If you are looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy meal, this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These meatballs are juicy, packed with flavor, and cooked to golden perfection all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you want a protein-packed snack or a versatile main dish, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and quick cooking for a dish you can feel good about sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the secret to the perfect meatball texture and flavor. Each item here plays an essential role, from moisture to seasoning to that mouthwatering golden crust you get from the air fryer.
- Ground turkey (1 pound, 85/15 or 93/7): Lean and tender, it forms the protein-packed base of the meatballs.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binding agent, holding everything together for perfect meatballs that don’t fall apart.
- Italian breadcrumbs (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of texture and helps soak in the moisture.
- Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Brings a savory richness and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Chopped Italian parsley (¼ cup): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that lightens each bite.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Keeps meatballs juicy and helps the breadcrumbs fluff up nicely.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds healthy fat and helps the meatballs crisp beautifully in the air fryer.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Injects aromatic warmth and a hint of zest.
- Onion powder (2 teaspoons): Enhances savory notes while keeping the flavor smooth and subtle.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Seasoning is everything; salt brings out all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer Basket
Before you get mixing, give your air fryer basket a light coat of cooking spray or a small brush of olive oil. This simple step prevents sticking and helps the meatballs cook evenly without losing their beautiful crust.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, water, olive oil, and all the seasonings. Mix gently but thoroughly so everything blends without overworking the meat, which helps keep your meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form 12 evenly sized meatballs. Keeping them uniform means they’ll cook evenly and come out perfectly golden all around.
Step 4: Preheat and Cook
Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for a few minutes. Arrange the meatballs in the basket with some space between each to ensure even air circulation during cooking. Cook for 16 to 18 minutes, turning them halfway through so every side gets that beautiful, crispy finish. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy meatballs.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra parmesan cheese immediately brightens your meatballs and adds an inviting touch. For a little extra flair, some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate your presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce, zoodles for a low-carb twist, or even a fresh garden salad for a light, balanced meal. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread or roasted vegetables—the possibilities to round out your plate are endless.
Creative Ways to Present
Make them the star of a meatball sub loaded with melted provolone and fresh basil, sprinkle over a warm bowl of creamy polenta, or turn them into a party-friendly appetizer by serving with various dipping sauces like tzatziki, spicy marinara, or honey mustard. This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is as versatile as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra meatballs? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps retain their moisture and flavor, so reheated bites are just as delightful as fresh ones.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these meatballs later, freeze them on a baking sheet first to keep their shape. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container and keep for up to 3 months—perfect for quick meals down the road.
Reheating
Reheat leftover meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again, or heat gently in the microwave, covering to maintain moisture. Reheating this way keeps the delightful texture intact without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use leaner turkey for this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Lean turkey like 93/7 works well, but keep in mind that very lean turkey can sometimes be a bit drier, so adding a splash more water or olive oil can help maintain juiciness.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for cooking the meatballs?
Preheating your air fryer is recommended to ensure the meatballs start cooking immediately at the right temperature, creating a nice crust and preventing them from sticking.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and the recipe will still turn out wonderfully delicious.
How do I know when the meatballs are perfectly cooked?
The safest way is to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. They’re done at 165°F, which guarantees they’re cooked through but still juicy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket during cooking. You may need to cook in batches to keep that perfect air circulation around each meatball.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving a flavorful, healthy, and quick meal solution. With simple ingredients and fuss-free steps, you’ll have tender, juicy meatballs that everyone will love. Give it a try tonight, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 meatballs (serves 12)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs recipe offers a quick and healthy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful meatballs that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with lean ground turkey, Italian seasonings, and Parmesan cheese, these meatballs are perfect for a family dinner or party appetizer. The air fryer cooks the meatballs evenly and efficiently, requiring minimal oil, making this a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (85/15 or 93/7)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or spread a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped Italian parsley, water, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until thoroughly combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain tenderness.
- Shape Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your clean hands to form 12 evenly-sized meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat and Cook: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey meatballs into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure to leave some space between each meatball for air circulation. Cook for 16-18 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The meatballs are done when they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the turkey meatballs warm with your favorite sauce or use them as a topping for pasta, salads, casseroles, or sandwiches as desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- You can substitute Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- The mixture should be handled gently to avoid tough meatballs.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
