If you’re on the hunt for a healthy, flavorful, and hassle-free dinner idea, this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Juicy and tender turkey meatballs with a golden crust, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, make a delicious protein-packed meal any night of the week. The magic lies in the careful blend of herbs, cheese, and spices that elevate lean turkey into something truly crave-worthy, while the air fryer locks in moisture and gives you that satisfying crispiness without the added fat from frying. Whether you’re serving up a quick family dinner or prepping for meal prep, these meatballs deliver on taste, texture, and convenience every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect meatball. From the lean turkey providing a healthy base, to the parmesan adding a subtle umami kick, and the fresh parsley brightening the overall flavor—these essentials come together with ease to create a dish that’s as balanced in taste as it is in nutrition.
- 1 pound ground turkey (85/15 or 93/7): Choose lean turkey for moist, tender meatballs without excess fat.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs together while adding a little richness.
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs: Adds structure and soaks up juices, ensuring a juicy but firm bite.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings a savory depth and slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley: Injects fresh herbaceous notes that brighten every bite.
- 2 tablespoons water: Keeps the mixture moist without watering down the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps with browning in the air fryer.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Provides aromatic warmth that enhances the overall taste.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to balance and bring out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle peppery kick to finish off the seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer Basket
Before you start mixing, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or spread a little olive oil. This simple step prevents the meatballs from sticking and ensures they cook evenly, letting you enjoy perfect meatball crusts every time.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, add your ground turkey, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, water, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together. The goal is to combine the ingredients thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat to keep those meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform meatballs, or simply shape them with clean hands—aim for about 12 meatballs in total. Even sizing helps them cook at the same rate, so none are over or underdone.
Step 4: Preheat and Cook
Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat while you arrange the meatballs in the basket. Make sure to leave space between each one; airflow is key for even cooking and that signature crispy exterior. Cook the meatballs for 16 to 18 minutes, turning them halfway through so they brown beautifully on all sides. When they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, they’re ready to come out.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish takes these turkey meatballs over the top. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a pop of color. A drizzle of your favorite marinara or pesto sauce complements these meatballs beautifully.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them atop a bed of spaghetti or zoodles for a classic meal, or alongside a crisp green salad for a light, fresh dinner. Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or creamy mashed potatoes also make fantastic pairings that can round out your plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by turning these meatballs into sliders for a fun twist, or layer them into a hearty casserole for a family-friendly dish. They’re great as a protein-packed salad topper or tucked inside a pita pocket with fresh veggies and tzatziki for a Mediterranean touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let your meatballs cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them an excellent option for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, these turkey meatballs freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen meatballs can last up to 3 months, perfect for stocking your freezer with ready-to-go meals.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through, to bring back their crispiness. Alternatively, you can warm them gently in a microwave or simmer them in your favorite sauce on the stove for a cozier option.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will produce similar results, though the flavor might be a bit milder. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they might vary slightly.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure your meatballs cook evenly and get that nice golden crust. While it’s not absolutely necessary, it’s highly recommended for the best texture.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the Italian breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative or use crushed gluten-free crackers. They’ll still hold together beautifully and taste fantastic.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The safest way is to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F using a meat thermometer. They should also be golden brown on the outside with no pink in the center.
What sauces go best with Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe?
They pair perfectly with classic marinara, creamy Alfredo, tangy barbecue sauce, or even a fresh chimichurri. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try your favorite flavors!
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a fantastic addition to any weeknight routine. It’s quick, healthy, and delivers incredible flavor and texture with minimal fuss. Once you try these meatballs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without the convenience and deliciousness of the air fryer in your kitchen. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 meatballs (serves 12) 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meatballs with a crispy exterior and moist interior, all cooked quickly and conveniently in the air fryer. Perfect as a protein-packed snack, appetizer, or meal accompaniment, these turkey meatballs are seasoned with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs, making them versatile for salads, pasta, sandwiches, or casseroles.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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
Cooking Preparation
- Cooking spray or additional oil for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Prep: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or spread a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground turkey, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, parsley, water, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix together until thoroughly combined, being careful not to overmix to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or clean hands to form 12 evenly sized meatballs, each about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Cook Meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs in the preheated air fryer basket, spacing them evenly so air can circulate. Cook at 375°F for 16-18 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The meatballs are done when golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sauce or incorporate them into pasta dishes, salads, casseroles, or sandwiches for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are safely cooked through at 165°F.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free option, replace Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Adding a bit of grated onion or red pepper flakes can enhance flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
