Air fryer turkey meatballs are juicy, saucy and so flavorful. Prepared in 20 minutes, these floor turkey meatballs are cooked within the air fryer are wholesome and made with out breadcrumbs and no eggs. These chipotle turkey meatballs are rapidly going to develop into considered one of your go-to weeknight recipes.
For those who love making meals within the air fryer, you must attempt these Air Fryer Rooster Burgers or Air Fryer Candy and Bitter Rooster.
![Air fryer basket filled with turkey meatballs, bowl of sauce on the side.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-5-684x1024.webp)
![Air fryer basket filled with turkey meatballs, bowl of sauce on the side.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-5-684x1024.webp)
Why you’re going to love making spiced turkey meatballs
- Filled with taste – the honey chipotle sauce that’s used within the meatballs and on prime as a sauce is smoky, candy, and a little bit spicy. It creates essentially the most flavorful meatballs. Belief me, these are usually not boring or bland!
- Easy elements – these gluten free turkey meatballs are made with none breadcrumbs or eggs and are made with principally pantry elements (minus the bottom turkey).
- Versatile – need to change up the flavors? Use a unique sauce and you’ve got a complete new taste turkey meatballs to prepare dinner within the air fryer! The tactic stays the identical, try some recommendations under.
![Ingredients to make air fryer turkey meatballs on a marble countertop.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-ingredients1-683x1024.webp)
![Ingredients to make air fryer turkey meatballs on a marble countertop.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-ingredients1-683x1024.webp)
Substances
Chipotle honey sauce elements
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – these little peppers add spice and a smokiness to the sauce. You solely want 2-3 of those peppers from the jar. For those who don’t love spicy meals, solely use 2.
- Honey – honey helps to mellow out the warmth from the peppers and in addition helps to stability out the sauce. For those who don’t have honey, you might use maple syrup.
- Olive oil – olive oil helps to create a thick and creamy sauce and in addition helps to mellow out the spice from the peppers.
- Apple cider vinegar – apple cider vinegar cuts via the sweetness of the honey and the spiciness from the peppers. You could possibly additionally use lime juice.
- Spices: Salt, garlic powder, floor cumin – these spices assist to raise the flavors, the garlic powder offers umami and a refined garlic taste with out overpowering the opposite elements. The cumin offers a little bit extra smokiness to the sauce.
Spiced Turkey Meatball elements
- Floor turkey – to assist the turkey meatballs keep moist, I take advantage of 85% floor turkey (which has 15% fats). Nevertheless, if you’re making an attempt to loosen up the recipe, you might use a 93% mix and it will nonetheless work out properly. Simply make sure you regulate these and take them out as quickly as they attain 165F or they are going to dry out rapidly.
- Almond flour – almond flour is used to bind the meatballs as an alternative of breadcrumbs. For those who don’t have almond flour or need to be nut free, you should use your favourite gluten free breadcrumb (not panko although).
- Chipotle honey sauce – this sauce offers the meatballs a lot taste. Nevertheless if you wish to change the flavour of the meatballs, simply use a unique sauce right here.
- Spices: Salt, garlic powder, dried chives, cumin – these spices assist to make sure that each chunk is full of taste. For those who don’t have dried chives, you may omit that from the recipe.
Learn how to make air fryer turkey meatballs
Make the honey chipotle sauce within the blender.
![Ingredients to make honey chipotle sauce in blender.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Honey-Chipotle-Sauce-how-to-534x800.webp)
![Ingredients to make honey chipotle sauce in blender.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Honey-Chipotle-Sauce-how-to-534x800.webp)
![Honey chipotle sauce after blending.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chipotle-honey-sauce-how-to1-534x800.webp)
![Honey chipotle sauce after blending.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chipotle-honey-sauce-how-to1-534x800.webp)
In a bowl mix the almond flour, a number of tablespoons of honey chipotle sauce (go away the remainder for topping the meatballs with) and the spices. Stir properly to mix.
![Honey chipotle sauce, almond flour and spices in a glass bowl.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-1-1024x684.webp)
![Honey chipotle sauce, almond flour and spices in a glass bowl.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-1-1024x684.webp)
![Chipotle honey and almond flour mixed together in glass bowl.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-2-1024x684.webp)
![Chipotle honey and almond flour mixed together in glass bowl.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-2-1024x684.webp)
Mix the bottom turkey with the sauce combination (don’t overwork). Type into meatballs (I like to recommend utilizing a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop).
