There is nothing quite like the joy of savoring homemade meatballs that are tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection with minimal fuss. This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is a game changer because it uses lean ground turkey combined with simple, fresh ingredients to create a healthy yet indulgent dish. Each bite bursts with the perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and cheese, and the air fryer cooks them to a golden crisp outside while keeping the inside delightfully juicy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or impressing friends at your next gathering, these turkey meatballs are sure to become a beloved staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step to making your Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe come alive. Each item plays a key role in delivering the right texture, rich flavor, and vibrant color that will make every meatball a delicious success.
- 1 pound ground turkey (85/15 or 93/7): The lean protein base that keeps the meatballs moist without excess fat.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the mixture cohesive.
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs: Adds light texture and helps absorb moisture for tender meatballs.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Elevates the flavor with salty umami richness.
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley: Introduces fresh herbal notes and a pop of green color.
- 2 tablespoons water: Keeps the mixture moist and tender during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps brown the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Provides aromatic depth and savory punch.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Enhances overall flavor with mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential seasoning that brings all flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket
Start by lightly coating your air fryer basket with cooking spray or spreading a small amount of olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking. This simple prep step ensures your meatballs will come out perfectly golden and intact.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, water, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until it is thoroughly combined but be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your clean hands, portion out the mixture evenly to create 12 uniform meatballs. Even sizing ensures they cook evenly and look great when served.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the turkey meatballs in the basket with space between each one so the hot air can circulate freely. Cook for 16 to 18 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re done when the surface is golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 165°F inside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, your meatballs are ready to be savored with any sauce or accompaniments you love! They’re perfect topped on pasta, nestled in a sandwich, or paired with a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly grated parmesan, finely chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate your Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe to the next level. These simple touches add vibrant color and enhance the flavor profile, making each bite feel special.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter noodles, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad. The versatility allows you to adapt the meal to whatever mood you’re in.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try serving the meatballs on mini skewers as an appetizer, or stuff them into soft pita pockets with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies for a Mediterranean twist. Another fun option is to use them as a pizza topping, combining flavors in an unexpected but delightful way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to reheat for an easy second meal.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months, making them perfect for pre-made meals when you’re short on time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen meatballs in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can warm them gently in a saucepan with your favorite sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be a great substitute and will yield similar results, though turkey generally has a slightly richer flavor. Just follow the same cooking times and instructions.
Do I need to add oil to the air fryer basket every time?
Lightly coating the basket with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil is recommended to prevent sticking, but if you find your air fryer has a non-stick basket, you might be able to skip this step occasionally.
What if I don’t have Italian breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning or even crushed crackers as a substitute to retain that flavorful breadcrumb texture.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The best way is to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F to be safe and perfectly cooked through.
Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?
Yes, finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots can be mixed in to add nutrition and moisture. Just be sure to squeeze out excess water from vegetables like zucchini to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe a try. It’s such a comforting, delicious dish that’s packed with flavor but easy enough for any day of the week. Whether for simple family dinners or sharing with friends, these meatballs deliver satisfaction every time. So go ahead, fire up your air fryer, and let these tasty meatballs win over your heart and appetite!
Print
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These delicious Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Made with lean ground turkey, Italian herbs, and parmesan cheese, these meatballs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a protein-packed appetizer, they cook quickly in the air fryer, requiring minimal oil and cleanup.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 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
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil to coat the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or spread a small amount of oil to prevent sticking, ensuring that the meatballs won’t adhere during cooking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 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 all ingredients are thoroughly combined but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your clean hands, shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
- Air Fry the Meatballs: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs in the basket with some space between each to allow even air circulation. Cook for 16-18 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure golden brown exterior and proper cooking. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the meatballs and serve them hot with your favorite sauce or as a topping for pasta, salads, casseroles, or sandwiches.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to achieve the best crispy results.
- You can substitute Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
- These meatballs can be frozen before cooking for an easy make-ahead meal.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.
