Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

   • Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough.

     
     

2. Form the Meatballs:

   • Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-14 meatballs.

   • Place the meatballs on a plate or parchment-lined tray.

     
     

3. Air Fry the Meatballs:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

   • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.

   • Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

     
     

4. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with marinara sauce, pasta, or as an appetizer.

Pro Tips:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until combined for tender, juicy meatballs.

• Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure the meatballs are all the same size for even cooking.

• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked but still juicy.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Spaghetti: Serve over spaghetti with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

• Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a side of marinara for dipping as a party appetizer.

• Sub Sandwich: Place meatballs in a hoagie roll with marinara and mozzarella cheese, then air fry until the cheese is bubbly for a meatball sub. Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs