These juicy air fryer turkey meatballs are a healthy dinner with 30g of protein per serving, ready in under 20 minutes. Serve them on their own, with pasta, or with nut-free basil pesto. They're easy to make gluten-free, too.
Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs At A Glance
- ✅ Recipe Name: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs (15 Minutes!)
- 🕒 Ready In: 15 minutes
- 👪 Serves: 4 (easy to scale)
- 🍽 Calories: 200 per serving
- 📋 Protein: ~30g per serving
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs), egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, olive oil spray
- 📖 Dietary Info: High-protein, healthy, gluten-free option, dairy-free
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: The air fryer gives you a crispy meatball with a juicy center, without frying in oil. High in protein and easy to make gluten-free.
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I put ground turkey in nearly everything, from turkey-stuffed zucchini boats to healthy turkey chili, so these air fryer meatballs quickly became a staple. They're the easiest way I've found to get 30g of protein on the table in 15 minutes.
The air fryer gives you a crispy crust and juicy center with almost no cleanup. Fresh basil and a little Parmesan keep them from tasting like plain lean turkey. Serve them with pasta, red sauce, or in a meatball sub.
So if ground turkey is your go-to protein base, try these air fryer turkey burgers and teriyaki turkey meatballs. If you like this air fryer cooking method, try my air fryer chicken meatballs and crispy crispy air fryer chicken parmesan, too.
Jump to:
- Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs At A Glance
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Are Turkey Meatballs Healthy?
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs (Step-by-Step)
- Video Tutorial (Step-by-Step)
- Top Recipe Tips
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
- How to Store & Freeze
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs FAQs
- More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy and juicy: thanks to the air fryer, you get a golden crust and tender inside every time.
- Quick and easy: ready in just 15 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- High-protein and healthy: a satisfying, lean meal with 30g of protein per serving.
- Meal prep-friendly: make a big batch and have leftovers ready for the week.
- Easy cleanup: air fryer cooking means less mess and less scrubbing.
Are Turkey Meatballs Healthy?
Yes, turkey meatballs are a healthy, high-protein choice. Each serving of these has about 30g of protein and 200 calories, which makes them a lean, filling option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ground turkey is naturally lower in saturated fat than beef, and air frying keeps things light since you're not cooking in oil. I use 93% lean turkey for the best balance of protein and moisture, plus a little Parmesan and egg to bind. As an endurance athlete, high-protein dinners like these are a staple in my rotation, and they come together fast enough for a busy week.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of the best meatballs I have made for myself, and they were in the air fryer. This recipe does not fail to impress. They are super flavorful and easy to make. I will 100% recommend them to any level of cook.
- Nancy
Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground Turkey: I recommend 93% lean. It stays juicy, whereas 99% lean can turn out dry. It's the same ground turkey cut I use in my juicy air fryer turkey burgers.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular or gluten-free both work. I've tested both, and the gluten-free version holds up without sacrificing texture.
- Egg: Essential for binding and keeping the meatballs tender. I've skipped it, and they hold together worse.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: I use fresh garlic when I have it for more flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A pinch adds a herbaceous note that blends with the garlic and basil. Don't overdo it.
- Fresh Basil: Key for that fresh Italian flavor. Dried works in a pinch, but it's not the same.
- Olive Oil Spray: Helps them crisp up golden in the air fryer. Avocado oil spray works too.
Scroll down to the recipe card for exact quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make them cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness.
- Make them gluten-free: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make them dairy-free: Use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of regular Parmesan.
- No breadcrumbs: This recipe has breadcrumbs, but try these zucchini turkey meatballs!
- Add spinach: Mix in 1 to 1.5 cups of finely chopped spinach for extra nutrients. You won't even taste it! I love doing this 🙂
- Switch proteins: Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.
- Herb swap: Use fresh parsley or rosemary in place of basil for a unique flavor.
- Make them spicy: Add paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Dijon mustard swap: Try yellow mustard.
Need to substitute an ingredient?
Ask AI for suggestions on how to substitute the particular ingredient.
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Make Meatballs. Combine all ingredients in a bowl with your hands, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 2: Form Meatballs. Roll the mixture into 16 to 20 meatballs and set them on a plate.
- Step 3: Add to Air Fryer. Set the air fryer to 360°F. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, cooking in batches if needed.
- Step 4: Air Fry. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Serve. Serve with marinara, pesto, or your favorite sauce over pasta.
Video Tutorial (Step-by-Step)
Top Recipe Tips
- Use 93% lean ground turkey. After testing this recipe several times, I've found that 93% lean gives the best balance of moisture and flavor.
- Mix gently. This is key. Overmixing makes the meatballs dense and tough, so I stop as soon as everything comes together.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Air fry in a single layer. Piled up, they won't crisp, so I cook them in batches, and it's worth it.