![Ground turkey added to chipotle honey sauce mixture.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-3-1024x684.webp)
![Ground turkey added to chipotle honey sauce mixture.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-3-1024x684.webp)
![Ground turkey meatball mixture in glass bowl after mixing.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-4-1024x684.webp)
![Ground turkey meatball mixture in glass bowl after mixing.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-4-1024x684.webp)
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray (ensure there are usually not every other elements, as they will degrade the coating in your basket). Place meatballs instantly within the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook dinner at 375F for 14 minutes. After 8 minutes, pause the air fryer and punctiliously flip the meatballs utilizing silicone tipped tongs. Be light with the meatballs, they are going to be very tender and delicate right now. End cooking for the remaining 6 minutes. Let cool 2-3 minutes earlier than eradicating from the basket.
![Ground turkey meatballs in air fryer basket before cooking.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-5-684x1024.webp)
![Ground turkey meatballs in air fryer basket before cooking.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-5-684x1024.webp)
![Ground turkey meatballs in air fryer basket before flipping.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-6-684x1024.webp)
![Ground turkey meatballs in air fryer basket before flipping.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-6-684x1024.webp)
![Ground turkey meatballs in air fryer basket after cooking.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-7-684x1024.webp)
![Ground turkey meatballs in air fryer basket after cooking.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-how-to-7-684x1024.webp)
When you’re able to serve, spoon extra honey chipotle sauce over the meatballs or use it as a dip for the meatballs.
Prime suggestions
- For essentially the most tender meatballs, don’t overwork the meat. That’s the reason I like to recommend you mix the sauce, spices and almond flour collectively earlier than including the bottom turkey, that means you simply need to work the already blended elements in with the bottom turkey
- When forming the meatballs, don’t pack them too tight or they received’t prepare dinner evenly.
- Don’t stack the meatballs, ensure they’re in a single layer within the air fryer. For those who run out of room, you have to to prepare dinner them in separate batches. Stacking will create undercooked meat.
- If you wish to double the recipe, prepare dinner the meatballs in 2 batches within the air fryer or bake within the oven as an alternative.
- For even simpler clear up – line the air fryer with parchment paper liner made for air fryers (it should have holes lower in it to assist the air flow into via the air fryer).
- Due to the honey within the sauce, these turkey meatballs are likely to brown up in a short time when cooking within the air fryer. I don’t advocate cooking them at a better warmth to prepare dinner faster, they are going to burn.
- Word: All air fryers prepare dinner a little bit otherwise, so you might want so as to add or subtract a minute or two from the cooking time.
![Chipotle honey sauce poured over air fryer turkey meatballs on a plate.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chipotle-turkey-meatballs-pin2-684x1024.webp)
![Chipotle honey sauce poured over air fryer turkey meatballs on a plate.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chipotle-turkey-meatballs-pin2-684x1024.webp)
Different flavors you might attempt
If you wish to change the flavour of this air fryer turkey meatballs recipe you may substitute the honey chipotle sauce with:
- Pesto – substitute the honey chipotle sauce with pesto and as an alternative of cumin, use italian seasoning
- Chimichurri – substitute the chipotle sauce with chimichurri sauce
- Buffalo sauce – substitute the chipotle sauce with buffalo sauce (scorching sauce + olive oil) and omit the cumin and add 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Teriyaki sauce– substitute the honey chipotle sauce with teriyaki sauce and omit the cumin.
- Italian – omit honey chipotle sauce. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1/2 tablespoon italian seasoning (omit cumin). Dip in marinara sauce.
Finest method to serve spicy turkey meatballs
![Air fryer turkey meatball on a fork dipped in honey chipotle sauce.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chipotle-turkey-meatballs-pin-684x1024.webp)
![Air fryer turkey meatball on a fork dipped in honey chipotle sauce.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chipotle-turkey-meatballs-pin-684x1024.webp)
Widespread questions
Are you able to prepare dinner chipotle turkey meatballs within the oven
Sure. Comply with the instructions as written on find out how to make the meatballs. As an alternative of placing them within the air fryer, put them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Bake in a preheated 400F oven for quarter-hour.
Are you able to double the recipe for meal prep?
Sure! You may simply double the recipe to make a big batch to get pleasure from all week or to freeze the second batch.
Nevertheless, I might advocate that you simply prepare dinner the double batch within the oven or in two separate batches within the air fryer. I lean towards recommending the oven although as a result of it is going to be faster to make use of the oven.
Are you able to freeze cooked turkey meatballs
Sure, these air fryer turkey meatballs freeze properly. Listed below are the steps:
- First enable the meatballs to chill fully within the fridge. As soon as cooled, switch to a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper and put within the freezer to freeze strong (this helps forestall them from sticking collectively).
