Name: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground turkey; 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup onion (finely diced); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); cooking spray (olive oil type used); large cutting board OR baking sheet (to hold meatballs after rolling); parchment or wax paper (line baking sheet for easy cleanup)

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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs – 10 minute recipe – tender and juicy — add to pasta, meatball subs or serve as a healthy appetizer. They freeze perfectly – great for meal prep!

These Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs deliver big on flavor without a lot of fat.

I created this recipe during my post-menopausal shift — like many women, I needed to cut back on saturated fat and ramp up protein — but still wanted something hearty, – comforting. These tender, juicy meatballs check all the boxes.

Why this recipe is one of my favorites:

✅ Made with lean ground turkey – healthier twist on classic homemade meatballs
✅ High-protein, low-fat — perfect for a healthy dinner
✅ Ready in 20 minutes for a quick dinner
✅ Meal prep-friendly — freeze for later!
✅ Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs:

lean ground turkey
Italian breadcrumbs
grated parmesan cheese
beaten egg
onion
fresh parsley
garlic powder
worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper
cooking spray

How to make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper then set aside.

Add ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced onion, parsley, garlic, powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Use your hands to blend the turkey mixture together just until combined (don’t overmix or they may be tough!).

Using a small (about 1″) ice cream scoop form the meatballs mixture into balls then transfer to the bakign sheet.

Preheat the air fryer to 350° then lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Air fry 7-9 minutes total (or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees on a meat thermometer ), shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly.

NOTE: cook time will vary with air fryers and the exact size of the meatballs. Larger meatballs will require more cooking time.

Tips for the best meatballs:

💡 Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in a single layer so they cook evenly.
💡 Use a meat thermometer — the safe internal temperature for ground turkey is 165°F.
💡 Scoop evenly using a small ice cream scoop for consistent cooking time.

Recipes to use turkey meatballs in:

closeup of chicken parmesan meatballs topped with melted mozzarella

Marinara Sauce– fresh, homemade tomato sauce. Eat with regular pasta, zucchini noodles or meatball subs. This is one the whole family will enjoy.

Swedish Meatballs – creamy mushroom sauce with meatballs and fresh mushrooms. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Spicy Buffalo Meatballs – tasty spicy option to chicken wings. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Parmesan Meatballs – use ground chicken or turkey, top with marinara and melty cheese.

Storage and meal prep:

🎯 Fridge: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🎯 Freezer: Cool completely, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer meatballs to the baking sheet, place in the freezer for several hours until they’re solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
🎯 Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes or warm in the microwave with a splash of water or sauce.

Subs and variations to this recipe:

Substitute ground beef or ground chicken for turkey.
Use other fresh herbs such as dill. Swap parmesan cheese for feta.
Use other bread crumbs you prefer or have on hand, such panko bread crumbs.
Bake instead of air fry at 375° for about 10 minutes.
Recipe works great with ground chicken, ground pork, or even a ground beef.

Frequently asked questions:

❓Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken is a great substitute for lean ground turkey. Just make sure it’s not too lean or the meatballs may turn out dry. Look for ground chicken that has a little fat for tenderness.

❓How do I keep turkey meatballs from drying out?

To keep turkey meatballs moist, don’t skip the large egg, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese — they help bind and add moisture. Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture -and- overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and cook to an internal temp of 165°.

❓Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

It depends on your model. I always preheat, even though it heats up pretty quickly – 2-3 minutes should do it.

❓Can I use these meatballs for meal prep?

Absolutely! These healthy turkey meatballs are perfect for meal prep and freeze beautifully. Make a double batch and stash some for later. They’re great for quick dinners, last-minute guests, or topping zucchini noodles for a light lunch.