Herbed Turkey Meatballs
These Herbed Turkey Meatballs are a perfect easy and healthy option for your next air fryer dinner. You’ll love how quickly you can prepare these flavorful meatballs, making dinner a breeze. They’re juicy, tender, and packed with delicious herbs.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey for best results. Ground chicken is a good substitute.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work well for texture. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, sage, and thyme add fantastic flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the quantity by half.
- Egg: Acts as a binder. A flax egg can be used as a vegan alternative.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Spices:
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, air fryer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, sage, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into golf-ball sized meatballs. You should get about 16-18 meatballs from this recipe. Place them on a plate as you form them.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer
Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. Air Fry the Meatballs
Cook the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Your meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Herbed Turkey Meatballs from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They are excellent with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete air fryer dinner.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a little heat.
- Cheese Infusion: Mix in ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a teaspoon of dried oregano.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Herbed Turkey Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or warm them in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you freeze these turkey meatballs? Yes, you can freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- What should you serve with these air fryer dinner recipes? They pair well with zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- How do you know when turkey meatballs are cooked through? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Can you use ground chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely, ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well in this air fryer dinner recipe.
- Do you need to preheat the air fryer? While not strictly necessary for all air fryer dinner recipes, preheating for 5 minutes can help ensure more even cooking.
- Can you bake these meatballs instead? Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
