Name: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean); 1 egg; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup finely grated or minced onion; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Olive oil spray (for the air fryer basket)

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Air fryer turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. They’re lighter than traditional beef meatballs but just as satisfying—perfect for serving with pasta, piling into subs, or enjoying as a high-protein snack. I love how the air fryer gives them a crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and moist, all without extra oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and healthy these turkey meatballs are. The air fryer takes care of the cooking with minimal mess, and I don’t have to turn on the oven. These meatballs come out perfectly browned every time, and they’re easy to customize with different herbs, spices, and sauces depending on what I’m craving.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground turkey (93% lean works best)
Egg
Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
Parmesan cheese, grated
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely grated or minced
Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil spray (for the air fryer basket)

Directions

I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, I mix together the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
I scoop the mixture and roll it into 1 to 1½-inch balls.
I lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, then place the meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding.
I cook them for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
I let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 meatballs, serving 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for heat or swap parsley for cilantro when I want a different flavor. If I’m making them Mediterranean-style, I mix in crumbled feta and chopped spinach. For an Asian-inspired version, I add a splash of soy sauce, grated ginger, and green onion. These meatballs also work well with ground chicken if that’s what I have on hand.

storage/reheating

I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat well in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes or in the microwave. I also freeze them (cooked or uncooked) for up to 2 months. When frozen, I cook or reheat directly from frozen, just adding a few more minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, I’ve made this same recipe with ground chicken and it works beautifully. Just watch the cook time since chicken can dry out more quickly.

Do I need to flip the meatballs in the air fryer?

I usually shake the basket or turn the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the mixture and form the meatballs in advance. I store them in the fridge for a day or freeze them until I’m ready to cook.

Why are my meatballs dry?

Using very lean turkey or overcooking can dry them out. I use 93% lean turkey and avoid overmixing the meat. Adding grated onion also helps retain moisture.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

I love serving them with marinara and pasta, in a sub roll with melted cheese, over salad, or with rice and roasted veggies for a lighter meal.

Conclusion

Air fryer turkey meatballs are a simple, delicious way to get a satisfying meal on the table fast. I love how they’re crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and totally versatile. Whether I’m meal prepping or whipping up a last-minute dinner, these meatballs always deliver great flavor with minimal fuss.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs