Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 3 votes

Zucchini Turkey Meatballs (Keto)

These juicy low-carb Italian turkey meatballs with zucchini are keto, gluten-free, and quick for a healthy weeknight dinner. No breadcrumbs or eggs, with oven-baked and air fryer options!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 146 kcal
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian , International

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey 94% lean
  • 1 medium zucchini 1 cup after excess liquid remove - see instructions
  • ⅓ cup diced yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper or to taste
  • For Serving: 8oz of pasta and 3 cups of marinara sauce

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Using a box grater, finely grate the zucchini. Remove moisture using a milk bag, cheesecloth, or layered paper towels. You can also use a hand strainer and firmly press down with a spoon over a sink until all moisture is removed. 
  3. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  4. Form 20 – 24 small golf-ball-sized meatballs and evenly space them across the lined baking sheet. 
  5. Bake for 15 - 18 minutes, until slightly browned on the outside and cooked through.
  6. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot on the stovetop according to the box instructions, drain, and combine with ​​the marinara sauce in the original pot.
  7. Remove meatballs from the oven and add to the pasta pot. Mix and heat until the sauce is warm.
  8. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

  • Remove Excess Liquid from Shredded Zucchini: Ensure all liquid is drained from the shredded zucchini. This is my #1 tip; straining is crucial! Without this step, the meatballs may fall apart.
  • Air Fryer Instructions:
  • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
  • Make the meatball mixture, then shape it into 16 – 20 meatballs using a scooper or your hands and place them on a plate.
  • Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the meatballs evenly in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If your air fryer is small, cook the meatballs in batches.
  • Air fry the meatballs for 8 – 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Ensure the meatballs' internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
  •  
  • Ground Turkey: I highly reccomend 93% or 94% lean, you can use 99% but they will not be as moist.
  • Storing: For best results, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat refrigerated meatballs in the microwave for 60 - 90 seconds until warm. Reheat frozen meatballs in a pot on the stovetop with pasta sauce - simmer on low until warm.
  • Freezing: Add turkey meatballs (without sauce) to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
  • Make the meatball mixture, then shape it into 16 – 20 meatballs using a scooper or your hands and place them on a plate.
  • Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the meatballs evenly in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If your air fryer is small, cook the meatballs in batches.
  • Air fry the meatballs for 8 – 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Ensure the meatballs' internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Nutrition Information

Calories 146kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 2g (3%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 62mg (21%) Sodium 658mg (27%) Potassium 502mg (14%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 133IU (3%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 22mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 146

% Daily Value*

Calories 146kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 62mg 21%
Sodium 658mg 27%
Potassium 502mg 11%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 133IU 3%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 22mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.