Print

Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

crispy air fryer turkey meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer turkey meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or snacks. They feature a golden crust with a tender center, combining comfort food with a lighter twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (lean but not extra-lean preferred)
  • 1/3 cup (35g) plain breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or gluten-free crumbs if needed)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature (or flax egg for vegan option)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing or spraying before air frying)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch (about 4 cm) meatballs, yielding roughly 18-20 meatballs. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Lightly brush or spray each meatball with olive oil to help create a golden, crispy crust.
  5. Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
  6. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each meatball and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer or cut open a meatball to ensure it is cooked through but still juicy.
  8. Let the meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Notes

Preheat the air fryer for even crisping. Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Lightly oil meatballs before air frying for a golden crust. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning. Rest meatballs 3-5 minutes before serving. If browning is insufficient, increase temperature to 400°F (205°C) for last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, air fryer, crispy meatballs, easy dinner, healthy meatballs, quick recipe, family-friendly, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-recipe-perfectly-juicy-and-easy/