Air fryer turkey meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs but still taste fantastic. They’re nice and moist, loaded with Italian flavors, and perfect for serving in several ways!
This recipe offers a red meat alternative to air fryer meatballs, without sacrificing flavor or moisture. You could of course wrap these in bacon for even more flavor just like we did our air fryer bacon wrapped meatball recipe. They will follow closely.
We flavored these turkey meatballs with Italian seasoning to keep them simple and tasty. We love them on top of pasta, but they are also great as appetizers alongside some warm marinara or even BBQ sauce!
All the ingredients simply mix together for an easy recipe you will want to make again and again.
Bread Crumbs – We like to use Panko bread crumbs. They’re lighter than traditional bread crumbs and make for a less dense meatball. Plus, Panko is lower in calories than traditional bread crumbs.
Garlic – Feel free to add extra garlic, if that’s what your heart is telling you to do.
Air fryers have become incredibly popular for making deliciously crispy foods like french fries chicken wings and more using just a teaspoon of oil. They also cook frozen foods like chicken nuggets very quickly. One of my favorite things to make in the air fryer is juicy turkey meatballs! But knowing exactly how long to air fry turkey meatballs can be a bit tricky. You want to avoid undercooking them while also preventing dried out, rubbery meatballs.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to air fry turkey meatballs perfectly every time
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Turkey Meatball Cook Time
There are a few key factors that impact the cook time needed for air frying turkey meatballs:
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Meatball size – Smaller 1 inch meatballs take less time than larger 1.5-2 inch meatballs.
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Meatball composition – Higher fat meatballs may need slightly longer than lean turkey meatballs.
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Quantity of meatballs – More meatballs in the basket retains more heat, increasing cook time.
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Air fryer wattage – More powerful air fryers (1700-1800W) cook faster than less powerful models.
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Altitude – Higher altitudes can decrease cook time by 1-2 minutes.
Keeping these variables in mind will help you gauge the correct air fry time.
How Long to Air Fry Turkey Meatballs
The exact cook time can vary a bit, but on average expect turkey meatballs to take 10-15 minutes at 400°F in an air fryer.
For 1-1.5 inch meatballs in a standard powered air fryer, I recommend 12-14 minutes at 400°F. Giving the basket a shake halfway through promotes even browning.
Larger 2 inch meatballs may need 14-16 minutes. Always use an instant read thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 165°F internally.
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Turkey Meatballs
Follow these tips for tender, juicy air fryer turkey meatballs:
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Mix meatball ingredients gently to avoid dense, rubbery texture.
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Chill shaped meatballs 20-30 minutes before cooking to help hold shape.
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Spray or brush meatballs lightly with oil for extra browning.
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between meatballs.
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Give basket a shake midway through cooking for even browning.
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Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature rather than just relying on time.
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Let meatballs rest 2-3 minutes after air frying before serving.
Air Fryer vs. Oven – Which Is Better?
Air frying cooks turkey meatballs much faster than the oven. Air frying takes only 12-15 minutes while the oven needs 35-40 minutes at 400°F.
However, the oven may cook them more evenly since the indirect heat prevents hot and cool spots. Both appliances can make delicious turkey meatballs!
Reheating Leftover Air Fried Turkey Meatballs
To reheat refrigerated leftover turkey meatballs in the air fryer:
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Let meatballs come to room temperature for 10 minutes first.
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Place in a single layer in air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
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Cook at 300°F for 6-8 minutes until heated through.
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Flip halfway for browning on all sides.
You can also reheat in the microwave or simmer in sauce on the stove.
Flavorful Turkey Meatball Recipes
While plain turkey meatballs are tasty, flavors like these take them to the next level:
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Italian – Use Italian seasoning, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, breadcrumbs.
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Buffalo – Toss cooked meatballs in Buffalo sauce. Serve with blue cheese dressing.
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Greek – Add mint, oregano, lemon zest, feta cheese.
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BBQ – Brush with barbecue sauce last 2 minutes of cooking.
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Southwest – Mix in cumin, chili powder, pepper jack cheese, cilantro.
Get creative with herbs, spices, cheeses and other mix-ins!
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving air fried turkey meatballs:
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Classic spaghetti and marinara sauce. Garnish with Parmesan.
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Meatball subs with mozzarella cheese on hoagie rolls.
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Appetizers with toothpicks and dipping sauces like marinara, ranch or honey mustard.
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Added to soups, stews, chili, casseroles for extra protein.
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Over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of heavy carbs.
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In main dish salads for a hearty protein topping.
Any way you serve them, air fryer turkey meatballs make for a quick, easy, and healthy meal!
The Takeaway – Air Frying Turkey Meatballs
Air frying turkey meatballs at 400°F for 12-14 minutes delivers tender, juicy meatballs with crispy browned exteriors fast. For 1-1.5 inch meatballs, allow 10-15 minutes total cook time.
Monitor closely and use an instant read thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust cook time as needed based on meatball size and air fryer power.
Air fried turkey meatballs work for any meal or occasion. Their versatility, ease and nutrition makes them an amazing addition to your air fryer recipe repertoire.
How to make turkey meatballs in the air fryer:
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- Mix- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir it up well. I recommend a wooden spoon for this.
- Shape- Use a medium cookie scoop to get a consistent volume of the mixture and shape it into balls.
- Cook- Place the meatballs in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t let them touch the sides or each other. Cook for 7 minutes at 400 degrees. If you need to work in batches to get all your meatballs cooked, cover your cooked ones in foil while waiting to serve.
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A thermometer is a worthwhile investment, a very cheap one at that, in every kitchen for the safety of yourself and those whom you are serving!
After these meatballs are fully cooked the center of them should be 165 degrees F. If they are not, you need to cook them longer.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
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.
How long do turkey meatballs take to fry?
Heat olive oil in a pan, work in batches and brown from all sides (5-7 minutes).Feb 6, 2022
How long do you air Fry Frozen Turkey meatballs?
Air fry the frozen turkey meatballs at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes total until fully cooked and lightly browned on the outside. Shake the air fryer basket every 4 minutes to help with even cooking. The exact cooking time can vary based on your air fryer and the size of the meatballs.
How do you cook meatballs in an air fryer?
Preheat air fryer at 400F for 5 minutes. Add meatballs to the air fryer in a single layer, being sure not to overlap them. If you are working with a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in two batches to ensure even cooking. Cook meatballs at 400F for 4 minutes.
Can you cook ground turkey in an air fryer?
Ground turkey is a good source of lean protein. You can cook ground turkey meatballs in an air fryer. To make the meatballs, mix together ground turkey, egg, panko crumbs, parsley and soy sauce until combined. Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch balls. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Put half of the meatballs in the basket and air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
Are air fryer Turkey meatballs healthy?
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a healthier alternative to beef meatballs, packed with delicious flavor and ready in 20 minutes in the Air Fryer. “These look amazing! I plan to make these with sauce over the weekend. My kids love meatballs and I have a pound of turkey waiting in the fridge!”
How do you make turkey burgers in an air fryer?
1. Prepare. Grate the fresh onion, mince the garlic, and grate the onion. Also, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Mix the meatballs. In a large bowl, add the turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese (optional), and seasoning. Mix until just combined. 3. Roll into balls.
Can frozen meatballs be frozen in an air fryer?
To freeze meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer safe bag or container. To cook, thaw them and place them back in the air fryer for 5 minutes, or bake or warm them in a slow cooker.