These juicy air fryer turkey meatballs deliver all the comfort food satisfaction with a healthier twist. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re packed with 20g of lean protein while keeping the fat content incredibly low at just 2g per serving.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a guilt-free version of this classic favorite. The air fryer creates a beautifully browned exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist – no deep frying needed!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- Ground Turkey (1 lb): Lean and protein-rich base for our meatballs
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them light
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds classic Italian flavor
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh minced garlic for aromatic taste
- Salt & Pepper (1/2 tsp each): Essential seasoning for perfect flavor balance
- Egg (1): Acts as a natural binder for the meatballs
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds fresh flavor and beautiful color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl until evenly mixed
- Form Meatballs: Shape mixture into 15 equal-sized meatballs and arrange on parchment-lined plate
- Preheat: Set air fryer to 400°F and let it warm up for 5 minutes
- Arrange: Place meatballs in a single layer in air fryer basket (work in batches if needed)
- First Cook: Air fry at 400°F for initial 4 minutes
- Flip and Finish: Turn meatballs and cook additional 4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Final Check: If needed, cook for extra 1-2 minutes until fully done
Cooking Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatballs
Want super juicy meatballs? Don’t overmix your ingredients – just combine them until they’re evenly mixed. When rolling your meatballs, use gentle pressure and wet hands to prevent sticking. If you’re new to air frying, remember that a single layer of meatballs is key for even cooking. The nice thing about turkey meatballs is that you can easily check their doneness with a meat thermometer – they should read 165°F at the center.
Easy Substitutions
No worries if you need to switch things up! Regular breadcrumbs work just as well as gluten-free ones. Fresh out of fresh parsley? Use 2 teaspoons of dried parsley instead. You can swap the oregano for Italian seasoning, or use basil for a different twist. If you don’t have fresh garlic, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder will do the trick.
Serving Ideas
These turkey meatballs are super versatile! Toss them with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce, or pop them on a sub roll for a healthy meatball sandwich. They’re amazing over zucchini noodles if you’re watching your carbs. You can also serve them as appetizers with a side of marinara or pesto for dipping. For a complete meal, pair them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
These meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months – just place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or microwave them for about 1 minute. They’re great for meal prep!
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey
- 1/2 cup Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Add ground turkey, breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, egg and fresh parsley to a medium sized bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Roll into 15 equal sized meatballs and place on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 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. Turn the meatballs over and cook for another 4 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165F. If the meatballs are not yet completely cooked, place them back in the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes.
