Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
199 kcal
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Course
Lunch
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Cuisine
Italian, International
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Description
The recipe mixes lean ground turkey with a large egg and Italian breadcrumbs to bind. Seasonings include garlic powder (or fresh garlic alternative), onion powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped basil, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese for depth and freshness. After gently combining without overmixing, the mixture is shaped into 16-20 meatballs.
Cooking in a preheated air fryer at 360°F crisps the meatballs evenly on the outside while keeping the centers moist and well-cooked. The process takes 8-10 minutes per batch, depending on air fryer size and load. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure safety.
These meatballs can be served with pasta and various sauces like marinara, pesto, or a simple red sauce. They are practical to prepare ahead, and leftovers store well refrigerated and frozen. Reheating is convenient in the microwave or on the stovetop with sauce.
Swapping garlic powder for fresh minced garlic or adjusting bread crumbs with Italian seasoning allows flavor tweaks. Freezing without sauce prolongs quality up to three months. Proper spacing prevents sticking or uneven cooking during air frying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean is best
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup Italian breadcrumbs gluten-free if needed, or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ¼ cup basil finely chopped, fresh
- 3 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F, and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Gently mix with your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form 16–20 meatballs using a scooper or your hands and place them on a plate.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced out and not overlapping. If needed, cook in two batches.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve with marinara, red sauce, or pesto over pasta, and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute garlic powder with 2 to 3 minced fresh garlic cloves for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
- Use Italian breadcrumbs if possible; if using plain breadcrumbs, add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the mixture.
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
- Freeze cooled meatballs without sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat meatballs in the microwave for 30 to 90 seconds or warm in sauce on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 199 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 199kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 107mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 219mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 395mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 204IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 68mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.