These juicy, flavorful air fryer turkey meatballs are the ultimate easy, healthy dinner! They're perfect on their own, with pasta, or paired with red sauce or nut-free basil pesto for a cozy, satisfying meal. Made with a few simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, they're a hit with the whole family-and you can easily make them gluten-free too!
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ✅ Recipe Name: Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs (Super Juicy!)
- 🕒 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: These air fryer turkey meatballs are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor! They're the perfect healthy meal that's quick to make and customizable to fit any dietary needs. Enjoy them with pasta, on a sandwich, or just on their own!
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I've made turkey meatballs many times, but the air fryer is a game-changer. These meatballs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with Italian flavor from fresh basil and spices. They're perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve them with pasta, red sauce, or pesto without pine nuts. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze. Healthy, delicious, and ready in just 15 minutes!
Ground turkey is my go-to for a lean, protein-packed base, whether I'm making juicy air fryer turkey burgers or homemade teriyaki turkey meatballs. This air fryer method is my favorite for perfectly crispy, juicy meatballs every time. Don't forget to check out my air fryer chicken meatballs and crispy air fryer chicken parmesan, too!
Jump to:
- A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variations
- Need to substitute an ingredient?
- How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs (Step-by-Step)
- 1 Minute Video Tutorial
- Top Recipe Tips
- What to Serve with Turkey Meatballs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Storage & Freezing Tips
- More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
- Nancy
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy and juicy-thanks to the air fryer, you get that golden crust and tender inside every time.
- Quick and easy-ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- High-protein and healthy-a satisfying, lean meal that fits perfectly into your healthy eating routine.
- Meal prep-friendly-make a big batch and have leftovers ready to go for the week ahead.
- Easy cleanup-air fryer cooking means less mess and less time spent cleaning up!
Ingredients
- Ground Turkey: I always recommend using 93% lean ground turkey for these meatballs. It keeps them juicy and flavorful, and I've found 99% lean turkey can end up a bit dry. However, please check the FAQ, as you can use 99% lean. If you're not a fan of turkey, ground chicken works great too-it's a nice swap if you want something lighter. Try these air fryer chicken meatballs, too!
- Breadcrumbs: I use regular breadcrumbs to help the meatballs hold together, but you can easily substitute them with gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free version. I've tried both, and the gluten-free option works perfectly without sacrificing texture.
- Egg: The egg is essential here-it helps bind everything together and keeps the meatballs tender. I've skipped it before, and while the meatballs still turn out okay, I wouldn't recommend it for the best texture.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: I always opt for fresh garlic when possible-it adds so much flavor!
- Italian Seasoning: A little Italian seasoning adds the perfect herbaceous note without overpowering the meatballs. I love using it because it blends so well with the garlic and basil, making the meatballs taste like my Nonna (grandma) cooked them. Don't go overboard, though-just a pinch will do!
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is key! It gives the meatballs that authentic Italian flair. If I'm out of fresh basil, I'll use dried basil, but it's just not the same.
- Olive Oil Spray: Spraying the meatballs with a little olive oil before cooking helps them get that golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer. You can use avocado oil spray if you prefer!
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.
- 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: Combine all ingredients in a bowl with your hands, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 2: Roll the mixture into 16-20 meatballs and set them on a plate.
- Step 3: Set it to 360°F. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Step 4: Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Serve with marinara, pesto, or your favorite sauce over pasta!
1 Minute Video Tutorial
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 the turkey makes the meatballs dense and tough-I always stop as soon as everything comes together.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer. I always make sure to air fry in a single layer. If you pile them up, they won't get that crispy texture we all love. I cook them in batches, and it's totally worth it.
- Use a meat thermometer. I can't stress this enough-using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they're cooked through to 165°F. It eliminates the guesswork and is the best way to prevent overcooking (and drying them out).
What to Serve with 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, making them an excellent base for your turkey meatballs.
- 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 with regular potatoes! I love these air fryer fingerling potatoes and these oven-roasted crispy baby potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
I air fry my turkey meatballs at 360°F for about 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 any guesswork!
I highly recommend using 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 ground turkey, just serve the meatballs with red sauce to keep them juicy and saucy!
I always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. It's the most reliable way to ensure they're perfectly cooked every time.
Yes, it's super easy to make them gluten-free. Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Both work great 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 leftovers for up to 3 months. After they've cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes-they'll taste just as fresh as the first time!
Storage & Freezing Tips
Store cooked turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe bag after cooling and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
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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
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
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 your air fryer to 360°F, and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Gently mix with your hands until just combined-avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form 16-20 meatballs using a scooper or your hands and place them on a plate.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced out and not overlapping. If needed, cook in two batches.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve with marinara, red sauce, or pesto over pasta, and enjoy!
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
Saskia says
SO SO SO tasty!!! 10/10 recommend