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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe

4.4 from 135 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the meatballs.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

Keywords: air fryer turkey meatballs, healthy meatballs, quick turkey recipe, low-fat meatballs, air fryer recipes