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Air Fryer BBQ Turkey Meatballs

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Air Fryer BBQ Turkey Meatballs bring a delicious and health-conscious update to a beloved comfort food. Tender turkey meatballs are coated with a smoky, tangy barbecue glaze and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a crispy outside and juicy inside.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey lean
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg beaten, acts as a binder
  • ¼ cup onion finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
  • olive oil spray for coating air fryer basket and meatballs

Equipment

  • Air Fryer For cooking the meatballs to crisp perfection
  • Large Bowl To mix meatball ingredients
  • Basting Brush To apply BBQ sauce glaze

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to blend evenly without overmixing.
  2. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter and place them on a plate.
  3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange meatballs in a single layer with space between each for air circulation.
  4. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove meatballs and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to set the glaze.
  6. Serve the meatballs warm, optionally with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Quick and easy preparation with the air fryer.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat nicely in the air fryer or oven.
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based ground meat and a flax egg binder with vegan BBQ sauce.

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