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These easy and healthy air fryer turkey meatballs are one of those recipes you’ll want on repeat! They’re made with lean ground turkey, simple pantry ingredients, and packed with classic Italian flavors. They cook quickly in the air fryer in about 10 minutes while staying incredibly juicy.
For more delicious and healthy turkey meatballs, try our cottage cheese turkey meatballs, turkey pesto meatballs, and turkey stuffing meatballs next!
Table of Contents
🔍 Quick Look: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 10 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes
- 🍽 Calories: ~125 kcal per serving
- 👥 Servings: 6 servings, makes about 26 meatballs
- 🥣 Key Ingredients: Ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, seasonings
- 📖 Dietary Information: High-protein, meal prep-friendly
- 👩🍳 Cook Method: Air-Fried
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Healthy: These meatballs are a healthy, high-protein option. They come together with lean ground turkey or ground turkey breast.
- Quick & Easy: These meatballs are easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus, they only take about 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer and are ready in about 20 minutes!
- Delicious: These turkey meatballs are incredibly flavorful! What sets them apart is the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs are perfect for meal prep! Store them in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week, or freeze them for later!
- Versatile: Serve them in so many delicious ways, whether it be over pasta, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or as an appetizer.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Turkey: The base of these meatballs is ground turkey. For slightly juicier meatballs, use lean ground turkey, or opt for ground turkey breast for a lighter option. Try our air fryer turkey burgers next!
- Egg: One egg adds moisture to keep the meatballs juicy and tender. It helps prevent them from drying out.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help the mixture come together and help hold the meatballs together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor to the meatballs.
- Seasonings: Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for incredible flavor.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Italian Seasoning Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme instead.
- Ground Turkey Substitution: You can swap the ground turkey with lean ground chicken or ground chicken breast, if preferred.
- Breadcrumb Options: We used panko breadcrumbs, but regular breadcrumbs also work. Or, you can use seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, but omit the Italian seasoning from this recipe.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, or swap with oat flour.
How To Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- Add the ground turkey, whisked egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
- Mix to combine the meatball mixture until well combined.
- Place a parchment paper liner in your air fryer basket. Use a small cookie scoop to form the meatballs into even-sized meatballs. Add the meatballs to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them in batches if needed. If you don’t have an air fryer, try our baked Italian turkey meatballs.
- Air fry the turkey meatballs, turning halfway through, or until fully cooked.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Over-Work the Mixture: Mix just until combined to keep them tender, not dense.
- Even-Sized Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to form even-sized meatballs, so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with space between them. Cook them in batches if needed.
- Flip Halfway Through: It’s best to flip or lightly shake the basket halfway through for even cooking and browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these turkey meatballs over cooked pasta, such as high-fiber pasta, protein pasta, chickpea pasta, or your favorite. For a lighter option, serve with zoodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash. Try our air fryer spaghetti squash recipe for a quick and easy method! They’re also delicious in a meatball sub or served with our homemade healthy marinara sauce, roasted tomato sauce, or slow cooker tomato sauce.
For a different twist, pair them with our homemade healthy pesto or homemade pistachio pesto. They also pair well with a simple side salad like our Italian chopped salad, high-protein Italian pasta salad, or a salad with our healthy creamy Italian dressing or homemade healthy Caesar dressing.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cooked air fryer turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until warm.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs FAQs
How Long to Cook Turkey Meatballs in the Air Fryer?
Cook homemade turkey meatballs in the air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, or until fully cooked, when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is it Better to Air Fry or Bake Meatballs?
Both cooking methods are great, but air frying is faster. These meatballs cook in just 8-10 minutes at 400°F, and still turn out juicy.
Can I Put Raw Meatballs in an Air Fryer?
Yes, raw meatballs can go straight into the air fryer. Use a parchment paper liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. They cook quickly and stay juicy.
Can You Freeze Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs?
Yes, fully cooked air fryer turkey meatballs can be frozen. Let them cool, then store them in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try!
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground turkey breast
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add the ground turkey, whisked egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
- Mix to combine the meatball mixture until well combined, making sure not to over-work the mixture.
- Place a parchment paper liner in your air fryer basket. Use a small cookie scoop to form the meatballs into even-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Add the meatballs to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them in batches if needed.
- Air fry the turkey meatballs at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, or until fully cooked, when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Video
Notes
- Breadcrumb Options: We used panko breadcrumbs, but regular breadcrumbs also work. Or, you can use seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, but omit the Italian seasoning from this recipe.
- Italian Seasoning Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme instead.
- Ground Turkey Substitution: You can swap the ground turkey with lean ground chicken or ground chicken breast, if preferred.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So happy to see this recipe to add to the ground turkey routine in my lunch menu…this was so easy, very good taste and easy to freeze for meal prep…thank you for your quick easy menu items to help us all stay on track…
Hi Debbie, I’m so happy you enjoyed these air fryer turkey meatballs and that they were delicious and easy to make. Great idea to freeze them for meal prep! Thank you for the support, I’m so happy you’re enjoying the recipes!
You’re going to want to make these air fryer turkey meatballs on repeat. They’re juicy and seasoned to perfection. Make them your go-to meal and top them with your favorite sauce or cheese, they’re that easy and tasty!
Rather than air frying these meatballs couldn’t we put them in the oven? I want to double the recipe and take them to a buffet. Thanks
Hi Rosemary, yes, you can bake these meatballs in the oven instead of air frying them. Bake them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked, when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I love your idea to double the recipe and take them to a buffet! Let us know how it goes!