If you’re looking for an alternative to classic beef meatballs, you can switch the meat to turkey, chicken or pork.
In this recipe I’m using turkey mince to make meatballs to cook in an air fryer. Read on to see how to prepare and cook them, together with some suggested sides and sauces.
You might like: Air Fryer Beef Meatballs or Thai Inspired Pork Meatballs (also in an air fryer)
What You Need
The ingredients below are enough to make around 12 meatballs, depending on the size of them. Feel free to make more or less depending on how many servings you need.
For more concise ingredients or to print out this recipe please head to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- 500g turkey mince
- 20g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 20g chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Making It
Prepare the meatballs by mixing all the above ingredients together in a bowl. It’s easier to use your hands to mix everything together and form the meatballs – you might prefer to use food safe gloves to do this. You should get about 12 meatballs from this mixture, depending on the size you make them.
Optionally brush or spray your air fryer basket with a bit of oil and place the raw meatballs in. Set the air fryer off at 200°C and cook for between 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked all the way through. If in doubt, check with a meat thermometer, it should read 74°C.
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What To Serve With Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Many sides can be served with turkey meatballs, depending on your personal preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli can make a tasty and healthy side dish to turkey meatballs.
- Salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes can provide a refreshing contrast to the meatballs. You can also add some avocado or nuts for extra texture and flavour.
- Pasta: Turkey meatballs can be served with pasta such as spaghetti or if you want to go low carb, courgetti spaghetti.
- Rice: Brown or white rice can be a simple and satisfying side to turkey meatballs.
Sauces For Turkey Meatballs
Many sauces go well with turkey meatballs. Here are some options to try:
- Tomato sauce: A classic tomato sauce made with chopped tomatoes (or passata), garlic, onion, and herbs. Or, you can heat up a jar of premade tomato pasta sauce.
- Pesto sauce: A bright, flavourful pesto made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Cranberry sauce: A tart and sweet cranberry sauce is a festive option that pairs well with turkey meatballs during the holiday season.
- Garlic butter sauce: A simple and indulgent garlic butter sauce made with garlic, butter, and herbs.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 500 g turkey mince
- 20 g grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1 egg beaten
- 20 g chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the turkey, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs. You should get around 12 meatballs from the mixture.
- If your air fryer basket is prone to sticking, spray or brush the air fryer basket with a little oil.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes at 200°C, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. If necessary use a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should read 74°C.
- Serve the meatballs with your favourite dipping sauce or alongside pasta or salad.
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