Ground Turkey Meatballs in the Air Fryer: 15 Minutes Healthy Dinner Recipe!

Are you planning on making a healthy, delicious dinner tonight? Look no further. 

This recipe of ground turkey meatballs in an air fryer is quick and easy to make. It is tender, crispy, and super tasty!

If you are busy on weeknights or not in the mood for cooking? Start making these air fryer turkey meatballs in just 15 minutes. 

You can also pair up this meal with baked meatballs and gravy or some firecracker meatballs to let your guests choose different options from the menu. 

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It is simple and easy to make in just 15 minutes. 
• It requires a few simple ingredients.
• It will deliver an outstanding delicious taste.
• The air fryer makes this recipe well-cooked and healthier. 

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients You Need for Airfryer Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey 
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika 
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup barbeque sauce 

Substitutions:

• You can add ground chicken or beef to this recipe.
• To replace panko breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs or ground oats.
• For barbeque sauce, there are varieties: sriracha sauce, buffalo sauce, adobo sauce, marinara sauce, or alfredo sauce. You can use any of them. 

How to Make Airfryer Ground Turkey Meatballs?

Here are some simple, easy steps that you need to follow. Even if you make these ground turkey meatballs for the first time, you can handle the process quickly.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients to Make Meatballs

Add ground turkey, whisked egg, panko breadcrumbs, and all the required seasonings. 

Mix all the ingredients gently with your hands until combined well. Remember NOT to overmix the mixture.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs 

Use a cookie scoop or take a handful of the mixture; make a ball in a well-round shape. Repeat this procedure with the remaining meatball mixture. 

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs in Air Fryer

Put the prepared meatballs in the air fryer basket with a gap between them. 

Remember to use parchment paper. 

Put the basket in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F. If your air fryer can not carry all the meatballs in one go, then cook them in two parts. 

Step 4: Toss with the Sauce and Enjoy!

Once all the meatballs are cooked. Please place them in the skillet, turn on the heat, and keep them low. 

Pour the BBQ sauce or any sauce of your choice and mix it well until the meatballs are completely covered in the sauce. 

Finally, turn the heat off, serve these delicious ground turkey meatballs, and enjoy! 

Excellent Tips to Make Ground Turkey Meatballs Recipe 

• Always read the whole recipe, so you can complete all parts of the process. 
• Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, or it will get hard and squishy.
• Do wash your hands after touching the raw ground meat. 
• Grab an ice cream scoop to make the same-sized meatballs perfectly. 
• Keep the gap between each meatball when putting them in the air fryer basket.
• Cook the meatballs into two batches to avoid any inconvenience in cooking. 
• Double this meatball recipe to make it a great, large meal for your menu. 
• This air fryer meatballs recipe works best with both beef and chicken. 
• Toss the meatballs with any barbeque sauce or make your own at home.

Store, Freeze, or Reheat the Meatballs

To store these turkey meatballs, place them in an airtight container and keep them for up to 4 days. 

For reheating, cook them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 320 degrees F. 

You can freeze these meatballs in a zip-loc bag for up to 2 months once they are cooked. It is a great way to prepare a quick dinner. 

The frozen meatballs need 8-9 minutes to cook and get warm in the air fryer at 310 degrees F. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to check if meatballs are fully cooked?

You will see the internal temperature reach 135 degrees F. Another way is to check through the meat thermometer to make sure that the meatballs are ready. 

What can I serve with these ground turkey meatballs?

Many options are available, like spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles. You can check out 20 side dishes ideas to serve with meatballs.

Why are my meatballs mushy and tough? 

It happens only because of one reason. You have overmixed the mixture. Ensure that you only combine panko, seasonings, and egg with the meat. Avoid mixing it extra. 

What if I can only cook a few meatballs in one go?

No worries! Cook these turkey meatballs into two parts. This way, you will keep your meatballs in good shape and get them cooked perfectly.

Ground Turkey Meatballs in the Air Fryer

Areena

Try these quick, easy and healthy air fryer meatballs that are ready in just 15 minutes. Using an air fryer for this recipe is the best idea. The reason is it keeps the meatballs crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. It also gets the dish cooked fast and yummy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Lean ground turkey
• Large egg: Whisked
• ¼ tsp Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Pepper
• ½ tsp Garlic powder
• ½ tsp Paprika
• ½ cup Your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

 

• Combine ground turkey, whisked egg, panko, and seasonings in a large bowl.
• Gently mix the nutritious turkey meatball mixture using your hands. Make sure all ingredients combine well.
• Take a small cookie scoop. Scoop out the meatball mixture. Roll it into a ball.
• Do the same with the remaining mixture.
• Place the meatball rolls into the basket of the air fryer. Remember not to crowd the basket.
• Now put the basket into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350 °F.
• Cook the meatballs for 5 minutes.
• Pull the cooked meatballs out of the air fryer basket.
• Place your turkey meatballs into a large skillet.
• Set the skillet aside while you cook the remaining meatballs. You might need 2 batches to cook them all.
• After the second batch is cooked, place them in the same skillet using tongs.
• Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs to add flavor.
• Place your skillet over the stove. Turn the heat to low.
• Gently toss the turkey meatballs with a rubber spatula. You will do this by coating them thoroughly in BBQ sauce.
• Turn the heat of the stove off, serve hot and enjoy the dish!

Notes

• Go through the full recipe before you start making it.
• The mentioned calorie count is an estimation.
• Avoid overworking your meatball mixture. They will get rubbery in texture if you do so.
• Always leave spaces between the meatballs while putting them into the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the meatballs could spoil the meal or its look.
• Using your favorite BBQ sauce will make your dish more memorable for you.
• Feel free to store any leftover meatballs in an air-tight food container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.

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