Description
Juicy, protein-packed turkey meatballs cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This quick weeknight dinner stays moist with a secret panade technique and offers a crispy exterior without the mess of stovetop frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular dry breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry (optional)
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 1 minute to form a thick paste (panade).
- Add the ground turkey, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl. If using, add the squeezed zucchini.
- Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
- Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of mixture and roll into uniform balls (yields 16-18 meatballs).
- Arrange meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring space for air circulation. Lightly spray tops with olive oil.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness. Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to prevent soggy meatballs. Turkey must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. These freeze well raw or cooked.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs per se
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: air fryer turkey meatballs, healthy weeknight dinner, high protein, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, quick meals, ground turkey recipes