Description
These Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a quick, healthy, and delicious option for a family-friendly meal. Made with lean ground turkey and seasoned with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs, they cook to juicy perfection using the air fryer, creating a crispy exterior without the extra oil. Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or topping for pasta and salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (85/15 or 93/7)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or spread a small amount of oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped Italian parsley, water, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until thoroughly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your clean hands to form 12 evenly sized meatballs, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Cook the Meatballs: Place the turkey meatballs into the preheated air fryer basket, leaving some space between each meatball for proper air circulation. Cook for 16-18 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through the cook time to achieve an even golden brown exterior. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Enjoy these meatballs hot with your favorite sauce or use them as toppings for pasta, salads, casseroles, or sandwiches.
Notes
- Make sure the meatballs have space between them in the air fryer to cook evenly and avoid steaming.
- You can substitute Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- For crispier texture, you may spray the meatballs lightly with oil before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
