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
Scale
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.
