Turkey meatballs in the air fryer are the best! They get a crispy coating that makes them extra tasty. I honestly can’t remember how I lived without this air fryer. It’s my favorite appliance in the world.
What makes this air fryer turkey meatball recipe healthy?
I don’t use any breadcrumbs which keeps it pretty clean and low carb. Because they’re cooked in an air fryer, there is no use of oil in the recipe, so the overall calories are pretty low, while the taste profile is amazing. They're also nice and crispy on the outside (but juicy on the inside).
Seasoning combos - the options are limitless!
For this recipe, I use a feta and sun dried tomato combo with oregano, but you could use whatever you have. Here’s a few ideas to get your imagination going…
- Feta and spinach
- Parmesan and sun dried tomato
- Shredded mozzarella and fresh basil
- Honey & mustard
I think pretty much any combo of cheese and finely diced veggie will fly with this recipe.
How to make the best turkey meatballs
Ground turkey can be tricky as it’s really quite bland on it’s own. The reason this recipe works so well is that feta and sun dried tomatoes have a strong flavor profile and the added seasoning gives it more interest.
However, I think the best thing you can do with any meatball is to cook it in an air fryer. This is the secret to the best tasting meatball because it keeps the center juicy, but adds a crisp to the outer area. This makes them good enough to just pop in your mouth as a snack or a meal
Air Fryer Tips
The best advice I can give you is not to overcrowd your air fryer. If you have to cook the meat balls in batches, so be it. They don’t take long to make. I’ve tried a few different times, but I find that cooking at 400 degrees for 7 minutes, then taking them out and flipping them over and cooking for another 6 minutes yields the best results.
I find that every air fryer is different, so definitely take it out at minute 7 and evaluate where you’re at. They will probably need at least 10 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through, but you may need an extra minute or two to get your desired level crunchiness. Just don’t cook longer than 17 minutes total or they will dry out!
What to make with turkey meatballs
If you live in the US, and you’re willing to tolerate a few carbs, Trader Joes makes an excellent frozen cauliflower gnocchi. Serve with pasta sauce and you've got a fast and awesome dinner that everyone will love. Alternatively, you could also serve with:
- Zucchini zoodles and pasta sauce
- This pasta, which is very low carb and high in protein. It’s also really good!
- Serve them alone with a salad or with a greek spaghetti squash casserole
- Make smaller balls and serve them as an appetizer on toothpicks with a little cherry tomato and fresh basil leaf as a garnish!
- Re-bake them for a few minutes in a tomato sauce and serve with roasted veggies on the side.
Are you FOLLOWING THE ULTIMATE FIX PLAN?
- One serving of Turkey Meatballs (approximately 3 balls) is 1 Red & 1/ 4 Blue. I don't count the onion as the amount per portion is so small.
Hungry for more clean eats? Try these next
- Spaghetti squash pizza casserole
- Quinoa crusted eggplant pizza
- Low carb cauliflower crust pizza
- Easy Thai-inspired turkey meatballs (air fryer)
Healthy Turkey Meatballs in the Air Fryer
A quick and healthy turkey meatball recipe that's perfect for meal prep because they'll last all week in the fridge. This recipe is low carb, simple to make and 21 Day Fixed Approved.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground turkey (I used 93% lean)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- ⅓ cup feta
- 4 tablespoons sun dried tomato in oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp coconut flour (optional)
Instructions
- Chop onions finely and add to a bowl with the remaining ingredients.
- Mix well.
- Spray the bottom of your air fryer in a non-stick spray.
- With clean hands, create little balls about 1.5 inches in diameter with the mixture and place into the air fryer.
- [OPTIONAL] If you find your mixture is too moist, you can add a tablespoon of flour (I recommend coconut flour, but use what you have) to absorb some of the moisture.
- Ensure the balls aren’t touching each other in the air fryer. You will probably need to make two batches.
- Put the first batch in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Then flip them over and put them back in for another 6 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
- Remove and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Want to make veggie meatballs?
Go for it! The same recipe will work with a soy-based ground meat. You need the egg however, to keep everything stuck together, so unfortunately you can't make it vegan.
Want to make beef meatballs?
Same rules apply. You may need to adjust the cook time however, based on how raw or well done you prefer your beef.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 3 meatballs per servingAmount Per Serving Calories 222Total Fat 11.4gCarbohydrates 5gNet Carbohydrates 4.3gFiber 0.7gProtein 24.7g
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and ADHD Coach. As the founder of The Fit Habit, she shares ADHD-friendly self-care, food & fitness inspiration, along with practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
Erin
In the 2b mindset program, do you have to stick to what one serving is for each recipe? Or can you eat as much of it as you want (within moderation of course)?