Air Fryer Turkey Sausage Meatballs and Squash

Looking for a simple, protein-packed dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This Air Fryer Turkey Sausage Meatballs and Squash recipe is the perfect one-pan solution, delivering juicy, savory meatballs alongside tender, caramelized squash in under 20 minutes.

When you need a quick, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful dinner, this Air Fryer Turkey Sausage Meatballs and Squash recipe is the perfect answer.

This dish is the definition of a one-pan wonder: tender, slightly sweet roasted squash and juicy, savory turkey sausage meatballs cook together perfectly in the air fryer, delivering a satisfying, protein-packed meal in under 20 minutes with minimal cleanup!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• True One-Pan Dinner: Everything cooks together in the air fryer basket, guaranteeing minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
• Ready in Under 20 Minutes: This is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, delivering a complete, satisfying meal faster than takeout.
• High Protein, Lower Carb: Using turkey sausage makes this a lean, protein-packed meal that fits easily into many healthy eating plans.
• Excellent Flavor Balance: The savory, herby turkey meatballs pair perfectly with the tender, slightly sweet caramelized squash.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: It’s an easy way to get vegetables on the table in a delicious format that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients Needed

• Butter: Adds richness; helps herbs stick and promotes browning.
• Rosemary: Pungent, piney herb perfectly complements turkey and squash.
• Thyme: Earthy, subtle aroma enhances savory and sweet flavors.
• Sage: Classic, musky herb essential for pairing with turkey sausage.
• Salt: Crucial seasoning that sharpens and balances all ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds a simple, necessary warmth and aromatic spice.
• Butternut Squash: Sweet, firm winter vegetable that caramelizes beautifully.
• Medium Onion: Sliced aromatic that softens and sweetens as it cooks.
• Mini Bella Mushrooms: Earthy flavor absorbs pan drippings for deep taste.
• Garlic: Minced pungent bulb provides foundational savory warmth.
• Turkey Sausage: Lean protein; forms the juicy, flavorful meatball base.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs moist and structured.
• Plain Breadcrumbs: Provides necessary bulk and tender texture to meatballs.

How To Make Air Fryer Turkey Sausage Meatballs and Squash

Step One: In a medium mixing bowl, melt the butter. Stir in half of the rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Add the butternut squash, sliced onion, and mushrooms, and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step Two: Spread the seasoned vegetables onto the air fryer racks or into the basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes to start softening them.

Step Three: While the vegetables cook, combine the turkey sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and the remaining half of the herbs and spices in the same mixing bowl.

Step Four: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into approximately two dozen 1.5-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs directly over the partially cooked vegetables in the air fryer. Return to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for another 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Air Fryer Turkey Sausage Meatballs and Squash Recipe Tips

• Prevent Dry Meatballs: When mixing the meatball ingredients, do not overmix the turkey sausage. Overmixing activates the protein and leads to tough, dry meatballs. Mix just until the egg and breadcrumbs are incorporated.
• Uniform Meatball Size is Key: Use a cookie scoop (around 1.5 inches) or consistently measure out the meatball mixture. Uniform size ensures that all the meatballs finish cooking at the same time as the squash.
• Use Freshly Ground Spices: The success of this recipe relies on the aromatic herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme). For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and dried herbs that aren’t too old.
• The Single Layer Rule: While the vegetables and meatballs can sit on top of each other slightly, try to spread them out as much as possible, especially in the last 12 minutes of cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket; hot air circulation is essential for proper browning and cooking.
• Pat the Mushrooms: Mushrooms can release a lot of moisture. Before tossing them with the butter and herbs, quickly pat the sliced mushrooms dry with a paper towel. This helps them caramelize instead of steam in the air fryer.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing Leftovers: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Be aware that the squash will soften a bit more upon storage, but the flavor remains excellent.
• Freezing (Meatballs Only): The cooked meatballs can be frozen: allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You will need to cook fresh squash when you reheat the meatballs, as frozen squash doesn’t reheat well.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat the full meal, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the squash soggy and the meatballs dry.

Turkey Sausage Meatballs & Squash Recipe FAQs

• Can I use pre-made meatballs instead of turkey sausage? Yes, you can substitute store-bought pre-made meatballs, but look for raw or uncooked ones. If the meatballs are already fully cooked, add them to the air fryer only during the last 5 minutes, as they will need less time than the squash.
• What kind of squash works best? Butternut squash is ideal because its firmness holds up well to air frying, allowing it to caramelize without turning mushy. You can also use acorn squash or sweet potatoes, but cooking times may need slight adjustments.
• How do I prevent the squash from drying out? Ensure the squash is coated well with the butter and herbs mixture. Also, avoid crowding the air fryer basket too much, as this causes the food to steam rather than roast, leading to dryness. You can also toss the squash with an extra drizzle of oil halfway through the first cook time.
• Can I substitute ground chicken or ground beef for the turkey sausage? Yes, ground chicken works perfectly as a lean substitute, but you may want to increase the herbs slightly for flavor. If using ground beef, choose a lean mix (85/15 or higher) and be aware that the meatballs may release more grease during cooking.
• Is it necessary to cook the squash first? Yes, cooking the squash for 8 minutes before adding the meatballs is crucial. Squash is denser and takes longer to cook than the small meatballs, ensuring both components finish cooking and are tender at the same time.

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