Crispy and juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs will change the way you make meatballs! Made from scratch using fresh ingredients, this easy recipe for turkey meatballs in the air fryer is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and easy meatball air fryer dinner!
Jump to:
- Turkey Meatballs Air Fryer Recipe
- Watch the Video
- Ingredients
- How to Air Fry Turkey Meatballs
- Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
- Recipe Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Variations
- Substitutions
- Storage Instructions
- Can I prepare the turkey meatballs ahead of time?
- How to Flash Freeze Meatballs
- How to Air Fry Frozen Turkey Meatballs
- FAQ
- Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- Feedback
Turkey Meatballs Air Fryer Recipe
It can be a challenge to get the juicy texture you want in meatballs when you're working with ground turkey, and using the stove top or a traditional oven, it takes longer than ground beef to cook. However, that could not be further from the truth with this turkey meatballs air fryer recipe!
Air frying is the best method for achieving perfect crispy meatballs with a tender interior and so much flavor. When you air fry turkey meatballs, they develop the perfect crust on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside, all in under 20 minutes of cook time.
It is shocking how easy it is to make air fryer meatballs! We guarantee you're going to love this recipe as much as we do for quick meals on busy weeknights and meal prep on the weekends. (Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs and prep for the whole week ahead!)
Watch the Video
Ingredients
- Pork Rinds: Pork rinds add fat to keep the meatballs from drying out. Ground turkey is lean, so adding fat ensures the meatballs remain tender and juicy. Plus, pork rinds are lower in carbs (source) than both traditional breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs! Pork rinds are also gluten-free, which means even those with dietary needs can enjoy these meatballs.
- Egg: Acts as an essential binder to hold the meatballs together.
- Seasonings: A simple mixture of parsley, garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper add excellent flavor to the meatballs. We're using fresh minced parsley to add a pop of vibrancy to the meatballs.
- Ground Turkey: Ground turkey is a versatile meat that can absorb various flavors and seasonings. It serves as a great canvas for creating tasty meatballs with the desired seasonings and textures.
- Oil Spray: Use your preferred oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, in an oil sprayer, and not a cooking spray, as pressurized cooking sprays can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer. Learn more: Our Favorite Oils to use for Air Frying
How to Air Fry Turkey Meatballs
Step 1 - Insert Rack: Place a rack under the tray in the air fryer basket to lift the tray higher, bringing it closer to the heating element. See our video for visual reference.
Step 2 - Preheat: Preheat your air fryer on the air broil setting to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, mix crushed pork rinds with egg in a large bowl.
Step 3 - Add Seasoning: To the egg mixture, add fresh parsley, minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix to combine.
Step 4 - Add Ground Turkey: Add ground turkey to the bowl and mix to distribute the seasoned pork rind mixture throughout.
Step 5 - Shape the Meatballs: Form the turkey mixture into meatballs. We use a medium cookie scoop and then roll into a ball for consistent sizing. You may also use a tablespoon measure to portion out the turkey and then roll each into a ball using your hands. Try to keep the meatballs a consistent size so they cook evenly.
Step 6 - Arrange Meatballs in Air Fryer: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 7 - Air Fry: Air fry the meatballs for 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F as read by an instant read meat thermometer. Remember, cooking time may vary depending on the size of your meatballs and your air fryer model. Halfway through the air frying time, turn the meatballs over using tongs.
Step 8 - Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
The following instructions are for toaster oven style air fryers, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Combine crushed pork rinds with egg in a large bowl. Mix well.
- To the egg mixture, add fresh minced parsley, minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Combine well.
- Add ground turkey to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands to distribute the seasoning mixture throughout. Form into evenly-sized meatballs using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure and roll into shape using your hands.
- Spray the air fryer tray with oil spray in a sprayer bottle (do not use a pressurized cooking spray) and arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the tray. Spray the meatballs with oil spray.
- Air fry 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatball to check the temperature. Halfway through the air frying time, turn your meatballs over using tongs. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your meatballs and your air fryer model.
- Rest meatballs for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Crushed pork rinds add fat to keep the meatballs from drying out. Ground turkey is typically lean and, therefore, dry, so adding fat keeps the meatballs tender and juicy. We highly recommend giving crushed pork rinds a try, however, if you prefer you may substitute ¼ cup fresh bread torn into very small pieces, but the meatballs will be dry.
- To form meatballs we use a medium size scoop for uniform size and then roll into a ball using our hands.
- Air frying time depends on the size of the meatballs. You will need to add more time for larger meatballs.
- Remember to set a timer to turn the meatballs halfway through air frying.
- Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model. Always cook to the proper temperature. You can't tell if meatballs are properly cooked by looking at them, so using a meat thermometer is important.
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve them with spaghetti or pasta of choice and marinara sauce for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish.
- Make meatball sandwiches by placing them in hoagie rolls with melted cheese.
- Pair them with a side salad for a more wholesome option.
- Dip them in your favorite sauce for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low carb alternative to traditional pairings for meatballs.
- Toss turkey meatballs in Buffalo sauce and serve with carrot and celery sticks with ranch dressing on the side for a fun game day snack.
- Enjoy with veggies such as Air Fryer Broccoli and a dipping sauce on the side.
- One of our favorite ways to use these turkey meatballs is to place them in a pita with tzatziki and veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired dish like our sister site does with beef meatballs in their very popular Mediterranean Meatball Gyros Sandwich.
Variations
- Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Incorporate different fresh herbs and spices, like oregano or paprika, for unique taste profiles.