- Use a meat thermometer. I can't stress this enough. A meat thermometer is the best way to know they're cooked to 165°F. It removes the guesswork and keeps them from overcooking and drying out.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
These air fryer turkey meatballs go with just about anything! Here are some of my favorite sides and pairings to round out the meal:
- Pasta: A classic pairing! Serve your turkey meatballs over spaghetti, zoodles, or any pasta with marinara sauce for a satisfying meal.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding a crispy, buttery side to your meal. Try my gluten-free garlic bread or this crispy air fryer garlic bread!
- Cauliflower Rice: A healthy, low-carb option that's light yet filling, making it a great alternative to traditional rice.
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a kale crunch salad, summer corn and avocado salad, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meatballs.
- Roasted Vegetables: I love balsamic maple Brussels sprouts, this air fryer broccolini, or caramelized carrots, which add a flavorful, nutritious side.
- Quinoa or Rice: Both are hearty and absorb the delicious sauce.
- Pesto: For a fresh twist, serve the meatballs with homemade nut-free basil pesto instead of marinara.
- Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash: Both are light, low-carb alternatives to pasta.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Unconventional, but I eat turkey meatballs with air fryer sweet potato wedges all the time.
- Crispy Potatoes: Same as regular potatoes! I love these air fryer fingerling potatoes and these oven-roasted crispy baby potatoes.
How to Store & Freeze
Store: Keep cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or warm them in red sauce on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs FAQs
I air fry turkey meatballs at 360°F for 8 to 10 minutes. They're done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use a meat thermometer to be sure they're cooked through. It's the easiest way to avoid guesswork.
I recommend 93% lean ground turkey. After lots of testing, this ratio gives the best balance: moist and flavorful without being greasy. If you only have 99% lean, serve the meatballs with red sauce to keep them juicy.
I use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 165°F. It's the most reliable way to get them perfectly cooked every time.
Yes, it's easy. Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Both work without affecting flavor or texture. I use gluten-free breadcrumbs all the time, and no one can tell the difference.
Yes. Make a big batch and freeze for up to 3 months. Once cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
If you loved these juicy air fryer turkey meatballs, try these air fryer recipes next:
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey, 93% lean is best
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup Italian breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free if needed
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoon grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat. Set your air fryer to 360°F and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Roll. Form 16 to 20 meatballs using a scooper or your hands and place them on a plate.
- Arrange. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spaced out and not overlapping. Cook in two batches if needed.
- Air fry. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve. Enjoy with marinara, red sauce, or pesto over pasta.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe tested and developed by Tati Chermayeff, creator of Healthful Blondie. A former Division I rower, Ironman triathlete, and recipe developer based in Austin, TX, Tati creates high-protein and healthy recipes that actually taste like the real thing.
Karen Starkel says
Great recipe..,,will definitely keep making these meatballs with spaghetti! They are very light & flavorful!
Tati Chermayeff says
SO happy to hear that!! let me know if you try anything else on my blog. I love feedback 🙂
Julie says
Is the Turkey meatballs calorie for one meatball or how many?? Can’t wait to try them!!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi! It is 4 servings, so about 5 meatballs if you make 20 total.
emily says
i made these for meal prep and they took no time and taste so good
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Emily, YAY! I am so happy to hear that.
Aly says
I just got an air fryer so I have been so excited to put it to work.. made these for turkey meatball sandwiches and they’re delicious! Awesome for high protein meal prep.
Tati Chermayeff says
Aly, turkey meatball subs sounds SO GOOD. I need to try that this week 🙂
Mitushi Khare says
These turkey meatballs were so easy and so delicious - never been happier I own an air fryer. I’m so glad I found you on Instagram recently and I can’t wait to try making more of your recipes!
Tati Chermayeff says
Mitushi, YAY! Thank you so much for leaving this 5 star, glowing review for these turkey meatballs. I am in love with them too!
Jill says
Love your air fried recipes - keep it up! Delicious.
Tati Chermayeff says
Jill! Thank you so much. It made my day hearing this.
Sarah says
Great great great recipe! I love that they are made in my air fryer and that they are healthy. As a 2022 goal, I want to eat better. Thank you for this recipe. I will make other ones.
Tati Chermayeff says
I love my air fryer too, Sarah. Thanks for taking the time to leave this glowing review!
Nancy says
One of the best meatballs I have made for myself and they were in the air fryer. This recipe does not fail to impress. They are super flavorful and easy to make. I will 100% recommend them to any level cook.
Tati Chermayeff says
"One of the best meatballs I have made" - OMG!! Thank you so amazing to hear, Nancy. Thank you so much!
Saskia says
SO SO SO tasty!!! 10/10 recommend
Tati Chermayeff says
WOOHO! Thanks Saskia!