Turkey meatballs are one of those cozy, comforting dishes that everyone loves. They’re tender, flavorful, and a little lighter than traditional beef meatballs, but every bit as satisfying. These turkey meatballs can be pan-fried, air-fried, or baked! Be sure to check out our Homemade Meatballs for another classic option that’s perfect for pasta night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These turkey meatballs are a weeknight hero! They’re made with simple pantry ingredients and come together quickly for a cozy, protein-packed meal. You’ll love how versatile they are! Serve them over homemade egg noodles, with marinara sauce, or pair them with roasted green beans for a lighter option. Made with lean ground turkey, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, they’re full of flavor without feeling heavy. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them a great addition to your meal prep rotation.
How to Bake Meatballs
If you prefer a hands-off method, baking your turkey meatballs is just as easy and still gives you a tender, flavorful result. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the outsides are golden and the centers reach 165°F. For a slightly crispier texture, you can broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
How to Air-Fry Turkey Meatballs
If you love crispy edges without the extra oil, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 375°F and lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with a bit of space between each one, then air-fry for about 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. When they’re golden brown and reach 165°F internally, they’re ready to go. This method gives you that same oven-baked flavor in half the time, with a perfectly crisp finish.
Storing and Reheating
Let the cooked meatballs cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave gently until warmed through.
Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the milk, breadcrumbs, garlic, and onion. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the milk-breadcrumb mixture. Gently mix everything until just combined; don’t overmix.
- Lightly grease your hands and roll the mixture into balls (about golf ball size).
- Add oil to a large nonstick or cast iron skillet. Heat over medium until the oil shimmers.
- Place the meatballs in the skillet in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to brown all sides evenly.The meatballs are done when they’re golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauce, pasta, or side dish.
This recipe was inspired by the Turkey Meatballs on iamhomesteader.net
More Appetizers You Will Love
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Sweet, garlicky shrimp glazed with honey, soy, and a hint of chili heat, ready in under 20 minutes for a quick, flavorful meal.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers: quick, flavorful air-fried chicken with homemade sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course!
Salmon Patties
Craving crispy comfort food? Try our easy salmon patties recipe – flaky fish, flavorful, and perfect for any meal!
Thank you for sharing your recipes.