Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Turkey Meatballs in Air Fryer - Baked Turkey Meatballs are old school now. Welcome the healthier and lighter version of Turkey Meatballs and that too without Breadcrumbs.

All that you need to do is:

1. Just combine everything in a bowl.
2. Shape then into meatballs.
3. Place them in air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
5. Repeat with remaining meatballs.

In just 5-easy steps you have a Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe as well as an appetizer ready to be devoured.

If you new with Air Fryer Meatballs then let me tell you that they taste umm-aazing.

I have tried quite a few meatball recipe in the air fryer previously. Try this Firecracker Chicken Meatballs in Air Fryer

This easy turkey meatballs recipe in air fryer is Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Paleo, and Keto-friendly. isn't that amazing?

Just combine 99% Extra Lean Ground Turkey with finely chopped red or yellow or green bell pepper, egg, freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley or both, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Turkey Meatball Appetizer or Main Course

The best part about this recipe is that you can use it as an appetizer or you can serve it as a main course with noodles or over cauliflower rice or fried rice.

I think this is one of those Last-Minute Thanksgiving Dinner recipes that needs less than 30-minutes and not more than 5-6 basic pantry ingredients.

Now even if you are celebrating Thanksgiving alone, you don't need to buy a dinner for yourself.

Jump to:

• Turkey Meatball Appetizer or Main Course
• Ingredients
• Instructions - How to make Air fryer Turkey Meatballs
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Baked Turkey Meatballs
• Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs
• What to Pair with Turkey Meatballs
• Storage
• Top tips
• How long does ground turkey take in the air fryer?
• Why are my Turkey Meatballs rubbery?
• Can I Cook Frozen Turkey Meatballs in the Air Fryer?
• Are Turkey Meatballs Supposed to be Pink on the Inside?
• More Air Fryer Recipes
• More Leftover Turkey Recipes
• Recipe
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

• 99% Fat-Free Ground Turkey
• Finely Chopped Bell Pepper
• Egg
• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro
• Dried Oregano
• Garlic Powder
• Ground Cumin
• Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Black pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

Jump to Recipe

Instructions - How to make Air fryer Turkey Meatballs

Meatballs are already among the easiest recipes you can make, and our air fryer turkey meatballs go even beyond that. There is no need for deep frying, egg washing, or breadcrumbs. The making of these meatballs is direct, straightforward, and easy. You will have no problems following this recipe’s steps from down below!

• Preheat Your Air Fryer to 200 degree C or 400 degree F
• Do the prep work to get your ingredients ready. This includes chopping up your red bell peppers and mincing your fresh parsley and cilantro into fine bits. Ground your black peppercorns as well to get freshly ground black pepper. Lastly, crack open the one or two eggs depending on their size and lightly beat them in a bowl with a whisk.
• Now take all your cooking ingredients and mix them in a large bowl. When everything is thoroughly mixed, start making appropriate-sized meatballs from this mixture. Don’t make them too big as you will be using an air fryer to cook them.
• It's time to bring out the already preheated air fryer. Place your turkey meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave space for each meatball and don’t cram the basket too much. Instead, air fry your meatballs in batches. 
• Now either use cooking spray on your turkey meatballs or brush each one of them with a small out of cooking oil. Olive oil is a great and healthy option. 
• Now just let your meatballs cook in the air fryer for up to 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to turn the meatballs in between so that they get brown and crisp on all the sides.
• Your air fryer turkey meatballs are now ready to be served! You can serve them with toothpicks and your favorite sauces or use them in other recipes like making a meatball sub or spaghetti with meatballs! 

Substitutions

You can make the following substitutions:

• Change the Meat - Instead of Ground Turkey you can use Ground Pork or Ground Beef.
• Breadcrumbs - If you are cool with gluten, then feel free to coat your meatballs in a plate full of panko breadcrumbs.
• Vegetarian - No meat Ground Turkey Meatballs is the new thing. Replace Ground Turkey with Tofu or Tempeh or Mushrooms or Lentils. You can take a look at this Malai Kofta recipe where I've used paneer to make meatballs. You can replace Paneer with Tofu for a vegan alternative. You can also make Vegan Chickpea Meatballs or KETO Zucchini Meatballs or Vegetarian Meatballs

Variations

Change the recipe and suit it to your taste palate.

• Spicy - add chili pepper flakes while making meatballs if you love a hint of heat in your meatballs.
• Cheese - Add a touch of cheesy goodness with some crushed parmesan or shredded mozzarella to make them taste better.

See this Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs or Sticky Thai Meatballs with Peanut Sauce or Ginger Sesame Chicken Meatballs or Salsa Chicken Meatballs or Gochujang Chicken Meatballs or Authentic Butter Chicken Meatballs for more variety.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

Now, if you don't have an Air Fryer, you need not worry. I have got a solution for you as well.

I'll tell you how to make Baked Turkey Meatballs.

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Combine everything and Shape the meatballs
• Place them in a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup)
• Brush them with oil or spray cooking spray on the meatballs.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.

I learnt how to make Best Baked Turkey Meatballs from Well Plated By Erin.

Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs

• Sauté bell pepper and some garlic (if you want) in a skillet.
• Remove from heat and combine it with ground turkey, herbs, eggs, salt and pepper.
• Shape them into meatballs.
• Place the uncooked turkey meatballs in the bottom of the crock pot.
• Pour Homemade Marinara Sauce on the meatballs.
• Cover and Cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve over noodles or zoodles or rice.

What to Pair with Turkey Meatballs

The best part about making turkey meatballs is that you can pair them with almost anything under the sun. Don’t believe us? Then just check out some of the many turkey meatballs combinations we have listed down below for you! 

• Want to have a healthy lunch? Then make a turkey meatball salad! Just pair up these delicious and healthy babies with veggies like lettuce leaves, tomatoes, and avocados to get the healthiest meal ever! 
• Are you in for a wanting of something sweet? Then make a sweet potato hotpot infused with these turkey meatballs!
• Looking for a breakfast that will keep you full and energetic for the whole day? Then make a quinoa instant pot with turkey meatballs in combination for some extra bulky food! 
• Want to make something that is quick and easy to go? Then make a turkey meatball burrito! Just combine the turkey meatballs with the rest of the burrito ingredients for an easy-to-carry meal! 

Storage

Storing meatballs is easy and everyone knows it. But do you know that you can store these turkey meatballs for as long as you can by just following some easy storage tips! Just keep on reading to get the best out of your turkey meatballs for a long time even when they are just leftovers! 

• Use an air-tight container to store your turkey meatballs and keep them in the fridge fresh for up to 3-4 days. 
• You can also do a whole meal with turkey meatballs, keep it in an airtight and sealable glass lunch box and store it in the fridge. This way you will always have a ready meal waiting for you in your fridge whenever you come back home tired! 
• You can also freeze your turkey meatballs for up to 3-4 months. Just place them in an airtight ziplock bag, seal them firmly and place the bag in the freezer of your fridge!
• Whenever you want to use your frozen turkey meatballs just take them out of the fridge and let them thaw overnight. Once they are completely thawed, just microwave them for a few minutes to enjoy these turkey meatballs! 

Top tips

• One of the most important parts of making turkey meatballs is getting their size right. Make sure that they are evenly sized so that all of them will have equal cooking time.
• You can make your turkey meatballs healthier by adding a variety of vegetables like carrots, chopped mushrooms or etc.
• If your turkey meatballs keep breaking during cooking time then just decrease their size. Small-sized meatballs hold together better than larger ones. 
• You can make your turkey meatballs as spicy as you want. Just add cayenne pepper, paprika or even crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat!

How long does ground turkey take in the air fryer?

It takes about 15 minutes at 375 degrees F or 12 minutes at 400 degrees F to cook ground turkey meatballs in air fryer. Moreover it also depends on the wattage value of your Air fryer. An Air Fryer with 1700 watts will take a lot less time than 1200 watts.

Why are my Turkey Meatballs rubbery?

This is one of the common questions that people ask. The most common mistake that we often make is mix too much. Sometimes when we mix our meatballs too much while shaping them in the form of meatballs the meatballs become rubbery.

Can I Cook Frozen Turkey Meatballs in the Air Fryer?

Yes. If you are making these Turkey Meatballs Ahead of time, then you can place them from the freezer directly into the Air Fryer basket.

Frozen Meatballs will be a lot more crispier than regular meatballs. However amp up the cooking time by a minute or two so that they get cooked completely.

Are Turkey Meatballs Supposed to be Pink on the Inside?

The safest bet is to use an Instant read thermometer. It's pretty cheap and it is so handy. The internal temperature of your ground turkey meatball should be at least 180 degrees F. And YES, Turkey meatballs are supposed to be Pink on the inside when they are completely cooked.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Extra Crispy Popcorn Shrimp in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

More Leftover Turkey Recipes

• Leftover Turkey Mushroom and Wild rice soup (Deliciously Creamy!!)
• Thanksgiving turkey cheese ball recipe
• Garlic Sesame Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Italian Turkey Meatballs in marinara sauce
• Easy Turkey lasagna Recipe
• Instant Pot Turkey Breast
• Turkey Tetrazzini
• Turkey Enchiladas Recipe
• Turkey Chili in a Crockpot

Recipe