Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray (for air frying) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh garlic adds a strong, bold flavor. Choose high-quality ground turkey with low fat for moist meatballs. When picking breadcrumbs, opt for Italian-style for added taste. Fresh parsley brings color and a bright flavor. Grated Parmesan should be real cheese, not the powdered kind. This adds a richer taste. If you don’t have ground turkey, try lean ground chicken. You can swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats. If you want a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs. If fresh parsley is not available, dried parsley can work, but use less. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. It’s lean and perfect for meatballs. Next, toss in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. I prefer Italian-style for added flavor. Then, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will give your meatballs a rich taste. Don’t forget 2 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic adds lots of great flavor. Next, chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. This makes the meatballs fresh and bright. Crack in 1 large egg. The egg helps hold everything together. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder. This boosts the garlic flavor. Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all these ingredients well. Use your hands or a spoon until everything is combined. Now it's time to shape your meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture. Roll it into a ball, about 1 inch in size. This size cooks well and stays juicy. You should make about 20 meatballs from this mix. Place them on a plate or tray as you go. This makes it easy to transfer them to the air fryer later. Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps cook the meatballs evenly. While it preheats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents sticking. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket. If you have too many, cook them in batches. Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, turn them to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the meatballs and let them sit for a minute before serving. Enjoy them with marinara sauce or on pasta. To make sure your meatballs cook just right, follow these tips: - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. - Shape meatballs to about 1 inch in size. This helps them cook evenly. - Place them in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding. - Turn them halfway through cooking for a nice, even brown. - Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating. To boost the flavor of your meatballs, consider these changes: - Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste. - Add more herbs like basil or thyme for extra depth. - Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or feta. - Mix in some crushed red pepper for a hint of heat. - Swap out breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or panko for crunch. How you serve these meatballs can elevate the meal: - Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. - Toss them with pasta and a light olive oil sauce. - Add them to a sub roll with melted cheese for a tasty sandwich. - Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. - Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for a nice touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and parsley. Fresh herbs and spices can significantly enhance the taste of your meatballs. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add additional spices or herbs like basil or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor to your liking. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground turkey for other meats. Chicken works well in this recipe. Ground beef is also a great choice. If you want a lighter dish, try ground chicken. Each type of meat brings its own flavor and texture. Just remember, cooking times may vary. You can add more flavor to your meatballs. Try mixing in some chopped bell peppers or spinach. They add color and nutrition. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. If you love herbs, fresh basil or thyme can brighten the dish. Experimenting with different flavors keeps things exciting! Serving your meatballs can be fun. You can place them on a bed of pasta. This traditional style is always a hit. For a lighter option, serve them over a salad. Dip them in marinara sauce for a tasty snack. You can even make meatball subs with crusty bread. Each way brings a new twist to the meal! After enjoying your Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs, you may have some left. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. To reheat your meatballs, use the air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat them on high for about 1-2 minutes. Check that they are hot all the way through. If you want to save some meatballs, freezing is a great option. Let the meatballs cool completely first. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Cook your Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatballs for 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for best results. Turn the meatballs halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly and cook through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the mixture and shape the meatballs. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just place the uncooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. These turkey meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping. Toss them over pasta or zucchini noodles. They also go great with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. For a fun twist, add them to a sub sandwich with melted cheese. Choose whatever makes your meal special! In this post, we covered tasty garlic Parmesan turkey meatballs. We listed all the ingredients and their quality, plus substitutes for key items. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, shaping, and cooking them in an air fryer. We shared tips for perfectly cooked meatballs and ideas for serving. You can explore variations like different proteins and flavor add-ins. Lastly, we discussed how to store leftovers and reheating options. Now, enjoy making these meatballs your way. They’re easy, fun, and packed with flavor!$

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Delicious and healthy turkey meatballs flavored with garlic and Parmesan cheese, cooked in an air fryer for a crispy finish.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 large egg
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 spray Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 20 meatballs from this mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them sit for a minute. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping or over your favorite pasta.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce or over pasta for a complete meal.

Keyword air fryer, garlic, parmesan, turkey meatballs