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Plate of turkey meatballs in tomato sauce with fresh herbs.
Reda

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

These air fryer turkey meatballs are incredibly juicy and packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, they're perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served with pasta, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Italian-American
Calories: 248
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-seasoned
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup onion finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp olive oil plus extra for spraying
  • 2 tbsp milk helps keep meatballs moist

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon

Method
 

Prepare the Meatball Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, diced onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Add the milk and olive oil to the mixture. These will help keep the turkey meatballs moist and juicy.
  3. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Form and Cook the Meatballs
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into approximately 16-20 equal-sized balls. Gently roll between your palms to form smooth, round meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, making sure they're not touching (you may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size).
  4. Spray the tops of the meatballs lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
  5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, gently shaking the basket or flipping the meatballs halfway through cooking. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be nicely browned on the outside.
Serve
  1. Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve hot with your favorite sauce, over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Notes

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warmed through. To keep turkey meatballs from drying out, make sure not to overcook them. The addition of milk and olive oil to the mixture helps retain moisture. For an even healthier option, you can use ground turkey breast (99% lean), but you may want to increase the olive oil slightly to prevent dryness.