Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs: How Long To Cook?

Turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. They are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, such as with spaghetti and sauce, on hoagie rolls for a meatball sandwich, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces. The key to cooking turkey meatballs is to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes in the air fryer, but the time may vary depending on the size of the meatballs and the brand of the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it ensure your meatballs start cooking immediately, but it also helps to achieve a more even cook.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to between 375-400°F. Allow the air fryer to heat up for around 5 minutes before adding your meatballs. This gives the appliance enough time to reach the desired temperature and ensures a consistent cooking environment for your meatballs.

Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to preheat it for slightly longer or shorter than 5 minutes. It's a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with adding the meatballs and following the rest of your recipe as instructed.

Combine ingredients and form meatballs

Combining the ingredients and forming meatballs is a crucial step in making juicy and tender air fryer turkey meatballs. Here's a detailed guide to help you through this process:

Firstly, gather all the ingredients in a large bowl. The specific ingredients may vary based on your preference and the recipe you are following. However, common ingredients include ground turkey, breadcrumbs or panko, an egg, milk, and various seasonings like garlic, dried basil, Italian seasoning, parsley, onion powder, and pepper. You can also add ingredients like Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, or fresh basil pesto for extra flavour.

Once you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to mix them together. You can use a spatula or your hands to combine everything thoroughly. Make sure to mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed, but be careful not to overwork the mixture as it can make the meatballs tough. The mixture will likely be pretty wet, which is normal.

After mixing, it's time to shape the meatballs. Lightly wet your hands to prevent the meat from sticking to your fingers. Then, use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. A common size is around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, which should yield about 10 to 15 meatballs.

When shaping the meatballs, it's important to pack them loosely. If you pack them too tightly, they may cook unevenly. Additionally, avoid making them too firm, as ground turkey meatballs won't be very firm until they are cooked.

Once you have formed the meatballs, place them on a plate or baking sheet. If you plan to cook them immediately, follow the remaining steps in your air fryer turkey meatball recipe, such as preheating the air fryer, cooking the meatballs, and serving them.

If you want to cook the meatballs later, you can store them in the refrigerator for a few hours until you're ready to cook. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer-term storage. Just make sure to place them in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet first and freeze them until they are solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Air fryer turkey meatballs are a quick and easy meal to make. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the meatballs, the power of your air fryer, and the number of batches you need to cook. However, on average, it should take between 8 and 12 minutes to cook turkey meatballs in an air fryer.

First, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your meatballs. Combine the ground turkey with the other ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Once everything is combined, use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs. You can make them about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. This should give you around 10-15 meatballs, depending on their size.

Next, brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the meatballs inside, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching. You may need to cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now, it's time to air fry! Cook the meatballs for 8-12 minutes at 375-400°F (190-200°C), flipping them halfway through. The meatballs are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Once they're cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meatballs more tender and flavorful.

And that's it! You can serve these juicy, tender, and versatile turkey meatballs however you like. Enjoy!

Rest for 5 minutes

So, you've followed the steps to make some delicious, juicy turkey meatballs in your air fryer. You've preheated the air fryer, mixed and shaped your meatballs, and cooked them for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Now, it's time for the final step—letting your meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Resting your meatballs for a few minutes after cooking is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it allows the juices to redistribute within the meatballs, making them more tender and flavorful. This ensures that when you take that first bite, your meatballs will be moist and juicy, not dry and tough. Secondly, resting the meatballs gives them time to cool down slightly, making them more comfortable to eat. No one wants to burn their mouth on a piping hot meatball!

While your meatballs are resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to go with them. Air fryer turkey meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Try them with spaghetti and marinara sauce, on hoagie rolls for meatball sandwiches, or even as an appetizer with dipping sauces. You can also freeze any leftovers and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal later on.

Remember, the internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving. This step is crucial to ensure the safety of you and your guests.

Now that your meatballs have rested, it's time to serve them up and enjoy! These juicy, tender air fryer turkey meatballs are sure to be a hit, whether you're serving them for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. So, dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Serve and store

Turkey meatballs can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them with spaghetti and sauce, or on hoagie rolls for a meatball sandwich. You can also serve them with a lemon butter sauce, tomato sauce, pesto, or chipotle mayo. They can be served as an appetizer with different dipping sauces, or with spaghetti noodles and pasta sauce, on a bun with sauce and cheese as a sub sandwich.

Leftover turkey meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days before discarding. They can also be frozen for up to 2-6 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. To freeze, spread the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined plate or baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen (at least two hours).

To reheat, place the meatballs in the air fryer and heat at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Frozen meatballs may take an extra few minutes. You can also reheat in a non-stick skillet or saucepan with sauce over medium-low heat.

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