These juicy, tender, and quickly cooked turkey meatballs from the air fryer are nutritious, fulfilling, and incredibly adaptable.
My turkey meatballs are sure to please anyone who has tried air-frying turkey bacon, breast, or burgers.
They cook in a fraction of the time and are just as juicy as you would expect pan-fried or baked ones to be, which is why I make them often! Table of Contents
Yo, fellow air fryer enthusiasts! Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than air-fried turkey meatballs! These juicy little morsels are perfect for satisfying your cravings without sacrificing your health goals.
Two Awesome Recipes, One Delicious Outcome
I’ve scoured the internet and found two amazing air fryer turkey meatball recipes that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds Get ready to dive into a world of culinary delight!
Recipe #1: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs from The Whole Cook
This recipe is all about simplicity and fresh ingredients. Christina, the mastermind behind The Whole Cook, uses lean ground turkey fresh parsley, garlic, and a blend of seasonings to create meatballs that are moist flavorful, and low in calories. Plus, the air fryer does all the work, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- Ground turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier option.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of freshness to the meatballs.
- Garlic: Enhances the flavor profile with its pungent aroma.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion powder add depth and complexity to the taste.
- Avocado oil spray: Prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
Recipe #2: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs from The Big Man’s World
Arman, the culinary genius behind The Big Man’s World, takes air-fried turkey meatballs to a whole new level. His recipe features a combination of ground turkey, breadcrumbs, garlic, dried basil, and a touch of milk for extra moisture. The result is a juicy, tender meatball that’s perfect for satisfying your hunger pangs.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- Ground turkey: Lean or regular, your choice!
- Breadcrumbs: Standard or wholewheat, depending on your preference.
- Garlic: Fresh, always!
- Dried basil: Adds a touch of Italian flair.
- Salt: To taste, of course.
- Egg: Room temperature for optimal binding.
- Milk: Keeps the meatballs nice and moist.
Tips and Tricks for Air-Frying Turkey Meatballs Like a Pro
- Don’t overcook: Turkey meatballs are prone to drying out, so keep a close eye on them and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Get creative with flavors: Experiment with different spices, herbs, and mix-ins to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Serve them up: Toss them in your favorite sauce, stuff them in a sub, or enjoy them over a bed of salad. The possibilities are endless!
- Storage and reheating: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Reheat them in a skillet or back in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Why are my turkey meatballs mushy? This could be due to overmixing the meatball mixture or letting it sit for too long before shaping.
- Can I cook frozen turkey meatballs in the air fryer? Absolutely! Just add them directly to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket occasionally.
- Why are my turkey meatballs falling apart? This could be due to omitting the eggs or milk, which help bind the meatballs together.
- Can I bake these instead of air frying? Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping once.
Additional Resources:
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs (The Whole Cook): https://thewholecook.com/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs/
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs (The Big Man’s World): https://thebigmansworld.com/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs/
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer and get ready to whip up a batch of these delicious and healthy turkey meatballs!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Healthy. Ground turkey is lower in calories and saturated fat than ground beef or chicken.
- Fast. From preparation to plating, these meatballs cook in less than ten minutes.
- Versatile. There are countless ways to prepare them: toss them in a sauce, place them inside a meatball sub, or serve them with salad. They make a filling appetizer as well as the main dish I usually cook for supper.
- Mess-free. My favorite thing about using an air fryer is that it eliminates the need for deep or pan frying, which means there’s no oil sputtering or cleanup involved.
What I love most about this recipe is just how incredible the texture is. The combination of ingredients ensures that the meatballs are always juicy and moist in the middle and never dry or flavorless, just like in our original air fryer meatball recipe.
This recipe calls for simple meatball staple ingredients that you’ll likely already have on hand. Here is what you’ll need:
- Ground turkey. Both lean and standard ground turkey work. Since the former is healthier and produces a meatball that is more tender, I prefer it.
- Breadcrumbs. Standard or wholewheat. Panko bread crumbs tend to dry out the meat when air-fried, so I wouldn’t recommend using them.
- Garlic. Always use the fresh kind, not dried garlic.
- Dried basil. To add flavor.
- Salt. To taste.
- Egg. Room temperature.
- Milk. Adds moistness to the meatballs.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to air fry turkey meatballs
These meatballs are an easy meal and follow just 4 simple steps below:
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer. Start by preheating the air fryer at 200C/400F for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mix all the meatball ingredients. Combine all the ingredients, except the ground turkey, in a large bowl. Using a spatula or your hands, thoroughly mix the mixture.
Step 3: Shape meatballs. Using your hands, shape 12-15 meatballs. I like lightly wetting my hards beforehand as it helps the meat from sticking to my fingers.
Step 4: Air fry the meatballs. Place the meatballs in a greased air fryer basket. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The meatballs are ready to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 165F.
Step 5: Rest and serve. Allow the meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.