The biggest complaint around turkey is that it’s usually dry, but air fryer turkey meatballs always come out juicy and delicious for me. It’s my favorite way to cook them! Serve with pasta, add to a hoagie, or even just pop toothpicks in and serve as an appetizer for a versatile option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful. The air fryer keeps the meatballs tender on the inside while creating a lightly browned exterior
- Quick to make. They’re ready in less time than baking in the oven, making them perfect for busy weeknights!
- A lighter alternative. Ground turkey creates a leaner meatball without sacrificing flavor
- Perfect for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week
- Incredibly versatile. Serve them with pasta, in subs, over rice, with vegetables, or as a party appetizer
- Easy to customize. Change up the seasonings, herbs, or sauces to create Italian, BBQ, buffalo, or Asian-inspired meatballs!
- Family-friendly. They’re a crowd-pleasing dinner that both kids and adults will enjoy
- Minimal cleanup. The air fryer does the hard work with less mess than stovetop cooking
- Freezer-friendly. Make extra and freeze them for quick homemade meals whenever you need them!
- Perfect every time. The air fryer cooks the meatballs evenly, giving you tender, delicious results with very little effort
Katie’s tip
Don’t feel like making your own meatballs? Check out my recipe for Trader Joe’s Frozen Turkey Meatballs instead!
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Ingredients List
- 1 pound 85/15 lean ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian or seasoned)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste (I use ½ tsp each, but my Italian seasoning contains salt too; I recommend 1 tsp salt if yours does not)
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- This recipe also works well with ground chicken instead of turkey!
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Panko breadcrumbs are also fine, but I typically add ¼ cup of milk or Greek yogurt to help soften them and add moisture in that case
- Instead of dried minced onion, you can also use about ¼ cup finely minced fresh onion if preferred
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omission
Flavor Variations
- Garlic Parmesan: Add extra garlic, grated Parmesan, and parsley, then toss the cooked meatballs in melted butter with more Parmesan
- Spicy Arrabbiata: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, then serve with spicy marinara
- BBQ: Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder (or a BBQ rub of choice), then coat the cooked meatballs in your favorite barbecue sauce
- Buffalo: Add garlic powder and onion powder, then toss the cooked meatballs in Buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Honey Garlic: Add ground ginger and garlic powder, then glaze the cooked meatballs with a honey, soy sauce, and garlic sauce
- Greek: Mix in oregano, dill, lemon zest, and crumbled feta, then serve with tzatziki
- Taco: Add taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder, then serve with salsa, avocado, or cilantro lime rice
Step By Step Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl, and mix until well combined (it’s messy, but I find my hands are best for this task; wear gloves if you prefer not to touch meat directly)!
- Roll the meatball mixture into approximately 1” diameter balls (you can use a cookie scoop or meatball making tool if you have one to assist) – I usually get 18. They will be softer than a traditional beef meatball but will firm up once cooked
- Place the meatballs into your air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing a bit of air space between each one
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes (you can pause and flip them halfway through for more even browning, but it isn’t expressly necessary), or until the center reaches 165°F. Time can vary slightly between air fryers and the size of the meatballs, so add additional time in small (1-minute) increments if needed
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, sauces, and finishes! For this Italian-style version, I like marinara, parsley, parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lemon
Pairing Suggestions
My Italian-style air fryer turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer, they pair well with a variety of classic Italian sides and fresh vegetables. Here are some of my favorites!
Pasta & Grains
- Spaghetti: A classic pairing with marinara sauce and Parmesan
- Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy pasta balances the savory meatballs
- Butter noodles: A simple, kid-friendly option
- Creamy polenta: Rich and comforting with Italian flavors. You can also serve them on my Air Fryer Polenta Cakes as an appetizer!
- Garlic Parmesan risotto: A hearty side for a special dinner
Bread
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce
- Cheesy breadsticks: Great for family dinners
- Italian bread: Warm slices are ideal alongside meatballs!
- Dinner rolls: Soft and buttery for an easy side.
- Meatball subs: Tuck the meatballs into hoagie rolls with marinara and melted mozzarella
Vegetables & Salads
- Caesar salad: Crisp romaine and Parmesan make a classic pairing
- Garden salad: A light, refreshing contrast
- Roasted broccoli: Crispy edges pair well with Italian seasonings
- Roasted zucchini and squash: A simple vegetable side
- Green beans: Sautéed or roasted with garlic and lemon
Appetizers & Sides
- Mozzarella sticks: A fun Italian-inspired appetizer
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes and basil brighten the meal. Try my Olive Garden copycat Air Fryer Bruschetta!
