Description
Zesty Turkey Meatballs celebrate lean protein with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, blending herbs and spices in a quick air fryer technique. Crispy exteriors and juicy interiors make this dish a perfect weeknight protein that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground turkey
Sauce and Preserves:
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ¼ cup apricot preserves
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniformly sized spheres approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter, using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing.
- Prepare the air fryer by setting the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and allowing it to fully preheat.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-aerosol olive oil spray to prevent meatballs from sticking.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer within the basket, maintaining approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of space between each piece to promote optimal air circulation.
- Delicately mist the meatballs with additional olive oil spray to enhance browning and crispiness.
- Cook the meatballs for 8-9 minutes, pausing midway to gently shake the basket and ensure even cooking and golden exterior.
- While meatballs are cooking, whisk together chili sauce and apricot preserves in a separate bowl to create a vibrant, tangy glaze.
- Once meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), remove from air fryer and immediately toss in the prepared sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional fresh chopped parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground turkey to keep these meatballs healthier and lighter than traditional beef versions.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size using an ice cream scoop for consistent cooking and professional-looking results.
- Shake the air fryer basket midway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Let meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and develop richer flavors.
- The zesty sweet-spicy sauce transforms simple meatballs into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg