Dinner

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Recipe

ByBen Miller February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

These air fryer turkey meatballs are a quick and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Light, flavorful, and perfectly browned, they make a great appetizer or main dish any day of the week.

The image shows five golden-brown meatballs stacked in a small pile on a simple, white plate. The meatballs have a slightly rough texture with some darker browned spots, indicating they are cooked well with a crispy outside. The white plate is on a white marbled surface, and a silver spoon lies beside it. In the background, there is a black air fryer partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large egg
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 lb ground turkey
Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir in the breadcrumbs until combined.
Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. From each portion, form 3 meatballs. Spray the meatballs all over with cooking spray to help them brown.
Step 4: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the meatballs over and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until they are no longer pink inside and have a nice browned exterior.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
Serve with marinara sauce or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Substitute ground chicken or lean beef for the turkey if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through to maintain their crispy exterior.

How to Serve

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small pile of five round, golden-brown meatballs clustered in the center. The meatballs have a slightly crispy texture on the outside with some darker brown spots showing they are well cooked. In the background, there is a black air fryer and a gold spoon to the right, partly visible, adding context but keeping focus on the meatballs. The lighting highlights the warm color of the meatballs, making them look appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these turkey meatballs?

Yes, place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are no longer pink inside. Using a meat thermometer ensures they are safely cooked.