- Mix in chopped spinach or grated zucchini to boost the nutrition.
Substitutions
- Substitute crushed pork rinds with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh bread crumbs for a different texture. Keep in mind the meatballs will likely be dry without added fat. Consider adding in a little olive oil to boost the fat content and keep the meatballs moist.
- This recipe for air fryer meatballs will work for other ground meats. If you prefer beef or chicken, use ground beef or ground chicken instead of turkey.
- Substitute different seasonings to change up the flavor of your turkey meatballs according to your taste preferences.
Storage Instructions
- If you have leftover meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I prepare the turkey meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! We like to prepare the meatballs ahead of time and flash freeze them for quick air fryer dinners any night of the week. You can flash freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs.
We prefer to prepare them and freeze them uncooked for best taste and texture. It's great to have homemade meatballs in the freezer as they are so versatile and can be used in many different ways for exciting dinners.
How to Flash Freeze Meatballs
- Prepare the Meatballs: Whether you're working with cooked or uncooked meatballs, ensure they are shaped and seasoned as desired. Cooked meatballs should be cooled to room temperature before flash freezing.
- Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or wax paper. Make sure the sheet fits in your freezer.
- Space the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball. Ensure they aren't touching or sticking together. If you have a lot of meatballs, you may need to use multiple baking sheets.
- Pre-Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the freezer. Allow the meatballs to pre-freeze for 1 to 2 hours. Pre-freezing helps them hold their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
- Flash Freeze: After pre-freezing, remove the baking sheet from the freezer. The meatballs should be mostly frozen. This is the "flash freezing" stage.
- Transfer to Storage Containers: Carefully remove the partially frozen meatballs from the baking sheet. If you use parchment paper, they should come off easily. Place the meatballs in freezer-safe containers or a freezer bag. We prefer using zip top bags as they are easier to store in the freezer. Be sure to label the containers with the date and contents.
- Final Freeze: Seal the containers or bags tightly to prevent freezer burn, and then return them to the freezer. Now, the meatballs can be stored without sticking together.
Tips:
- Flash freezing works best with uncooked or partially cooked meatballs, as fully cooked meatballs may lose some moisture and quality during reheating.
- If you have a vacuum sealer, you can vacuum-seal the meatballs before freezing to further protect them from freezer burn.
- When you're ready to use the frozen meatballs, you can cook them directly from the freezer. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as they may take a bit longer to cook than fresh meatballs. No need to thaw.
- By following these steps, you can effectively flash freeze meatballs, making it easier to portion them and keep them in the freezer for future use.
How to Air Fry Frozen Turkey Meatballs
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the meatballs halfway through the cook time using tongs, to ensure even cooking.
- Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked. Always cook to the proper temperature. A meat thermometer is the only way to check the internal temperature of meatballs.
FAQ
Yes, you can use ground beef or chicken if you prefer.
While pork rinds add flavor and moisture to the meatballs, you can use fresh bread crumbs as a substitution.
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
- Frozen Chicken Thighs
- Steak Tips
- Thin Chicken Breasts
- Boneless Pork Chops
- Salmon Bites
- Try all of our Air Fryer Dinners!
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pork rinds crushed (see notes)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb. Ground Turkey
- Oil spray
- Minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place a rack under the tray in the air fryer basket to lift the tray higher so it is close to the heating element. See our video for a visual reference.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F on the air broil setting.
- Combine crushed pork rinds with egg and mix well.¼ cup pork rinds, 1 large egg
- To the egg mixture, add fresh parsley,minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, and mix to combine.1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Add ground turkey and mix to distribute the seasoned pork rind mixture throughout. Form into meatballs (see notes).1 lb. Ground Turkey
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray and arrange the meatballs in a single layer. Spray the meatballs with oil spray for extra browning. Important Note: Do not use a pressurized cooking spray, as this can break down the non-stick coating of your air fryer.Oil spray
- Air fry 5-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Insert instant thermometer into thickest part of the meatball. Important Note: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your meatballs and your air fryer model.
- Rest meatballs 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!Minced parsley for garnish
Notes
-
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
-
- Combine crushed pork rinds with egg in a large bowl. Mix well.
-
- To the egg mixture, add fresh minced parsley, minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Combine well.
-
- Add ground turkey to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands to distribute the seasoning mixture throughout. Form into evenly-sized meatballs using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure and roll into shape using your hands.
-
- Spray the air fryer tray with oil spray in a sprayer bottle (do not use a pressurized cooking spray) and arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the tray. Spray the meatballs with oil spray.
-
- Air fry 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatball to check the temperature. Halfway through the air frying time, turn your meatballs over using tongs. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your meatballs and your air fryer model.
-
- Rest meatballs for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
-
- Crushed pork rinds add fat to keep the meatballs from drying out. Ground turkey is typically lean and, therefore, dry, so adding fat keeps the meatballs tender and juicy. We highly recommend giving crushed pork rinds a try, however, if you prefer you may substitute ¼ cup fresh bread torn into very small pieces, but the meatballs will be dry.
-
- To form meatballs we use a medium size scoop or tablespoon measure for uniform size and then roll into a ball using our hands.
-
- Air frying time depends on the size of the meatballs. You will need to add more time for larger meatballs.
-
- Remember to set a timer to turn the meatballs halfway through air frying.
-
- Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model. Always cook to the proper temperature. You can't tell if meatballs are properly cooked by looking at them, so using a meat thermometer is important.
-
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
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