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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs for Meal Prep (26g Protein)

By The Crisp Macros Kitchen · Updated November 13, 2026 · 22 min total

Tender, golden air fryer turkey meatballs with parmesan and garlic. 26g protein and 235 calories per serving — ready in 22 minutes.

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Prep10 min Cook12 min Serves4 Air fryer380°F / 195°C

Nutrition Facts

4 servings · amount per serving

Calories235
Protein26 g
Total Carbohydrate5 g
Total Fat12 g

Estimated from USDA data for the listed ingredients. Values vary by brand and portion.

Lean ground turkey is one of the cheapest high-protein foods at the store — but it dries out fast. These air fryer turkey meatballs stay tender thanks to one small step: letting the panko soak in the egg before mixing in the meat.

Each serving (4 meatballs) has 26 grams of protein and 235 calories, and the whole batch is done in about 22 minutes.

Ways to use them all week

  • Meatball marinara bowl: with zucchini noodles or pasta and a spoon of marinara.
  • Greek bowl: rice, cucumber, tomato and a dollop of tzatziki.
  • Meatball sub: in a whole-wheat roll with melted mozzarella.

Make them leaner or richer

  • Leaner: use 99% lean turkey breast and add 2 tbsp of milk to keep it moist.
  • Richer: use 85% lean turkey for more flavor (about +40 calories per serving).
Tips for the best result
  • Letting the panko soak in the egg first keeps lean turkey meatballs juicy.
  • Use a cookie scoop for same-size meatballs that cook evenly.
  • Freeze cooked meatballs flat on a tray, then bag them. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs for Meal Prep (26g Protein)

Prep 10 min Cook 12 min Servings 4 Air fryer 380°F / 195°C Per serving 235 kcal · 26g protein

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup (20 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the egg, then add panko, parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and parsley. Let it sit 2 minutes so the panko hydrates.
  3. Add the ground turkey and mix gently with your hands just until combined. Overmixing makes meatballs tough.
  4. Roll into 16 meatballs (about 1.5 inches each). Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking.
  5. Spray the basket, add the meatballs in a single layer with space between them, and spray the tops lightly.
  6. Air fry 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until they reach 165°F (74°C) inside.

Macros are estimates based on standard USDA values and will vary with brands and portion sizes.

FAQ

How long do turkey meatballs take in the air fryer?

About 10–12 minutes at 380°F (195°C) for 1.5-inch meatballs. They are done at 165°F (74°C) inside.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes. Swap panko for crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Pork rinds also lower the carbs.

What do I serve with turkey meatballs?

Marinara and zucchini noodles, rice bowls with tzatziki, or in a whole-wheat sub roll.

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