Turkey Meatball Recipe

Homemade meatballs make the perfect appetizer or main dish recipe. The meatballs cook moist and tender in many different cooking methods. Make them with simple pantry ingredients and add in fresh herbs.

If you have tried Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs, Italian Meatballs or Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs then you are going to love these Turkey Meatballs.

Why We Love Turkey Meatballs

• Quick and Easy – The turkey meatballs can easily be prepared ahead and then cooked for a quick dinner idea.
• Simple Ingredients – These meatballs are combined with simple spices to create a delicious meatball. We often use frozen meatballs, but making homemade creates a juicy meatball.
• Meal Prep – If you are looking to add more protein to your diet, meal prep these turkey meatballs for a delicious lunch.

Ingredients

• Ground Turkey – Substitute with Ground Beef, Pork or Ground Chicken
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Bind the mixture together
• Milk – Use milk of your choice
• Parmesan Cheese – Use shredded or grated
• Cloves Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Italian Seasoning – Learn How to Make Italian Seasoning Recipe

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Seasoning Variations

Change the flavor of the meatballs but using different types of seasoning. Here are some of our favorites.

• Red Pepper Flakes
• Chopped Onion
• Oregano
• Fresh Basil
• Fresh Parsley

How to Make Turkey Meatballs

• Step 1 – In a large bowl, combine the milk and panko bread crumbs. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, so the breadcrumbs can absorb the milk.

• Step 2 – Add the ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well using your hands or a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

• Step 3 – Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should have around 20-24 meatballs.

Choose a Cooking Method

Baking Turkey Meatballs

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Step 2 – Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Step 3 – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Air Frying Turkey Meatballs

• Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Step 2 – Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed.
• Step 3 – Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Stovetop Turkey Meatballs

• Step 1 – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Step 2 – Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all around and fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes.

Expert Tips

• Lean Ground Turkey – I recommend using ground turkey with a fat content of 93% lean, to help keep the meatballs moist and flavorful without being too greasy.
• Making Meatballs – To ensure that the turkey meatballs are even, we recommend using a cookie scoop to scoop the ground turkey mixture.
• Cooking Time – Depending on the size of your meatballs cooking time will vary.
• Resting Meatballs – Remove meatballs from the oven, air fryer, or skillet, and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Know When Meatballs are Finished Cooking

To ensure that you turkey meatballs are fully cooked, we recommend using an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature.

The meat thermometer should reach 165 degrees when the meatballs are ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey meatball Recipe can be served as an appetizer or main dish recipe. We love to serve over pasta such as spaghetti. You can easily make this CrockPot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe for a delicious meal idea.

For a low carb option, serve over Cauliflower Rice Recipe with Easy Marinara Sauce with Air Fryer Broccoli for a delicious meal idea. This is the perfect meal to meal prep with.

Frequently Asked Questions