I love these easy homemade turkey meatballs made in the air fryer! They’re quick and light on calories! Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, over pasta or in a sub sandwich.
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of meatballs and lately I’ve been obsessed with my air fryer. So why not combine two of my great loves?
These meatballs are healthy (made with turkey and without breadcrumbs!) and are beautifully flavored with dried herbs and seasonings.
They’re so easy to make. Just combine the ingredients in a bowl, form the meatballs, and air fry! So quick and minimal clean up!
For this recipe you’ll need (full list of ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below):
To make, preheat the air fryer. Combine the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and form into balls. Wipe the bottom of the air fryer with oil or use an oil spray (I love 100% avocado oil spray). Add the meatballs in a single layer to the air fryer. Now cook and eat!
Air frying turkey meatballs is a quick easy and healthy way to make a delicious meal or appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have tender and flavorful turkey meatballs ready in under 30 minutes.
Benefits of Air Frying Turkey Meatballs
Air frying turkey meatballs has many advantages over other cooking methods
-
Quick cooking time – Turkey meatballs cook fast in the air fryer, taking only 8-12 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights.
-
Less fat and calories – The air fryer requires little to no oil resulting in a healthier turkey meatball with less fat and calories.
-
Juicy and tender – The hot air circulation cooks the meatballs evenly, keeping them juicy and tender on the inside.
-
Easy cleanup – With no messy frying, cleanup is quick and minimal after air frying.
How to Make Air Fried Turkey Meatballs
Making turkey meatballs in the air fryer is simple with just a few steps:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean works best)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Combine ingredients – In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until well mixed. Use your hands to combine everything.
-
Shape into balls – Form mixture into 14-16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches wide.
-
Air fry – Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set temperature to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
-
Finish cooking – Meatballs are done when internal temperature reaches 165°F. If needed, cook 1-2 minutes more.
-
Rest and serve – Let meatballs rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
That’s all it takes to make tender and delicious air fried turkey meatballs.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Turkey Meatballs
Here are some handy tips and tricks for perfect air fryer turkey meatballs every time:
-
Use 93% lean ground turkey for the best moisture and texture. Going above 93% can cause dry meatballs.
-
Chill the meatball mixture for 10-15 minutes before shaping. This helps them hold their shape better.
-
Brush air fryer basket with oil or use a liner for easy release. The meatballs can stick without oil.
-
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space around each meatball for even cooking.
-
Preheat air fryer before adding meatballs. This gives better browning.
-
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. 165°F internal temp ensures safety.
-
For extra flavor, add Parmesan, Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
-
Cook frozen meatballs 1-2 minutes longer, until heated through.
Flavor Variations
The basic turkey meatball recipe adapts well to different seasonings and mix-ins. Here are some tasty ideas:
-
Italian – Use Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, fennel seed, red pepper flakes
-
Greek – Add dried mint, lemon zest, oregano, feta cheese
-
Tex-Mex – Use cumin, chili powder, cilantro, salsa
-
Asian – Try ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, scallions
-
Swedish – Add allspice, nutmeg, lingonberry jam glaze
-
Herb – Use rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley
Serving Suggestions
Turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are just a few serving ideas:
-
Appetizer – Serve sprinkled with Parmesan, with toothpicks for dipping into marinara sauce or hummus.
-
Main dish – Toss meatballs with tomato or marinara sauce over pasta or zucchini noodles.
-
Sandwich – Place meatballs on hoagie rolls topped with melted mozzarella and basil.
-
Salad topping – Add to a spinach salad for extra protein.
-
Meatball skewers – Thread meatballs and vegetables onto skewers for fun finger food.
-
Substitute – Use in any beef meatball recipe for a healthier option.
With so many possibilities, you’ll enjoy finding new ways to serve these quick and easy air fried turkey meatballs.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Meatballs
Leftover turkey meatballs keep well in the refrigerator or freezer:
-
Refrigerate – Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container up to 4 days.
-
Freeze – Place cooled meatballs in freezer bag or airtight container up to 3 months.
-
Reheat – Microwave, bake, or air fry leftover meatballs until heated through, 165°F.
Freezing uncooked shaped meatballs is another great option for meal prepping. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before air frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making turkey meatballs in the air fryer:
Can I use any ground turkey?
Lean ground turkey works best, ideally 93% lean. Using 99% lean turkey may cause dry meatballs.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Mix ingredients thoroughly and chill mixture before shaping to help meatballs hold together. Be gentle when transferring to the air fryer basket.
Should I flip the meatballs while cooking?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures the meatballs brown evenly on all sides.
What if my air fryer is small?
You can cook the meatballs in batches. Just don’t overload the air fryer basket.
Can I bake these instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a parchment lined sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches.
Satisfying and Healthy Turkey Meatballs
Air fried turkey meatballs are quick, easy, and delicious. With just a few pantry staples, you can have a nutritious high protein meal or appetizer ready in under 30 minutes.
The air fryer gives you all the flavor and tenderness of fried meatballs without all the fat and mess. Let your air fryer do the work for you so you can enjoy a satisfying meatball meal any night of the week.
What ground turkey is best to use?
I like a lean ground turkey for less air fryer mess (no fat dripping into the bottom). 93% lean is what I use most often.
Do you need to spray the air fryer?
Yes. Ground turkey meatballs and patties will stick to the bottom if you don’t use an oil spray. I recommend 100% olive oil spray and use it every single time. Another solution is to wipe the bottom of the air fryer (where the meatballs will sit) with olive or avocado oil.