casserole with leftover turkey.

Instructions to Cook Turkey Tenderloin Tenders 

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy exterior on the turkey tenders while keeping the inside juicy.

Prepare the Baking Sheet

Take a large baking sheet and place a cooling rack on top of it. This setup allows air to circulate the turkey tenders, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. Spray the cooling rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the turkey from sticking.

Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three shallow dishes for the breading process:

• In the first dish, place the flour.
• In the second dish, pour the egg substitute.
• In the third dish, combine the panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well.

Bread the Turkey Tenders

Take each turkey breast tender and follow these steps:

• Dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip it in the egg substitute, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Finally, coat it with the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

Arrange and Prepare for Baking

Place the breaded turkey tenders onto the prepared cooling rack on the baking sheet. Make sure they're not touching each other to allow for even cooking. Once all the tenders are arranged, lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help them achieve a golden-brown color.

Bake the Turkey Tenders

Put the baking sheet with the turkey tenders into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your tenders. There's no need to turn them over during cooking, as the cooling rack setup allows for even heat distribution.

Broil for Extra Crispiness

After the initial baking time, switch your oven to broil. Place the turkey tenders under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. This step will give the coating an extra crispy texture.

Serve

Remove the oven-baked turkey tenders from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving, alongside my green bean casserole or air fryer asparagus.

How to Store Leftover Turkey 

If you have any turkey tenders leftover, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. For optimal freshness, refrigerate the tenders for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze them, place the cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen tenders can be stored for up to 2 months.

To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. You can also use an air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a quick reheat. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Always ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

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