To make turkey meatballs in an air fryer, gently mix 1 lb of 93% lean ground turkey with an egg, panko, parmesan, garlic and herbs, roll about 20 meatballs, and air fry at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway, until the centers reach 165°F. They are a lean, high-protein dinner or meal-prep staple that is ready in about 30 minutes with no frying.
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (whole-wheat or gluten-free panko work too)
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil spray
Warm marinara sauce, to serve (optional)
How Do You Cook Turkey Meatballs in an Air Fryer?
Mix: In a large bowl, combine the turkey, egg, panko, parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork just until combined; overmixing makes the meatballs dense.
Shape: With lightly wet hands, roll the mixture into about 20 meatballs, each roughly 1 1/2 inches across (a heaping tablespoon).
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry: Lightly oil the crisper plates, then arrange the meatballs in a single layer with a little space between them, splitting them between both baskets if you have a dual basket air fryer. Lightly spray the tops with oil. Air fry at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Check doneness: The meatballs are done when they are browned and an instant-read thermometer in the center of the largest one reads 165°F.
Serve: Serve right away with warm marinara, over zucchini noodles or whole-wheat pasta, or tucked into pitas with tzatziki.
Dual basket tip: Make it a full dinner. Put the meatballs in basket 1 at 380°F and roasted vegetables in basket 2, then press Smart Finish (or Sync Finish) so both come out hot at the same time.
Meatballs plus a side: Gourmia GAF956 9-QtTwo 4.5-Qt baskets with Smart Finish, so the meatballs and vegetables are done together.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs? (Estimated)
Per serving (5 meatballs, 1/4 of the recipe, without sauce): about 240 calories, 12 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 5 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 26 g protein, and about 470 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for 93% lean ground turkey, egg, panko, parmesan and salt. Marinara adds roughly 40 to 70 calories per 1/2 cup. Cut the salt to 1/4 tsp to lower the sodium.
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Greek: swap the parmesan for crumbled feta, add 1 tsp dried oregano and 2 tbsp chopped spinach, and serve with tzatziki
Asian-style: use 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp grated ginger and sliced scallions instead of the parmesan and Italian seasoning
Buffalo: toss the cooked meatballs in 2 tbsp hot sauce and serve with celery and a yogurt ranch dip
Chicken: use lean ground chicken in place of turkey with the same time and temperature
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook turkey meatballs in the air fryer?
Cook 1 1/2-inch turkey meatballs at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway. Smaller meatballs may be done in 8 to 9 minutes. They are done when the center reads 165°F.
What temperature should turkey meatballs reach?
Ground turkey should reach 165°F in the center. Check the largest meatball with an instant-read thermometer, since color alone is not a reliable sign of doneness.
How do you keep air fryer turkey meatballs from drying out?
Use 93% lean turkey instead of 99% lean, add the egg, panko and parmesan, mix gently, and pull the meatballs as soon as they reach 165°F. A spoonful of warm marinara at the end also helps.
Can you air fry frozen turkey meatballs?
Yes. Cook frozen, fully cooked turkey meatballs at 380°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway, until they are hot all the way through. Homemade frozen raw meatballs need closer to 14 to 16 minutes and must reach 165°F.
Are air fryer turkey meatballs healthy?
They are a lean, high-protein option. We estimate about 240 calories and 26 g of protein per serving of five meatballs, before sauce. These are estimates and will vary with your turkey and portions.
How do I cook meatballs in a dual basket air fryer?
Split the meatballs between both baskets in a single layer and use Match Cook or Sync Cook at 380°F. Or cook the meatballs in one basket and vegetables in the other, and use Smart Finish or Sync Finish so both are ready together.
