Ella Walter
Turkey meatballs are a great, healthy alternative to beef or pork meatballs, and can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. They can be frozen and used later, and can be cooked from frozen, making them a convenient option for a quick and easy meal. But how long do you need to cook frozen turkey meatballs in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 180C/360F-200C/400F |
| Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Shaking the basket | Halfway through |
| Internal temperature | 156F-165F |
| Reheating | Place in air fryer at 180C/360F for 5 minutes |
| Freezing | Place on a baking sheet until solid, then store in a freezer bag or container |
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What You'll Learn
How to make turkey meatballs from scratch
Turkey meatballs are a great, healthy alternative to beef meatballs. They are leaner than beef and packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make turkey meatballs from scratch and cook them in an air fryer.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning (optional)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley
- Any other dried herbs or seasonings of your choice
Method
- Chop the onion and garlic and add them to a large bowl with the rest of your ingredients. You can use a small food processor to mince the onion and garlic if you prefer.
- Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. You can use a spatula to do this, but it may be easier to use your hands.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs. Aim for a uniform size, with each meatball weighing around 1 ½ ounces or a little bigger than a golf ball. Wetting your hands can help to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for 1 hour or until solid.
- Transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 1 month.
- When you are ready to cook the meatballs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C.
- Grease the air fryer basket with oil or use an oil spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry the meatballs for 8-10 minutes at 400°F or 200°C, flipping them halfway through. The meatballs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- If your meatballs are dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture.
- To check if your meatballs are cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- You can freeze any leftover cooked meatballs for up to 3-6 months.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Skillet: Cook the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Oven-baked: Bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Enjoy your delicious, tender, and juicy homemade turkey meatballs!
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How to cook frozen turkey meatballs in an air fryer
Cooking frozen turkey meatballs in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to prepare a meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Preparation:
Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need ground turkey, which is the base of your meatballs. You can choose between 93% or 99% lean ground turkey, with the slightly fattier option offering more flavour and moisture. In addition to the ground turkey, you will need other ingredients to add flavour and bind the mixture. These include breadcrumbs (gluten-free or regular), egg, garlic, Italian seasoning or dried oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh or dried parsley. You may also add soy sauce and onion powder to enhance the flavour further.
Once you have your ingredients, it is time to prepare the mixture. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, using a spatula or your hands to mix them thoroughly. Ensure you mix until the mixture is evenly combined, but do not overmix as this can affect the texture of the meatballs.
Shaping the Meatballs:
After mixing, it is time to shape the meatballs. Using your hands, form the mixture into balls. A typical batch of the mixture yields around 10 to 15 meatballs, depending on their size. You can lightly wet your hands before shaping to prevent the meat from sticking to your fingers.
Air Frying:
Now it is time to cook your meatballs in the air fryer. First, preheat your air fryer to 180°C to 200°C (360°F to 400°F). It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.
Lightly grease or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as this will affect even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches.
Cook the meatballs for 8 to 15 minutes at the set temperature. For smaller meatballs, 8 to 10 minutes should suffice, while larger meatballs may need up to 15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake or flip the meatballs to ensure even cooking.
Serving:
To check if your meatballs are done, use an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F. Alternatively, you can cut a meatball in half to ensure it is no longer pink inside.
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as-is with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara or BBQ sauce, or add them to a tomato sauce with spaghetti for a hearty meal.
Storage and Reheating:
Turkey meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them for up to 2 to 6 months.
To reheat, you can place the frozen meatballs back into the air fryer at 180°C/360°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet, slow cooker, or in the microwave.
Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried turkey meatballs!
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How to store and reheat frozen turkey meatballs
Storing and reheating frozen turkey meatballs is a simple process. If you're looking to store your meatballs, it's recommended to let them cool completely before transferring them to a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer. After they're frozen solid, place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 to 6 months.
When you're ready to reheat your frozen turkey meatballs, there are a few different methods you can use. You can reheat them in a non-stick skillet on the stovetop, in the oven, in the microwave, or even back in the air fryer! If using the stovetop, simply place the frozen meatballs in the skillet and heat until they are warmed through. For the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out the meatballs, leaving a small space between each one, and bake for approximately 10-13 minutes. You can also place the frozen meatballs in a bowl and microwave them in 30-second increments, turning them often to ensure even cooking. Lastly, you can reheat them in the air fryer by placing them directly into the basket and cooking for 8-15 minutes at 360°F/180°C, depending on their size.
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Nutritional information for air fryer turkey meatballs
Air fryer turkey meatballs are a healthier alternative to beef meatballs, with less saturated fat and fewer calories. They are also versatile, as they can be tossed in a sauce, stuffed in a meatball sub, or served over a salad.
The nutritional value of air fryer turkey meatballs will depend on the ingredients used and the size of the meatballs. For example, the type of ground turkey, the amount and type of oil or oil spray, and the addition of breadcrumbs will all impact the nutritional content.
A recipe for air fryer turkey meatballs that makes 12 meatballs has the following nutritional information per meatball: 66 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates, 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 1 gram of polyunsaturated fat, 1 gram of monounsaturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 42 milligrams of cholesterol, 227 milligrams of sodium, 111 milligrams of potassium, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 gram of sugar.
Another recipe that makes 15 meatballs has a slightly different nutritional profile per meatball: 126 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 1 gram of polyunsaturated fat, 1 gram of monounsaturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 69 milligrams of cholesterol, 244 milligrams of sodium, 251 milligrams of potassium, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 gram of sugar.
It is important to note that the cooking method can also impact the nutritional content of the meatballs. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying or pan-frying, as it does not require the use of oil, which can reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
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Other recipes to make with turkey meatballs
Turkey meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some mouth-watering recipes you can make with turkey meatballs:
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
For a Mediterranean twist, serve your turkey meatballs with a homemade tzatziki sauce. To make the meatballs, combine ground turkey, garlic, grated or finely chopped red onion, egg, breadcrumbs, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 14 meatballs and cook. The tzatziki sauce can be made by following a simple recipe and cutting the measurements in half. These meatballs can be served with roasted veggies and rice, topped with crumbled feta cheese, or used in meal prep bowls and salads.
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Orzo & Feta Sauce
This recipe combines herby Greek turkey meatballs with lemon orzo, tender veggies, and a creamy feta yogurt sauce. The meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and served with bell peppers, red onions, and a zesty lemon orzo. The feta sauce adds a tangy, creamy, and salty touch to the dish.
Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Sauce
For a delicious and easy dinner, try making garlicky, herby turkey meatballs simmered in a maple mustard sauce. Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the meatballs, while the sweet mustard sauce adds a mouth-watering flavour. This dish can be served with mashed potatoes and French green beans or over rice.
Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
A classic way to enjoy turkey meatballs is to serve them with a marinara sauce. You can either toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce or serve them separately. This dish can be enjoyed as-is or stuffed into a meatball sub or sandwich. It can also be served over pasta for a heartier meal.
With these recipes, you can easily transform your air-fried turkey meatballs into a variety of delicious and nutritious meals!
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Frequently asked questions
Frozen turkey meatballs will take 12-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 380F/190F.
You should cook frozen turkey meatballs at 380F/190F.
Your frozen turkey meatballs are done when they are golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165F/74C.
