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Make Juicy and Flavorful Air Fried Turkey Meatballs Easily at Home

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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a delicious low-carb recipe thats made with lean ground turkey, egg, bell pepper, and the perfect blend of seasonings. If youre looking for a delicious low-carb dish that doesnt take a ton of time, this is the recipe for you.

Air frying turkey meatballs is a quick, healthy and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer you can make tender juicy turkey meatballs with a crispy exterior in under 30 minutes.

Why Make Air Fried Turkey Meatballs?

There are several benefits to air frying turkey meatballs rather than pan frying or baking them:

  • Quick cooking time – Air frying cooks food quickly by circulating hot air around it, Turkey meatballs take only 10-15 minutes to cook through in an air fryer

  • Crispy exterior – The hot air creates a crispy, browned exterior on the meatballs while keeping the inside moist.

  • Healthier – Air frying uses little to no oil compared to pan frying in grease or butter. This removes excess calories from an already healthy turkey meatball recipe.

  • Easy cleanup – With no messy frying oil splatters, air frying makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Make Air Fried Turkey Meatballs

Making air fried turkey meatballs is simple with just a few steps:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean or 99% lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except turkey. Mix well.
  2. Add ground turkey and gently mix until just combined. Overmixing will make the meatballs tough.
  3. Roll mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  4. Air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165F.

That’s it! In just a few minutes you’ll have tender and flavorful air fried turkey meatballs ready to enjoy.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Turkey Meatballs

  • Use 93% lean ground turkey for the most moisture and flavor. Extra lean 99% turkey can dry out.

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Gently combine to prevent tough meatballs.

  • Space the meatballs out in the air fryer basket so they brown evenly. Work in batches if needed.

  • Brush meatballs with a little olive oil or cooking spray for extra browning.

  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or spices like Italian seasoning to boost flavor.

  • Make breadcrumbs from day old bread or use panko for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey meatballs are very versatile. Here are some tasty ways to serve air fried turkey meatballs:

  • Over pasta with your favorite marinara sauce for air fryer spaghetti and meatballs.

  • In subs or hoagies topped with cheese and sautéed peppers and onions.

  • As an appetizer with a dipping sauce like barbecue, sweet chili or ranch dressing.

  • In soups or stews for added protein.

  • Over roasted cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low carb, high protein meal.

  • On a salad for a protein packed lunch.

So forget greasy pan fried meatballs and enjoy healthier and quicker air fried turkey meatballs tonight! With an air fryer, flavorful homemade meatballs are just minutes away any night of the week.

air frying turkey meatballs

How to Make Turkey Meatballs in the Air Fryer

Step 1 Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper for easier cleanup..

Step 2 Add ground turkey, bell pepper, parsley, egg, and seasonings to a bowl. Mix well.

air frying turkey meatballs

Step 3 Use a scooper or a tablespoon to shape each meatball into 1 ¼” balls.

air frying turkey meatballs

Step 4 Place the meatballs in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket, leaving room between the meatballs.

air frying turkey meatballs

Step 5 Cook at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked completely through.

air frying turkey meatballs

Step 6 Remove the cooked turkey meatballs from the air fryer and continue to cook the remaining meatballs.

Note: All air fryers cook differently. You may have to adjust the time up or down depending on the power and wattage that your air fryer cooks. Its always best to try a small portion of a new recipe in case you need to adjust the time.

air frying turkey meatballs

Use a scoop and then hand roll the meatballs to pack them. Dont pack them too tightly or they will cook unevenly.

Mix the ingredients just until theyre combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, cooking them evenly and giving them a nice outer crust.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which is the safe temperature for poultry.

Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making them more tender and flavorful.

  • Cooling Down: Allow the meatballs to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can make them soggy.
  • Refrigeration: Place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They should last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to take out only as many as you need later. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C).
  • Single Layer: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring theyre not touching.
  • Reheating Time: Heat them for about 3-5 minutes if refrigerated, or 6-8 minutes if frozen. No need to defrost frozen meatballs before reheating them.
  • Check for Warmth: Ensure the meatballs are heated through before serving. If not, heat for an additional minute or two.

Reheat in Sauce: Place the meatballs in a saucepan with some sauce (like marinara or gravy). Heat over medium-low heat until the meatballs are warmed through. This method is great for adding extra flavor.

If you would like to make these meatballs but dont have turkey, you can also use this same recipe with lean ground beef or with lean ground chicken.

Serve turkey meatballs with spaghetti noodles and pasta sauce, on a bun with sauce and cheese as a sub sandwich, or plain as an appetizer with different dipping sauces.

Air frying generally requires less oil than traditional frying methods, which can result in fewer calories and less fat in the final dish, making it a healthier option.

Enhance the flavor by adding spices, herbs, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese to the mix. You can also experiment with different seasoning blends to suit your taste.

Its generally a good idea to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking. This ensures the meatballs start cooking immediately and helps achieve a more even cook.

Making turkey meatballs in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish.

Why I Love This

Air Fryer Meatballs are some of my favorite things to make in the air fryer. They are perfect for meals, appetizers, and even meal prep. Other than these turkey meatballs, I also love to make these homemade meatballs.

I love my low carb meals and these are delicious, quick, and easy.

Love this dish? You might also love these air fryer chicken meatballs made with marinara and parmesan cheese. Theyre so good and can be served several different ways. [feast_advanced_jump_to]

But for now, lets talk about these amazing turkey meatballs. You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to make this delicious and healthy air fryer recipe.

Here are a few of our FAVORITE recommendations.

air frying turkey meatballs

air frying turkey meatballs

Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs [Step-by-Step Recipe]

FAQ

How long do turkey meatballs take in the air fryer?

Shape ground turkey mixture into 1-1/2 inch meatballs and place into the air fryer basket. Cook meatballs in the air fryer until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

How long does it take for meatballs to cook in an air fryer?

Put the meatballs in the air-fryer basket and cook for 10-12 mins until golden and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches, or cook all of them and move them around halfway through cooking. Serve with tomato sauce and pasta, or sandwiched in a sub.

What temperature to cook turkey meatballs?

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Mix turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and salt together in a large bowl. Form meat mixture with wet hands into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter without handling or packing too hard.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 20 minutes.

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