Are turkey meatballs a good source of protein?

Yes! Air fryer turkey meatballs (high-protein) are an excellent source of lean protein. Each serving packs around 10 grams of protein while staying low in fat and calories. This makes them a smart choice for building muscle, supporting weight management, or simply enjoying a filling and healthy meal.

Can I cook turkey meatballs in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Cooking turkey meatballs in an air fryer is one of the most efficient methods. It gives them a crispy exterior, keeps the inside juicy, and takes only 8–10 minutes. Plus, you’ll use far less oil compared to frying in a pan.

Can you air fry meatballs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry almost any type of meatball, whether turkey, chicken, beef, or even plant-based. The key is shaping them evenly and cooking in a single layer so the hot air circulates properly. Many people in the healthy cooking community prefer air frying because it delivers consistent results with less mess.

Are meatballs better in the air fryer or oven?

It depends on your goals. Air fryer turkey meatballs are faster, healthier, and crispier without needing much oil. Oven-baked meatballs are better for cooking larger batches but take more time. If convenience and texture matter most, the air fryer wins. If you’re meal-prepping for a crowd, the oven might be the way to go.

10 Best Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs (High-Protein Recipe

Description

These Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are juicy, tender, and packed with lean protein. Made with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs, they cook up in minutes for a healthy, family-friendly dinner or meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean recommended)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Olive oil spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Form mixture into 12–15 evenly sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches each).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch.
Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store cooled turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F, or warm in a non-stick skillet.
Make them low-carb: Use almond flour or keto breadcrumbs.
Gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and add a splash of water if mixture feels too dry.
Serving ideas: Pair with marinara and pasta, zucchini noodles, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Doneness tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open, the juices should run clear and no pink should remain.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course, High-Protein
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American, Healthy

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 meatball
Calories: 67
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 255mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 25mg