If you’re looking for a delicious, wholesome meal that comes together quickly and bursts with flavor, the Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is about to be your new best friend. These juicy, tender meatballs are perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, parmesan, and garlic, then cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer — giving you that coveted crispy outside without any extra oil. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a protein-packed snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe fits the bill and will have everyone asking for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key for meatballs that deliver on taste, texture, and appearance. Each simple element in this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe plays a special role to keep the meatballs moist, flavorful, and irresistibly golden.
- 1 pound ground turkey (85/15 or 93/7): The lean protein base that keeps these meatballs light and juicy.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs: Adds structure and a subtle herby flavor to each bite.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty richness that enhances the turkey’s mild taste.
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley: Freshness and a pop of green color brighten these meatballs.
- 2 tablespoons water: Keeps the mixture moist and easy to work with.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps the meatballs crisp up in the air fryer.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Gives a punch of savory depth and aroma.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Complements the garlic and rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just the right amount of heat for balanced seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer Basket
Before you even touch the turkey, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or rub on a small amount of oil. This simple step prevents sticking and helps the meatballs cook with a perfect crispy outside while still being juicy inside. Trust me, skipping this can turn your perfect meatball dreams into a sticky mess.
Step 2: Combine All Your Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and add the ground turkey, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, water, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Now, gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are fully combined but not overworked. This ensures tender meatballs that hold together without becoming dense.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your clean hands, form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs. Keeping them uniform ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer, so none end up undercooked or dried out. Plus, they look super inviting when served the same size!
Step 4: Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the meatballs in the basket with space between each to allow hot air circulation. Cook for 16 to 18 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through. The meatballs are done once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have developed a beautiful golden crust. This step is where your Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe truly shines, delivering texture and flavor you won’t believe came from an air fryer.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds just the right touch of color and freshness that nicely contrasts the meatballs’ savory richness. A drizzle of extra parmesan doesn’t hurt either and makes them look like you put extra love into plating.
Side Dishes
These turkey meatballs are versatile and pair wonderfully with classic spaghetti and tomato sauce, a crisp side salad for a light meal, or even creamy mashed potatoes for comforting vibes. You can also toss them over roasted veggies or serve them with warm pita and tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond traditional plates? How about using these meatballs to top a loaded vegetable pizza, stuffing them into sliders for party snacks, or threading them onto skewers with colorful bell peppers for a fun and festive look? The Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is your ticket to endless presentation possibilities.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover turkey meatballs store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch or a quick protein boost for dinner during busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container—perfect for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps their crispy exterior intact much better than microwaving, preserving the delicious texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works similarly and will still yield moist, flavorful meatballs, though turkey tends to have a slightly richer taste that complements the seasoning perfectly.
Do I have to use an air fryer?
While the air fryer is fantastic for quickly achieving crispy, juicy meatballs, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes or pan-fry them until golden brown. Just watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.
How do I make sure the meatballs don’t fall apart?
The key is gently mixing ingredients without overworking the meat and including a binder like egg and breadcrumbs. Also, handle them delicately during shaping and flipping to keep them intact.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, or even a bit of smoked paprika to customize the flavors. Just keep the balance so the seasoning doesn’t overpower the turkey.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Traditional Italian breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can easily swap them for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to keep the meatballs gluten-free without sacrificing texture or taste.
Final Thoughts
Making these Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is such a joy — from the simplicity of the ingredients to the rewarding golden crust you get from the air fryer. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want something wholesome but fuss-free, or whenever you crave a comforting homemade meal. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen — your taste buds will thank you!
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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 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 turkey meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey and a blend of Italian herbs and spices, these meatballs are cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a crispy outside and tender inside. Ideal for serving as a snack, appetizer, or main dish topping for pasta or salads, these meatballs blend convenience with classic taste.
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 olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- 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 all ingredients together until thoroughly combined but don’t overmix to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or clean hands to form 12 evenly sized meatballs to ensure uniform cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to guarantee the meatballs cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Cook Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each for proper air circulation. Cook for 16-18 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to brown all sides. Meatballs are done when golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Serve: Serve the air fryer turkey meatballs with your favorite pasta sauce, as a topping for pasta, salads, casseroles, sandwiches, or enjoy them as a protein-packed snack.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safety.
- For added moisture, avoid overmixing the turkey mixture.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- These meatballs pair well with marinara sauce, pesto, or a creamy dip.
