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overhead view of white plate of pasta and turkey meatballs, with 2 forks and platter of turkey meatballs on side
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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Add air fryer turkey meatballs to your quick-and-easy meal lineup! Made with lean turkey, grated zucchini, and panko breadcrumbs, these meatballs turn out tender and juicy with a light golden-brown crisp on the outside. They’re perfect for dipping, serving over pasta, or freezing for a tasty, nutritious meal the whole family will enjoy.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 175kcal
Author Jennifer Draper

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean works well
  • 1 cup grated zucchini squeeze out excess moisture with a towel
  • ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or your favorite seasoning blend
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Avocado oil spray

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 380 ℉ and spray basket with avocado oil spray
  • Grate zucchini and gently squeeze out excess moisture in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel
  • Combine breadcrumbs with milk and set aside to soak for 5 minutes
  • In a large bowl, combine turkey, zucchini, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, then mix gently until just combined
  • Form mixture into 1-1½-inch meatballs and place in a single layer in air fryer basket (work in batches if needed)
  • Spray tops lightly with avocado oil spray
  • Cook at 380 ℉ for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 ℉

Notes

  • Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Mix gently to keep meatballs tender.
  • Use a cookie scoop or spoon for uniform-sized 1-1½-inch meatballs.
  • Remove meatballs from the air fryer when they reach 165 ℉ to prevent drying out.
  • Flip meatballs halfway through cooking for even browning.
  • Spray the air fryer basket and tops of the meatballs with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the basket and cook in batches for crisp results.

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 691mg | Potassium: 475mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 192IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg