Try this Easy Ina Garten Spicy Turkey Meatballs Recipe today! These spicy turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and quick to prepare. Perfect for tossing with pasta, serving as appetizers, or enjoying as a hearty main dish.
Nothing elevates a weeknight dinner quite like a classic recipe from the Barefoot Contessa, and her Spicy Turkey Meatballs are an absolute standout—and surprisingly easy to make!
Forget the dry, bland turkey meatballs you’ve had before; Ina’s secret lies in combining lean ground turkey with rich Italian sausage!
Add some crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to for a cozy, crowd-pleasing plate of pasta
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.
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.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Juicy and Flavorful – Lean turkey doesn’t mean bland; each bite is packed with spice and seasoning.
- Quick and Easy – Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a weeknight winner.
- Versatile – Perfect over pasta, in subs, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Healthy Twist – Lean turkey keeps it lighter without sacrificing taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Easy to prep in advance and reheat for busy nights.
Ina Garten Spicy Turkey Meatballs Ingredients
- Ground Turkey: Lean protein for juicy, flavorful, healthier meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): Helps bind meatballs and keeps texture tender.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to enhance the meat mixture.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together for perfectly formed meatballs.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic, savory depth to the meatballs.
- Seasonings (Parsley, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper): Herbs and spices that boost classic Italian flavor.
- Serving (Marinara, Pesto, or Dipping Sauce): Completes dish with flavorful sauce for serving.
How To Make Easy Ina Garten Spicy Turkey Meatballs
Step One: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for a few minutes while you combine the air fryer meatballs.
Step Two: 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.
Step Three: 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.
Step Four: 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.
Step Five: 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. Set the air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F (188°C) and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
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).
Easy Ina Garten Spicy Turkey Meatballs Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat: Gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs tender, not dense.
- Uniform size matters: Roll meatballs the same size for even cooking.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds bright flavor compared to dried alone.
- Preheat the air fryer or oven: Ensures even browning and juicy meatballs.
- Turn halfway through cooking: Helps achieve consistent color and texture on all sides.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the mixture before shaping for balanced flavor.
Storing, Freezing and Make Ahead Instructions
- Storing Instructions: Place cooked meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the sauce separately if possible to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Make Ahead Instructions: Shape the meatballs in advance and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time to save even more effort on cooking day.
Easy Ina Garten Spicy Turkey Meatballs Recipe Faqs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I freeze the meatballs? Absolutely. Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What sauce pairs best with these meatballs? Marinara is classic, but pesto, Alfredo, or your favorite dipping sauce work well too.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Yes, ground chicken works, though you may want to add a little extra seasoning or breadcrumbs to maintain texture.
How do I keep the meatballs juicy? Avoid overmixing the meat and cook until just set. Adding a bit of cheese or breadcrumbs helps retain moisture.
Can I make them spicy? Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce to taste for extra heat.
Are these kid-friendly? Yes, you can adjust or omit the spices to make them mild for kids.
More Ina Garten Copycat Recipes
- Easy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa’s Tuna Casserole
- Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
- Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Ina Garten Deviled Eggs Recipe
- Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan
- Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup
- French Potato Salad by Barefoot Contessa
- Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Recipe
- Easy Ina Garten’s Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe
- Ina Garten’s Cornbread Stuffing
- Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe
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Easy Ina Garten Spicy Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound ground turkey breast, lean
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, or Pecorino Cheese
- 1 large egg
- 4 sprays cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl mix all the ingredients together (except the cooking spray).
- Form into round meatballs (about 2” dia. Each), keep even in size to aid uniform cooking.
- Spray the basket with cooking spray first, then evenly arrange the meatballs on the rack in the basket.
- Spray the meatballs very lightly with cooking spray and cook for 10 minutes. When there is about 3 minutes left take the basket and shake a little to have the meatballs move around a little.
- Serve hot with your favorite dip or sauce.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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