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–+ servings
Turkey meatballs on a plate garnished with shredded parmesan cheese.

Air Fryer Pesto Turkey Meatballs

Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 18 Meatballs
Calories: 57kcal
Author: Deanna
Turkey meatballs, flavored with pesto and parmesan cheese, are ready in only 8 minutes using the air fryer. These savoury meatballs work well as an appetizer or part of the main meal.
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 Large egg
  • ¼ Cup fine breadcrumbs
  • ¼ Cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • ¼ Cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Instructions

  • Mix all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.
  • Form into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. (About 1.5 tablespoons per meatball. A medium-size cookie scoop works well.)
  • Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to not crowd the basket.
  • Place the basket in the air fryer, set it to 400°F and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Using a meat thermometer the internal temperature of the meatballs should read 165°F. (If you find your air fryer doesn't cook evenly, turn the meatballs halfway through.)
  • Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve.

Notes

I have a hard time finding ground turkey in packages that are exactly 1 pound. This recipe will work fine up to about 1.5 pounds of turkey.
As ground turkey can vary a bit in moisture content, depending on how lean it is, if you find the mixture too wet to form into meatballs you can add a tablespoon or two of extra breadcrumbs.
I don't preheat the air fryer for this recipe as I like to form the meatballs and put them directly in the basket to save on dishes.
If you are working in batches, you will want to check the second batch a minute or two earlier than the first.  Due to the air fryer being hot, they will cook slightly faster. 

Nutrition

Calories: 57kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 103IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg