Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a quick and healthy option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. They come out tender and flavorful with a crispy outside, all without the hassle of frying in oil. Perfect served with your favorite sauce or pasta!
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced or microplaned)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, lightly whisk the egg. Add the ground turkey, olive oil, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into rounded tablespoon-sized meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop. You should get about 20-25 meatballs.
- Step 4: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on your air fryer’s size.
- Step 5: Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
- Alternative Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow steps 2 and 3 above, then place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese to the mixture.
- Swap the parmesan for pecorino or Asiago for a different flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist.
- Serve meatballs with marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or toss with cooked pasta for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes or in the oven until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well in this recipe and will produce similar results in texture and flavor.
Do I need to add oil to the air fryer basket?
No, the olive oil mixed into the meatball mixture provides enough fat to keep them moist and prevent sticking. However, lightly spraying the basket can help if you notice sticking.
PrintAir Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a quick, healthy, and delicious recipe perfect for a protein-packed meal. Made with lean ground turkey, flavorful parmesan, and seasoned breadcrumbs, these meatballs are air-fried to juicy perfection with a crispy exterior. Ideal for a low-fat, low-calorie option, they cook in just 10-12 minutes and can also be baked in the oven if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced or microplaned)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, lightly whisk the egg. Add ground turkey, olive oil, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Using a tablespoon or 1-1.5 tbsp cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 20-25 rounded meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other. This promotes even cooking and crispiness. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer capacity.
- Air Fry Meatballs: Cook the meatballs at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Alternative Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Follow the same preparation steps as above to form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This method yields tender meatballs, though the exterior won’t be as crispy as the air-fried version.
- Serve: Once cooked, let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them as a main dish, with pasta, or as a protein-packed snack.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model; always check internal temperature to ensure meatballs are cooked through.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Feel free to add herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
- These meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
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