Looking for a wholesome, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in a snap? This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is here to save the day! These tender, juicy meatballs have all the comforting flavors you crave, but without any of the fuss or heavy oil from frying. They’re golden on the outside, surprisingly moist inside, and so versatile—you’ll want to make extras for easy weekday meals. Whether you’re new to air frying or already a fan, this recipe will quickly earn a place in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is how it combines simple, everyday ingredients that each offer something special. From juicy turkey to savory Parmesan, they all play a starring role in taste, texture, and color, ensuring every bite is truly memorable.
- Ground Turkey: The lean base of these meatballs, it stays moist while keeping things light and packed with protein.
- Breadcrumbs: They help bind everything together and lend a soft tenderness to the finished meatballs.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a touch of savory richness and a subtle nutty flavor in every bite.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together so your meatballs don’t fall apart.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses an irresistible punch of aromatic flavor you can’t skip.
- Chopped Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of green, making the meatballs extra vibrant.
- Italian Seasoning: A quick way to get a medley of herbs (like oregano and basil) for deep flavor without extra effort.
- Onion Powder: Boosts savory notes and enhances overall depth of taste.
- Salt: Just enough to bring out all the wonderful flavors in the mix.
- Black Pepper: A gentle touch for spice and warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Olive Oil Spray: Ensures the meatballs get that perfect golden color in the air fryer without extra calories.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Take a gentle approach here—using clean hands or a fork, mix until everything just comes together. You want everything combined without overworking, which helps guarantee light, tender meatballs instead of tough ones.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Now, scoop out portions and roll into balls about 1 1/2 inches wide—this size ensures quick and even cooking. You should end up with 18 to 20 meatballs. If the mixture is a little sticky, lightly oil your hands or use a cookie scoop for neater balls and less mess.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C) for about three minutes. While it’s warming up, give the basket a light spray of olive oil. This not only helps with browning but also keeps the meatballs from sticking. Even if your air fryer basket claims to be nonstick, a quick spray works wonders.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Arrange the shaped meatballs in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one. Don’t overcrowd—the air needs to move freely for even browning. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for an even golden crust. When the internal temperature hits 165°F (use a meat thermometer for best results), they’re done!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the air fryer turkey meatballs are golden and cooked to perfection, let them cool briefly before serving. Pair with your favorite sauce, nestle into pasta or grain bowls, or simply enjoy as-is for a satisfying, high-protein snack.
How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan gives these meatballs a touch of freshness and a restaurant-worthy presentation. For an extra savory kick, try a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes, or keep it mellow and family-friendly with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is fantastic with classic spaghetti and marinara, but don’t stop there! Serve these with fluffy basmati rice, toss them into a grain bowl, or pair with roasted veggies for a wholesome, balanced plate. They also dress up beautifully with a side salad or cozy skillet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or simply want a fun twist, pop a toothpick in each meatball for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Or stack them on slider buns with a smear of pesto or aioli for irresistible mini sandwiches. For meal prep, portion them into lunch containers with pasta or colorful veggies—easy, tasty, and totally satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover air fryer turkey meatballs to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, ready for easy snack attacks, lunchboxes, or last-minute dinners.
Freezing
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is absolutely freezer-friendly. To freeze, let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, just pop as many frozen or chilled meatballs as you need into your air fryer at 350°F. Heat for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until piping hot. They come out just as tender and juicy as when first cooked—no sogginess, no microwaved rubberiness!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is easily adaptable to ground chicken or beef. Chicken yields a similar lightness while beef gives the meatballs a richer, more robust flavor. Whichever you choose, just monitor for doneness, as cooking times may vary a little.
Do I have to use Parmesan, or can I substitute another cheese?
Parmesan brings that perfect salty, nutty note, but you can swap in Pecorino or even Romano. If you need to avoid dairy, nutritional yeast is a great alternative for flavor.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! Simply shape the meatballs, place them on a lined baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, turning once. You’ll get a similarly delicious result, just a bit less crisp on the outside.
Why are my turkey meatballs dry?
Turkey is lean, so it’s important not to overcook. Adding up to 2 tablespoons of milk to the mixture (as suggested in the notes) can boost moisture. Also, handle the meat gently and avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs as a direct substitute. Everything else in this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy these any night of the week.
Final Thoughts
If you give this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe a try, I promise it’ll become one of your kitchen MVPs. Whether you serve them for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or meal prep, you’ll fall in love with how easy, tasty, and versatile these meatballs are. Go on, fire up that air fryer and see for yourself!
Print
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a healthier twist on the classic dish, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal. Made with ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic seasonings, these meatballs are a delicious addition to pasta, salads, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, making about 18-20 meatballs.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil. Arrange meatballs in a single layer, ensuring space between each. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce, pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- Leftover meatballs freeze well—fully cook, cool, and freeze in a single layer. Reheat by air frying for 5–6 minutes at 350°F.
- For added moisture, incorporate 1–2 tablespoons of milk into the meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
