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.
