Air-Fried Turkey Meatballs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making turkey meatballs in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a healthier alternative to beef meatballs. They are juicy, tender, and cook in under 20 minutes.

This recipe uses ground turkey, which has less saturated fat and calories than ground beef or chicken. The meatballs are also versatile and can be tossed in a sauce, stuffed in a sub, or served on a salad.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious air-fried turkey meatballs:

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the meatball mixture by combining ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, herbs, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix well, but be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Shape the meatballs into equal-sized balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-15 meatballs.

Step 4: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. Spray the basket with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Air fry the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps distribute the juices and makes them more tender.

You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer or add them to your favourite pasta sauce for a comforting meal. Enjoy!

Choosing the right ground turkey

Type of Ground Turkey

When selecting ground turkey, you have the option of choosing between lean and standard varieties. Lean ground turkey, which typically has a percentage of 93% or 99% lean meat, is a healthier choice as it contains less fat. This option is ideal if you want to reduce the overall fat content of your dish. On the other hand, standard ground turkey, which includes a slightly higher fat percentage, can result in juicier and more flavourful meatballs. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preference for leanness versus a more indulgent option.

Quality and Freshness

Whenever possible, opt for high-quality, fresh ground turkey from a reputable source. Look for ground turkey with a bright pink colour and avoid packages with excessive liquid, as this may indicate that the meat has been previously frozen or is starting to deteriorate. Check the "best before" or "use by" dates to ensure you're purchasing the freshest product available.

Ingredients and Additives

Read the ingredient list on the package to get a sense of what has been added to the ground turkey. Some brands may include additives, preservatives, or fillers. While these additives can improve shelf life and texture, they may also affect the taste and nutritional value of the meat. If you prefer a more natural option, look for ground turkey with minimal processing and fewer additives.

Amount of Fat

The amount of fat in ground turkey can vary, and this will impact the flavour and juiciness of your meatballs. A higher fat content will generally result in more succulent and flavourful meatballs. If you opt for leaner ground turkey, you may need to compensate by adding other sources of fat to your meatball mixture, such as olive oil or cheese.

Storage and Handling

When purchasing ground turkey, pay attention to how it is stored and handled. Make sure the packaging is intact and there is no evidence of tampering. Look for ground turkey that has been stored at the appropriate temperature, typically between 1°C and 4°C (33°F and 39°F). Avoid ground turkey that has been left unrefrigerated for extended periods, as this can affect its freshness and safety.

Brand and Reputation

Consider the reputation of the brand or supplier when choosing ground turkey. Opt for brands known for their quality and safety standards. You can also look for ground turkey that is locally sourced or organic, as these options often adhere to higher standards of animal welfare and sustainability.

Remember, selecting the right ground turkey will not only impact the taste of your meatballs but also their texture and nutritional value. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and juicy air-fried turkey meatballs.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you begin, it is important to note that you should always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines. Each air fryer model may have unique features and requirements, so consulting the manual is essential. Now, let's get started!

First, preheating your air fryer is essential. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your meatballs start cooking immediately and helps achieve even cooking. While the air fryer preheats, you can prepare the meatball mixture.

Next, you'll want to prepare the air fryer basket. It is recommended to use non-stick cooking spray or line the basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup. This step is crucial, as it prevents sticking and makes the cleanup process much simpler. You can use an oil spray, such as avocado oil or olive oil spray, or wipe down the basket with a thin layer of oil using a paper towel.

Once your air fryer is preheated and the basket is prepared, you're ready to add the meatballs. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. This arrangement allows for even cooking and helps the hot air circulate freely. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches.

Now, you're all set to air fry your meatballs! Place the basket in the air fryer, set the timer, and follow the cooking instructions provided in your chosen recipe. Remember to flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking process for even browning.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to perfectly cooked and delicious air-fried turkey meatballs!

Mixing the ingredients

To make ground turkey meatballs in an air fryer, you'll need to mix all the ingredients in a bowl. It's important not to overmix the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs tough. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until it is well combined.

The ingredients you'll need include ground turkey, breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and fresh or dried parsley. You can also add Italian seasoning, onion powder, bell pepper, and/or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavour.

Once all the ingredients are combined, you can start shaping the mixture into meatballs.

• Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This will help ensure that the meat mixture is easier to work with and that the ingredients combine evenly.
• Use your hands to mix the ingredients. This will give you more control over the mixing process and help you feel when everything is well combined.
• Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Mixing meat with your hands can be a bit messy, but it's the best way to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and dense, so mix until everything is just combined.
• If you're concerned about the mess or prefer not to use your hands, you can use a spatula or a spoon to mix the ingredients. However, keep in mind that it might be more difficult to get an even distribution of ingredients this way.

Shaping the meatballs

Start by making sure your hands are clean and dry. You may want to lightly wet your hands before handling the meat to prevent it from sticking to your fingers. This is especially helpful if you are using a stickier type of ground turkey or if your hands tend to stick to meat.

Take a portion of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. The size of the meatballs will depend on your preference, but most recipes call for meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to make them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Use a scooper or tablespoon to portion out the meat mixture for each meatball, then roll them between your palms to form smooth, round balls.

As you shape the meatballs, place them on a plate or a sheet of parchment paper. This will help keep your work area neat and make it easier to transfer the meatballs to the air fryer basket. It's important to note that you should not pack the meatballs too tightly, as this can affect how they cook. A gentle but firm touch is best.

Once you have shaped all your meatballs, you can proceed to cook them in your air fryer. Remember to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each meatball to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches.

By following these steps, you'll be able to shape your ground turkey meatballs like a pro and achieve consistent results every time.

Cooking and serving

To cook your turkey meatballs in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for around 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your meatball mixture by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat as this can make the meatballs tough. Aim to just combine the ingredients until they are evenly distributed.

Once your mixture is ready, it's time to shape your meatballs. Use your hands to form the mixture into balls, aiming for a size of around 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-15 meatballs from your mixture. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, try lightly wetting them first.

Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Cook the meatballs for around 8-12 minutes at 400°F/200°C, flipping them halfway through. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. This can be checked with a meat thermometer.

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

These meatballs are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving them with a lemon butter sauce, tomato sauce, pesto, or chipotle mayo. They can also be served as an appetizer with various dipping sauces or added to pasta dishes, sandwiches, or salads.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2-6 months and reheated in the air fryer or a skillet when needed.

Frequently asked questions