These juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are my favorite and can cook up in minutes. You only require a few simple ingredients and your air fryer to follow my air fryer turkey meatballs recipe. I love those foods that have minimum cooking time and less cleanup but offer a superb taste.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

You can enjoy these turkey meatballs air fryer on any occasion or day of the week. Air fryer is my first priority when cooking almost every meal. It provides delicious, juicy, and crispy results in minimum time. If you are in search of a healthy meat recipe, then this one is just for you.

Here, we will explore how to cook turkey meatballs in air fryer, tips for best results, how to serve, variations, and much more.

Why Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Are My Favorite

  • The air fryer's hot air magic turns turkey meatballs into crispy, golden bites that are simply irresistible.
  • From prep to plate, turkey meatballs in air fryer are ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods.
  • The circulating hot air in the fryer doesn't just cook; it boosts flavors. Each bite of Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs bursts with the rich, savory goodness of the chosen spices.
  • Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a hit with all generations. The crispy exterior and the savory, well-cooked interior satisfy both kids and adults.

Required Ingredients

  • Ground Turkey - 1 pound
  • Breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup
  • Egg (beaten) - 1
  • Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon
  • Onion Powder - 1 teaspoon
  • Italian Seasoning - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Fresh Parsley - 1/4 cup
  • Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Olive Oil Sprayer or Brush
  • Tongs or Fork
  • Kitchen Thermometer

How To Cook Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), and allow it to preheat.
  • Prepare the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix all the ingredients to make a well-combined mixture.
  • Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs. Make sure that all the meatballs are of the same size to ensure even cooking.
  • Prep the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil using a sprayer or brush. This helps prevent the meatballs from sticking.
  • Arrange the Meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

  • Air Fry the Meatballs: Cook the meatballs in the preheated air fryer for approximately 10–15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs or a fork to flip the meatballs, which ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
  • Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatballs are thoroughly cooked, use a kitchen thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

  • Serve and Enjoy: Once the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside your preferred side dishes.

Top Recipe Tips

  1. Use fresh parsley to add a burst of freshness and enhance the overall flavor profile of your meatballs.
  2. Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior on the meatballs right from the start.
  3. Ensure uniform sizes for your meatballs to guarantee even cooking. This prevents some meatballs from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
  4. Prevent sticking by lightly coating the air fryer basket with olive oil. This simple step ensures easy removal and helps maintain the shape of your meatballs.
  5. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. This ensures they are thoroughly cooked, safe to eat, and maintain juiciness.

How To Serve

  1. Classic Meatball Subs:
    • Place the air-fried turkey meatballs in a sub roll.
    • Add a layer of marinara sauce.
    • Top with melted mozzarella cheese.
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
    • Serve warm for a satisfying meatball sub.
  2. Spaghetti and Meatballs:
    • Cook your favorite pasta.
    • Top with air fryer turkey meatballs.
    • Ladle marinara sauce over the meatballs.
    • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Meatball Skewers for Parties:
    • Skewer turkey meatballs air fryer with toothpicks.
    • Arrange on a serving platter.
    • Provide dipping sauces like tzatziki or spicy mustard.
    • Perfect for a party or as a delightful appetizer.
  4. Meatball Sliders:
    • Slice mini buns in half.
    • Place a mini air-fried turkey meatball on each.
    • Add a dollop of marinara sauce.
    • Secure with toothpicks for a tasty slider option.

Flavorful Recipe Variations

  • Add a cube of mozzarella cheese to each meatball before air frying. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy surprise in every bite.
  • Mix chopped spinach and crumbled feta into the turkey mixture. The combination of earthy spinach and tangy feta adds a unique taste.
  • Blend curry powder and coconut milk into the turkey mixture. It will offer a delightful combination of warm spices and creamy coconut.
  • Add finely chopped pecans to the meatball mixture. Drizzle with a honey mustard glaze for a delightful crunch and sweetness.
  • Mix soy sauce and sesame oil into the turkey mix. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

How To Store Leftovers

  1. Refrigeration:
    • Allow the meatballs to cool to room temperature before storing.
    • Place the leftover meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  2. Freezing:
    • If you have a larger batch or want to store them for an extended period, freezing is a great option.
    • Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet with space between each to prevent sticking.
    • Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the meatballs are individually frozen.
    • Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  3. Reheating:
    • Reheat the meatballs in the air fryer for about 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check for doneness after the first few minutes.
    • If reheating from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
    • Periodically check the internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Why Are My Turkey Meatballs Rubbery?
Rubberiness in turkey meatballs can occur due to overmixing the ingredients or using lean ground turkey without sufficient fat. To achieve a tender texture, avoid overworking the mixture and use a combination of lean and slightly fattier ground turkey.

How Long Does It Take To Air Fry A Turkey?
The cooking time for air-frying a turkey depends on its size. As a general guideline, cook at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15 minutes per pound. However, always refer to specific air fryer and turkey size guidelines for accurate cooking times.

How Do You Know When Turkey Meatballs Are Done?
To ensure your turkey meatballs are thoroughly cooked, use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature. They are done when the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the meatballs should have a golden brown exterior and be firm to the touch.

Are Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs A Healthier Alternative To Traditional Fried Meatballs?
Yes, using the air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil, making these meatballs a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions while maintaining a delicious, crispy exterior.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs?
These meatballs complement various sides, such as pasta, rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. The versatility allows you to pair them with your favorite sides.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

⏱️Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 05 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

🥘Ingredients

  • Ground Turkey - 1 pound
  • Breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup
  • Egg (beaten) - 1
  • Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon
  • Onion Powder - 1 teaspoon
  • Italian Seasoning - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Fresh Parsley - 1/4 cup
  • Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon

📝Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), and allow it to preheat.
  2. Prepare the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix all the ingredients to make a well-combined mixture.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs. Make sure that all the meatballs are of the same size to ensure even cooking.
  4. Prep the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil using a sprayer or brush. This helps prevent the meatballs from sticking.
  5. Arrange the Meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
  6. Air Fry the Meatballs: Cook the meatballs in the preheated air fryer for approximately 10–15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs or a fork to flip the meatballs, which ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
  7. Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatballs are thoroughly cooked, use a kitchen thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside your preferred side dishes.

📝Recipe Notes

  1. Use fresh parsley to add a burst of freshness and enhance the overall flavor profile of your meatballs.
  2. Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior on the meatballs right from the start.
  3. Ensure uniform sizes for your meatballs to guarantee even cooking. This prevents some meatballs from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
  4. Prevent sticking by lightly coating the air fryer basket with olive oil. This simple step ensures easy removal and helps maintain the shape of your meatballs.
  5. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs. This ensures they are thoroughly cooked, safe to eat, and maintain juiciness.

🔍Nutrition

Calories: 180kcallFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 20gSodium: 350mgFiber: 1gIron: 1.5mg

These values are approximate and can differ based on the specific recipe and ingredients.