Fried Turkey Tenders: the quick, easy recipe for a crispy yet juicy turkey main dish

Whether you’re looking for something quick for a main dish, a light lunch, or even just a snack, crispy turkey tenders are simple, delicious, and easy to make. These Fried Turkey Tenders have a crispy texture outside with a juicy tenderness inside.

It only needs about 10 minutes of cooking time, so if you have unexpected guests, you can easily whip up a plate of crispy turkey tenders. All you need are turkey tenders, eggs, and seasoning. Once you see how easy it is to make your own, you won’t buy them from the store again. It's a perfect recipe to enjoy turkey any time of year and not only during the holidays.

Fried Turkey Tenders Variation

Feel free to make fried turkey tenders as spicy as you want by adding a pinch (or two) of cayenne paper to the batter. Or make your own Cajun seasoning and make Cajun Spiced Turkey Tenders.

For added texture, sprinkle the tenders with sesame seeds before frying.

Tips

You can make the Fried Turkey Tenders in an air fryer too. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Place the breaded turkey tenders in the basket (don’t overcrowd the basket) and cook for about 10 minutes. Flip the turkey over and cook another 10 minutes. If the internal temperature is not yet at 165°F, you can continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

To make sure the breading doesn’t fall off the turkey, make sure to dry the breast first before adding the egg yolks. For extra tenderness, marinate the turkey in buttermilk for 30 minutes.

To make sure your turkey is tender, you need to cut the breasts across the grain. The grains are the tiny white muscle fibers you see within the breast. Slice the breast in one clean slice with a sharp knife (not serrated).

You can enjoy turkey tenders as is with a dipping sauce, add tenders to a casserole, use it to create a miniature turkey parmesan, or eat them in a wrap with fresh lettuce and tomato.

Make a homemade sauce to serve with the turkey tenders. Mix together ¼ cup, 2 tbsp ketchup, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

You can enjoy fried turkey tenders for a quesadilla, pasta, pot pie or salad recipe.

How To Store Crispy Turkey Tenders

Store leftover turkey tenders in the fridge (in an airtight container) for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or Airfryer if you want them crispy again.

How To Make Fried Turkey Tenders 

Cut the turkey fillet into strips.

Place in a bowl with the egg yolks.

Add salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix and allow to stand for 20 minutes.

Beat whites until peaks form.

Add starch to the turkey and mix.

Dip the tenders in the egg white.

Place each piece in the pan.

Fry the turkey tenders for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Serve and enjoy!