- Stuffed mushrooms: A savory starter with complementary flavors
- Antipasto platter: Cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables make a great spread.
- Caprese salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil pair beautifully with the meatballs
Desserts
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert. Try my Tiramisu Mug Cake for a single serving option!
- Cannoli: Crispy shells with sweet ricotta filling
- Lemon sorbet: A light, refreshing finish
- Chocolate biscotti: Perfect with coffee after dinner
- Panna cotta: Creamy and elegant without being too heavy
Best Occasions
Air fryer turkey meatballs are perfect for busy weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, meal prep, game day appetizers, and casual entertaining. They’re easy enough for everyday dinners but versatile enough to dress up for special occasions!
Recipe FAQs
Is It Better To Air Fry Or Bake Meatballs?
Both methods work well, but the air fryer cooks meatballs faster and gives them a nicely browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy. It’s a great option when you want homemade meatballs in less time.
How Do You Keep Meatballs Moist In An Air Fryer?
Don’t overmix the meat, use ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg to help retain moisture, and avoid overcooking. Cooking the meatballs just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F ensures they stay tender and juicy.
Can I Make These Without Breadcrumbs?
Yes! You can substitute crushed pork rinds, almond flour, quick oats, or even crushed crackers, but the texture may vary slightly. You could skip it altogether, but a binder helps the meatballs hold together while cooking.
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- I don’t usually have issues, but if your meatballs are sticking to your air fryer, you can spray the grate with an olive oil or avocado oil spray or add a sheet of perforated parchment paper before placing the meatballs in
- This recipe is based on my experiences cooking my meatballs in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Depending how large I actually make them, it usually takes me 10-12 minutes of total cooking time (without preheating). Other air fryers and exact meatball sizes will make this vary, so adjust cooking time if needed for your particular setup
- For larger quantities (for meal prep etc) you can easily double the recipe. Cook in batches in your air fryer to prevent overcrowding, which will lead to uneven browning and overall cooking
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Let the leftover meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days for easy lunches and quick dinners!
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best results, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer them to a storage bag once solid
- Store with or without sauce. If serving with marinara, you can refrigerate or freeze the meatballs in the sauce to help keep them moist
Reheating Tips
- Air fryer (best method): Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot (but they will lose their crispy exterior)
- Stovetop: Simmer the meatballs in marinara sauce over medium-low heat until heated through
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil if they aren’t in sauce to prevent drying out
Make Ahead Tip
Mix and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to air fry them. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs and cook them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
Meal Prep
If you’re making a double batch for meal prep, freeze the cooked meatballs in portions sized for your favorite meals. They’ll be ready to reheat for quick pasta dinners, meatball subs, salads, or appetizers whenever you need them!
More Air Fryer Turkey Recipes
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Leftover Turkey Nachos
Final Thoughts
These air fryer turkey meatballs are easy, delicious, and ready quickly, so they’re perfect for a weeknight meal. However, they also reheat well, so you can meal prep with them for use in sandwiches, with pasta, and more throughout the week.
My favorite part is that despite using leaner turkey, these meatballs still come out super juicy and packed with flavor. It’s one of my favorite year round recipes! Whether you serve them classic Italian style or try a flavor variation, they’re always a winner in my book.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more great options? Check out all of my delicious Air Fryer Turkey Recipes for all sort of different ideas to suit any occasion!
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (85/15 lean)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian or seasoned)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste (I use ½ tsp each, but I recommend using 1 tsp salt if your Italian seasoning is salt-free)
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl, and mix until well combined (it’s messy, but I find my hands are best for this task; wear gloves if you prefer not to touch meat directly)!1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, Salt and black pepper to taste, 1 Tbsp dried minced onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Roll the meatball mixture into approximately 1” diameter balls (you can use a cookie scoop or meatball making tool if you have one to assist) – I usually get 18. They will be softer than a traditional beef meatball but will firm up once cooked
- Place the meatballs into your air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing a bit of air space between each one (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed)
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes (you can pause and flip them halfway through for more even browning, but it isn’t expressly necessary), or until the center reaches 165°F. Time can vary slightly between air fryers and the size of the meatballs, so add additional time in small (1-minute) increments if needed
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, sauces, and finishes! For this Italian-style version, I like marinara sauce, fresh parsley, and parmesan cheese
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed
- Instead of dried minced onion, you can also use about ¼ cup finely minced fresh onion if preferred
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omission (or see my variations in the above article for other flavor combo ideas)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, size of meatballs, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
