This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
These air fryer turkey meatballs are juicy, tender, and cook up in just eight minutes. They are healthy, satisfying, and super versatile.
Air fryer turkey meatballs are one of my family’s favorite weeknight dinners. I make them all the time because they are just as juicy as you’d expect pan-fried or baked ones to be, but they cook up in a fraction of the time!
The meatballs are incredibly juicy in the middle and tender on the outside, with so much flavor. They use just a handful of ingredients and are easy to customize.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Healthy. Compared to ground beef or chicken, using ground turkey has less saturated fat and calories.
- Fast. Like air fryer meatballs, these turkey meatballs cook in under 10 minutes, from prep to plate.
- Versatile. Toss them through a sauce, stuff them in a meatball sub, or serve them over some salad: the possibilities are endless.
- Mess-free. Probably my favorite reason for using the air fryer is that there is no deep frying or pan-frying, which means no oil splatter or cleanup.
You may enjoy trying other turkey recipes in the air fryer, like my air fryer turkey breast, air fryer turkey bacon, or air fryer turkey burgers.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Made 12 meatballs and cooked for exactly 10 minutes (used a thermometer to check internal temp). These are perfect and so quick! Quick, simple, and delicious recipes are a favorite in our home. Thank you 🙂” – Kim
Key Ingredients
- Ground turkey. I used several different blends to determine which yielded the best results, and ultimately, I preferred a 93/7 blend (93% lean to 7% fat). Any fattier blend will also work, but you’ll want to drain the excess grease.
- Breadcrumbs. You can use regular whole wheat breadcrumbs. I actually don’t recommend using panko breadcrumbs as they tend to dry out the meat when air-frying.
- Garlic. Use freshly minced garlic cloves for the best flavor. If using garlic powder, reduce to ½ teaspoon.
- Dried basil. For flavor. Italian seasoning also works.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
- Egg. To lock in moisture.
- Milk. Adds moisture to the meatballs.
How to make air fryer turkey meatballs
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Mix. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2- Assemble. Once smooth, shape the meatballs and place them in the basket.
Step 3- Air fry the meatballs, flipping halfway through, until they’re fully cooked.
Step 4- Rest and serve. Let them cool briefly before serving.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a meat thermometer. Turkey, especially lean turkey, can easily get overcooked. Since everyone’s air fryer is slightly different, I suggest checking the internal temperature of the meatballs after 5 minutes. Once they reach 165°F, they’re ready to be removed.
- Don’t overmix. Overworking the meatball mixture can result in gummy or chewy meatballs. You want to mix everything until it’s just combined.
- Keep them in a single layer. You don’t want any overlapping, or they won’t get evenly cooked.
- For perfectly portioned meatballs, I prefer to use either a 1/4 cup measure (divided into two meatballs) or a cookie scoop.
Storage instructions
To store: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To freeze: Let the meatballs cool completely, then freeze them in a freezer bag for 3 months.
To reheat: Microwave leftovers for 30-40 seconds or reheat in the air fryer at 325F for 4-5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Your turkey meatballs may be rubbery if they’re overcooked, overmixed, or packed too tightly. Only mix the meat mixture until it’s smooth, and use a meat thermometer to monitor when the meatballs reach 165°F.
If you use pre-frozen and pre-made meatballs, you can add them directly into the air fryer. Air fry them for 10 minutes at 200C/400F, shaking the air fryer basket several times throughout.
The meatballs may fall apart during cooking if you omit the eggs or milk. To prevent this, please stick to my recommended measurements.
More air fryer recipes to try
- Air fryer hamburgers
- Air fryer pork tenderloin
- Air fryer meatloaf
- Air fryer fried chicken
- Air fryer chicken parmesan
- Air fryer ribs
If you tried this Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon basil dried or fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- Add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, garlic, basil, salt, egg, and milk to a mixing bowl. Mix until combined and shape into a large dome.
- Shape out 12-15 meatballs and place a single layer into a greased air fryer basket.
- Air fry the turkey meatballs for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165F, remove them from the air fryer.
- Let the turkey meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add more fresh herbs. Add fresh basil or fresh parsley for more flavor.
- Mix-ins. Add parmesan cheese or finely chopped onion.
- Use different meat. This recipe works just as well with lean ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- Serve with a sauce. Try my Pomodoro sauce or sun dried tomato pesto.
Nutrition
Originally published December 2022, updated and republished April 2025
Very good, my go to recipe. I cook for 12 minutes to get the deep brown crruncy outside. Thanks for a great recipe!
This was my lunch today. Its not enough to say thank you. Veeery delicious.
This dish looks exactly how it was on cartoons haha. I never tried pasta like this. Can it also be chicken meatballs?
Made 12 meatballs and cooked for exactly 10 minutes (used a thermometer to check internal temp). These are perfect and so quick! Quick, simple and delicious recipes are a favorite in our home. Thank you 🙂
So welcome, Kim!
great! not dry at all – 12 min exactly
Thanks, Cass!!!
Sooooooo good!!
Perfect! I had grown tired of turkey meatballs until now. Juicy and delicious!
These meatballs were soooo tasty! And so easy to make! One of the easiest air fryer meatball recipes I have made yet! I did end up cooking them for almost 20 minutes to ensure the turkey was completely cooked but overall delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!