Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

This is an excellent recipe for easy homemade turkey meatballs made in the air fryer, served with your favorite Instant Pot Marinara Sauce, and in less than 10 minutes of prep time, you will have a great recipe!

If you love a great meatball recipes, check out some of my favorites such as Air Fryer Albanian Meatballs, Air Fryer Aldi Meatless Meatballs, Air Fryer Beyond Meatballs, or Air Fryer Porcupine Meatballs.

Ground turkey meatballs in air fryer are cooked perfectly in the air fryer. These ground turkey meatballs are a healthier alternative to using ground beef. Made with turkey and without breadcrumbs, you get the perfect flavor.

If you are looking for other easy air fryer dinner recipes, my family’s favorites are Air Fryer Popeyes Fried Chicken and Air Fryer Jerk Chicken.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Ground Turkey
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Egg
• Garlic
• Seasonings: Fresh Parsley, Dried Italian Seasoning, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
• Serving: Marinara Sauce,  Pesto Sauce. or your favorite dipping sauce. 

How To Make Ground Turkey Meatballs In Air Fryer

Follow these step-by-step instructions to enjoy a scrumptious meal.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for a few minutes while you combine the air fryer meatballs.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Crack an egg into the mixture as well.

Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a spoon to mix all the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Form Meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Ensure they are evenly sized for even cooking.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Time and Temp

Air Fry the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching to allow for proper airflow. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook: Set the air fryer to 370 degrees F (188°C) and cook time for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.

Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatballs are cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. They should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

Serve: Once cooked, remove the cooked meatballs from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving.

Recipe Variations For Ground Turkey Air Fryer Meatballs

• Turkey Feta Meatballs Air Fryer: Mix in 1/3 cup of crumbled feta into the ground turkey mixture.
• Turkey Meatballs Air Fryer No Egg: Use an egg alternative or omit egg completely.
• Turkey Meatballs Air Fryer Without Breadcrumbs: Use pork rinds or toasted keto and low-carb bread, as an alternative.
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs With Parmesan Cheese: If you want more cheese flavor, add about 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese, in the turkey batter.

Air Fryer Ground Turkey Meatballs In Air Fryer Recipe Tips

• Use Lean Ground Turkey: Use lean turkey, preferably 93% lean or higher, to keep your meatballs healthier and less prone to excess grease.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball mixture, avoid overmixing.
• Breadcrumbs: Consider using panko bread crumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Add Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, or cilantro can flavor your meatballs.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasonings.
• Keep Meatballs Uniform: When forming the meatballs, try to make them as uniform in size as possible.
• Avoid Crowding: Ensure enough space between the meatballs in the air fryer basket.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your turkey meatballs are cooked to perfection and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), use an instant-read thermometer. 

Ground Turkey Meatballs In Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of ground turkey for meatballs in the air fryer? While you can use any type of ground turkey, it’s recommended to use it, preferably 93% lean.

How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the air fryer basket, with olive oil or avocado oil or use parchment paper or perforated parchment sheets designed for air fryers.

What temperature should I set the air fryer to for turkey meatballs? Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before adding the meatballs. The cooking temperature may vary, but this temperature works well for most air fryer models.

How long should I cook turkey meatballs in air fryer? The cook time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your meatballs and your specific air fryer model.

Can I cook frozen turkey meatballs in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook frozen turkey meatballs in the air fryer.

What should I serve with turkey meatballs? Turkey meatballs are versatile and can be served with various sides like pasta, rice, salad, or as a sandwich filling.

How can I keep my turkey meatballs moist and flavorful? Using lean ground turkey, adding herbs and spices, and not overmixing the meat mixture will help keep your turkey meatballs moist and flavorful.

Can I make a large batch of meatballs and freeze them for later? Yes, you can make a batch of meatballs, cook them in the air fryer, and then freeze them later in an airtight container or freezer container.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Tyson Boneless Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chicken Legs With Spicy Jelly Aioli

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