Description
These Crispy and Tender Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are packed with flavor, juicy on the inside, and perfectly crisp on the outside. Quick to make and healthier than traditional fried meatballs, they’re a must-try for easy dinners or appetizers.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for best juiciness)
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1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 small onion, finely grated or minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
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In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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Mix just until combined — avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 2: Form Meatballs
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Use about 1 ½ tablespoons of mixture per meatball and roll into balls.
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Lightly spray with cooking spray for crispiness.
Step 3: Air Fry the Meatballs
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
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Arrange meatballs in a single layer, not touching.
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Cook until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve
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Serve warm as is, or with marinara sauce, over pasta, or in a sub sandwich.
Notes
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Use panko for lighter texture, or Italian breadcrumbs for added seasoning.
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You can freeze raw meatballs and cook directly from frozen — add 2–3 extra minutes to cooking time.
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Works great with ground chicken as well.
