If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner option, these Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are your answer. As a busy cook, I love meals that come together in a flash without sacrificing taste, and these meatballs are the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. Made with lean turkey, seasoned with savory herbs and spices, and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser.
Not only are these meatballs delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can serve them with pasta, on a sub roll for a tasty sandwich, or simply with a side of roasted vegetables for a low-carb meal. They are the ideal dinner option when you want to save time but still enjoy a meal that feels indulgent. Let’s dive into what you need to make these tasty Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Ground Turkey: Ground turkey is the base for these meatballs. It’s a lean source of protein that helps keep the meatballs moist while offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef. I recommend using 93% lean turkey for the best balance of flavor and texture.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide structure to the meatballs, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking. You can use regular or whole wheat breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
Egg: The egg helps bind all the ingredients together. It also adds a bit of richness to the meatballs, making them more tender.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch to the meatballs. Minced garlic ensures the flavor is evenly distributed throughout.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and umami to the meatballs, elevating their flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs, including oregano, basil, and thyme, brings a classic Italian flavor to the meatballs. It’s a great shortcut to adding depth without needing multiple spices.
Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the best in the turkey and enhance the overall flavor of the meatballs.
Olive Oil Spray: A light mist of olive oil spray before cooking in the air fryer helps create a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meatballs juicy inside.
Ingredients list
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for air frying)
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for each meatball. This size helps them cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the meatballs start cooking immediately and get that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 4: Air Fry the Meatballs
Spray the air fryer basket with a light layer of olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, on pasta, or in a sandwich. Enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to dense meatballs. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Use Lean Ground Turkey: I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey for the right balance of flavor and texture. You can use 99% lean, but the meatballs might be a little drier.
- Make Even Meatballs: To ensure even cooking, try to make the meatballs the same size. You can even use a cookie scoop to help measure each meatball.
- Air Fryer Size: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches. Make sure there’s enough space for the hot air to circulate around each meatball for a crispy finish.
- Add Moisture: If you find the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or a bit more egg to help it come together.
- Check for Doneness: For perfectly cooked meatballs, check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
FAQs
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs before air frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. You can air fry them directly from the freezer – just add an extra 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! If you prefer beef, ground beef works just as well. However, turkey is a lighter alternative and keeps the meatballs more tender.
How do I make these meatballs spicier?
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Can I make these meatballs in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy, but they’ll still taste great!
This Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs recipe is easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, you can’t go wrong!