Learn how to make turkey meatballs, baked or air-fried, that taste just like the classic Italian meatballs you love!
Ground Turkey Meatballs
I make our perfect homemade meatballs all the time. In fact, they are my kids' favorite thing that I make for dinner. They ask for them all the time!
Sometimes I want to make this comfort meal with a leaner protein, and that's where these Ground Turkey Meatballs come in. They taste great, and my kids don't even notice the difference most of the time.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Onion
- Poultry seasoning
- Salt
- Ground pepper
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, onion, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Using an optional #30 cookie scoop (2+ Tablespoons) scoop and gently form meatballs, placing them on a sheet pan.
- Do not pack the formed meatballs, just form them into balls.
How to Air Fry Turkey Meatballs
- Place formed meatballs into the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook additional batches depending on your basket size.)
- Set the air fryer to air fry (390 degrees.) Set the timer for 7 minutes.
- Press start. The meatballs will be done with the air fryer shuts off.
- With a digital thermometer, ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs has reached 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C.
- Remove the meatballs with tongs, being careful not to touch the sides of the hot appliance.
- Serve plain, with your favorite sauce and pasta, or store for later in the fridge or freezer.
How Long to Cook Turkey Meatballs in Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C.)
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat these warm or cold?
Yes!
Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
It’s recommended to air fry the meatballs prior to freezing them. Cooked meatballs may be stored in the freezer for future meals.
Do I need to use a #30 cookie scoop?
No, the cookie scoop allows for evenly portioned meatballs. You may instead use 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and gently form the balls by hand.
What type of ground turkey should I use?
I typically use 93/7 ground turkey to keep the final product lean, flavorful, but not dry. You may use the ground turkey that suits your lifestyle and preference.
My air fryer made my meatballs overcooked or raw in the middle, what should I do?
If your meatballs are overcooked and dry with a dark crust, you will want to decrease the amount of time they are cooking or put a loose cover of aluminum foil over the top of the meatballs while cooking.
If your meatballs are raw in the middle and did not reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius, cook your meatballs for a few additional minutes.
Each brand of air fryer is a little bit different and each manufacturer also provides some troubleshooting information if you need additional assistance.
How long can I store cooked meatballs?
Cooked meats can generally be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and in the freezer for 2-3 months if stored in a freezer safe container.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 18–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I double the batch?
Absolutely! Just cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
How should I reheat these meatballs?
You can reheat meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, in the microwave, or in simmering sauce on the stove until heated through.
What sauces pair well with these meatballs?
These are super versatile—try classic marinara, buffalo, BBQ, tzatziki, or even a honey mustard glaze.
If you try this recipe, please leave us a comment and a positive review! They mean a lot to us.
Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- medium mixing bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- #30 Cookie Scoop (optional)
- Air Fryer (optional)
- sheet pan (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey I use 93/7 ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, onion, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Using an optional #30 cookie scoop (2+ Tablespoons), scoop and gently form meatballs, placing them on a sheet pan. Do not pack the formed meatballs, just form them into balls.
- Place formed meatballs into the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook additional batches depending on your basket size).
Air Fry Instructions
- Set the air fryer to air fry (390 degrees). Set the timer for 7 minutes. Press start.
- The meatballs will be done with the air fryer shuts off. With a digital thermometer, ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.
- Remove the meatballs with tongs, being careful not to touch the sides of the hot appliance.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Place formed meatballs about 1" apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake turkey meatballs in the oven for 18 – 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve plain, with your favorite sauce, in your favorite recipe, or store for later in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
‘blemishes’ as I remove the meatballs from the air fryer. If your ground turkey mixture feels overly wet or sticky, refrigerate it for 15 – 20 minutes before scooping. This makes shaping easier and helps them hold their form better. For crispier outsides, spray the tops of the meatballs lightly with oil before air frying.
Recipe Enhancements:
- Consider adding optional flavor boosters to match how you are planning to serve them (e.g., fresh garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes).
- Finely grating the onion or lightly sautéing it first can reduce moisture and improve
texture if you have juicier turkey blends.
Nutrition
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