Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Whether you are looking for a delicious appetizer or an easy main meal, these air fryer turkey meatballs are a winner. Packed with flavor and so simple to make, you will be making them again and again. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a try today!
You also might like these Turkey Meatballs with vegetables or these Cheese Stuffed Meatballs.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Do you love meatballs but hate the mess they make when frying? Fear not, air fryer to the rescue! These turkey meatballs are a breeze to make and taste fantastic. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup involved. Who could ask for more?
- The air fryer produces perfectly cooked homemade meatballs with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- And since they’re not fried in oil, they’re a healthier option than the traditional recipe.
- The meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that is irresistible.
- These air fryer meatballs are also great for meal prep, because they store and reheat well.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
This quick dinner comes together with very little effort, but you will need a few kitchen tools to help you make this simple recipe. Gather these tools and get ready for a quick snack or meal that the whole family will enjoy.
- measuring cup and spoon
- large skillet
- medium bowl
- large mixing bowl
- ice cream or cookie scoop
- parchment paper
- baking sheet
- air fryer
- small bowl
- whisk
- silicone brush
INGREDIENTS
Making this easy meal in the air fryer requires a handful of ingredients that you may already have on hand. Plus, a few extra ingredients to make a delicious brown sugar glaze which is what takes these air fryer turkey meatballs to a whole new flavor level that you can’t resist.
- onion, chopped fine
- garlic clove, minced or pressed
- salt
- vegetable oil
- large egg
- milk or plain yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- 93 percent lean ground turkey – 99 percent will be too dry. Ask you butcher to ground thigh meat for moister meatballs.
- panko or breadcrumbs (pork rinds for low carb)
- fresh parsley leaves, minced
- ground black pepper
Brown Sugar Glaze
- ketchup – sugar free is best!
- brown sugar or golden monk fruit for a sugar-free option
- apple cider or white vinegar
HOW TO MAKE THESE AIR FRYER TURKEY MEATBALLS
Do you love meatballs, but hate the guilt that comes with eating them? Well, have no fear, because now you can make this delicious and easy meatball recipe in your air fryer! Follow the easy steps below and you will have delicious turkey meatballs ready to devour in no time at all.
STEP 1: SAUTE THE GARLIC AND ONION UNTIL THE ONIONS ARE SOFT AND TRANSLUCENT
In a medium skillet add the oil, onion, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat stirring often until the onion is soft 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
STEP 2: WHISK THE WET INGREDIENTS IN A MEDIUM BOWL
In a medium-size mixing bowl whisk the milk or yogurt, egg, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
STEP 3: MIX TOGETHER THE GROUND TURKEY, BREAD CRUMB MIXTURE, AND EGG MIXTURE
In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, panko bread crumbs, parsley, and egg mixture together; mix gently. Mix in the cooked cool onion mix.
STEP 4: SHAPE THE MEATBALLS
Shape into 16 -20 (3/4-1-inch for appetizer (about a tablespoon) up to 1 13/4-inch in diameter for main meal).
STEP 5: PLACE THE MEATBALLS ON A PARCHMENT-LINED BAKING SHEET
Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
STEP 6: AIR FRY THE MEATBALLS
With non-cook cooking spray coat the basket of the air fryer. Place meatballs in the basket in a single layer leaving space between the meatballs to allow the air to circulate. Cook for 10 -12 minutes at 375°F or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check halfway through cooking time. Repeat if you need to cook in batches.
STEP 7: WHISK TOGETHER THE BROWN SUGAR GLAZE
In a small bowl whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.
STEP 8: BRUSH THE MEATBALLS WITH GLAZE
Brush the cooked meatballs with the brown sugar glaze, serve the dip on the side or serve with marinara sauce.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH AIR FRYER TURKEY MEATBALLS
These air fryer turkey meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or main meal. Serve them with a dipping sauce, on top of pasta, or alone as a savory snack. Here are some delicious ideas for what to serve with your turkey meatballs.
- Serve them as an appetizer with this delicious blue cheese dipping sauce or your favorite sauce like teriyaki sauce, bbq sauce, or even buffalo sauce.
- Enjoy them over a bed of your favorite pasta or zucchini noodles with your favorite pasta sauce.
- Make meatball subs by placing them on a toasted hoagie roll with some mozzarella cheese.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
If you are looking to change up this recipe or add some extra flavor, here are some great ideas.
- Try using a different type of ground meat such as ground beef, lamb, chicken, or pork.
- Add some shredded or parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for extra decadence.
- Swap out the panko or breadcrumbs for crushed-up crackers or pork rinds.
- Make them mini by shaping them into 1-inch balls for the perfect party appetizer (adjust cooking time).
- Change up the flavor of the glaze by adding some garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
- Make this a low-carb meal by using pork rinks and your favorite sugar-free sweetener.
- You also might like this easy Slow Cooked Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce recipe or this Keto Egg Filled Meatball Recipe.
HOW TO STORE
These air fryer turkey meatballs are the perfect make-ahead meal. You can store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or cook them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The meatballs can also be frozen uncooked or cooked.
Reheat the meatballs by placing them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave by cooking on high for 30-60 seconds.
FAQS
Do you have questions about this air fryer turkey meatballs recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this easy recipe.
It takes 10 -12 minutes to cook turkey meatballs in an air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your meatballs.
Yes, you can make these meatballs without an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
No, you don’t have to use ground turkey. You can use any type of ground meat that you like such as beef, lamb, chicken, or pork.
Turkey meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Just a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the center of the meatball.
Looking for another no-fuss meatball recipe that are great to serve at a party? Try these Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs!
OTHER DELICIOUS AIR FRYER RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Turkey Meatballs
- ½ medium onion chopped fine
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium garlic clove minced
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk or plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ¼ pound 93 percent lean ground turkey
- 1/3 cup panko or breadcrumbs pork rinds for low carb
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Brown Sugar Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup sugar free
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or golden monk fruit for sugar free option
- 2 teaspoons apple cider or white vinegar
Instructions
- Turkey Meatballs
- In a medium skillet add the oil. Turn heat to medium-low. Add the onion, and salt. Cover and cook over stirring often until the onion is soft 4-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove onion mix from heat and cool.
- In a medium size mixing bowl whisk the milk or yogurt, egg, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a large separate bowl, mix the ground turkey, panko or breadcrumbs (pork rinds for low carb), parsley, pepper, cooked cool onion mix, and egg mixture together; mix gently. Form meatballs 3/4" to 1-3/4" in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a parchment lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer insert with non-stick cooking spray. Place meatballs in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer leaving space between the meatballs to allow the air to circulate.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes at 375°F or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check halfway through cooking time. Repeat if you need to cook in batches.
- Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a small bowl whisk together the ketchup, brown
sugar (golden monk fruit for sugar free) and vinegar. - Brush cooked meatballs with the brown sugar glaze, serve the glaze on the side or serve meatballs with marinara sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