- As soon as frozen, switch the meatballs to a freezer secure bag or container for as much as 3 months.
- Defrost in a single day within the fridge or fast defrost within the microwave (prepare dinner at 50% for 30 second increments for 1-2 minutes) then prepare dinner for 4-5 minutes in air fryer at 375F or reheat within the microwave on excessive for 1:30-2 minutes.
- If reheating from frozen prepare dinner in air fryer at 350F for 6-9 minutes.
![Chipotle turkey meatballs in air fryer basket, chipotle peppers and sauce on the side.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-4-684x1024.webp)
![Chipotle turkey meatballs in air fryer basket, chipotle peppers and sauce on the side.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-4-684x1024.webp)
Are you able to freeze raw turkey meatballs
Sure, if you wish to freeze these to prepare dinner later, observe the directions as written to make the meatballs.
- Place parchment paper or wax paper on a baking sheet or plate, then portion out the meatballs (I like to make use of a cookie scoop).
- Place the uncooked meatballs within the freezer and freeze till strong. As soon as strong, switch to a freezer secure bag or container for as much as 3 months. Freeze the remaining chipotle honey sauce in a separate container.
- When you’re able to prepare dinner the meatballs, place them in an air fryer basket that has been coated with olive oil or avocado oil. Cook dinner at 375F for 16-18 minutes from frozen.
Learn how to make turkey meatballs extra flavorful
This recipe is full of taste due to the chipotle honey sauce. The important thing to creating one thing so bland like turkey flavorful is sauces and spices. For those who don’t need the chipotle honey taste, attempt pesto, chimichurri, buffalo, teriyaki or italian (see my recommendations above).
Are you able to make the air fryer meatballs with something apart from turkey
For those who don’t have floor turkey, I might advocate floor rooster. Lean floor beef may additionally work, however I believe the bottom rooster would provide the closest taste.
Storing leftovers
Fridge: Retailer leftover chipotle turkey meatballs in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. If you’ll be reheating within the air fryer, wait so as to add the additional honey chipotle sauce (if doable) till proper earlier than having fun with.
Reheating directions
- Within the air fryer at 375F for 3-5 minutes till warmed via.
- Within the microwave on excessive for 1:30-2 minutes.
- Within the oven at 350F for 10 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer then switch to freezer secure container (see suggestions above). Freeze for as much as 3 months. Defrost and observe reheating directions above or prepare dinner from frozen in air fryer at 350F for 6-9 minutes.
![Honey chipotle sauce drizzled over air fry turkey meatballs on a plate.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-14-684x1024.webp)
![Honey chipotle sauce drizzled over air fry turkey meatballs on a plate.](https://bitesofwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/air-fryer-turkey-meatballs-14-684x1024.webp)
For those who love meatballs, you must attempt
Candy and Bitter Rooster Meatballs
Sluggish Cooker Turkey Meatballs
★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star ranking under!
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Begin by making the sauce, mix all of the elements within the blender and mix on excessive till easy about 1 minute.
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In a big bowl, mix the almond flour, 3 tablespoons of the sauce, chives, salt and garlic powder. Stir properly.
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Add the bottom turkey to the bowl and stir till properly mixed (attempt to not overmix although).
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Use a tablespoon scoop or a spoon to portion out the meatballs. You need to get 14-15 meatballs.
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Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil. Add the turkey meatballs to the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Flip air fryer on 375F for 14 minutes. After 8 minutes, pause the air fryer and punctiliously flip the meatballs with silicone lined tongs. Proceed to prepare dinner the remaining 6 minutes.
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As soon as meatballs are accomplished cooking, allow them to cool 3-5 minutes earlier than having fun with.
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Prime with the additional honey chipotle sauce (to your liking).
- Attempt to not overwork the meat or the meatballs will probably be robust.
- When forming the meatballs, don’t pack them too tight or they received’t prepare dinner evenly.
- Don’t stack the meatballs, ensure they’re in a single layer within the air fryer. For those who run out of room, you have to to prepare dinner them in separate batches.
- To double the recipe, prepare dinner the meatballs in 2 batches within the air fryer or bake within the oven as an alternative.
- For even simpler clear up – line the air fryer with parchment paper liner made for air fryers (it should have holes lower in it to assist the air flow into via the air fryer).
- Due to the honey within the sauce, these turkey meatballs are likely to brown up in a short time when cooking within the air fryer. I don’t advocate cooking them at a better warmth to prepare dinner faster, they are going to burn.
- Word: All air fryers prepare dinner a little bit otherwise, so you might want so as to add or subtract a minute or two from the cooking time.
Different flavors you might attempt
- Pesto – substitute the honey chipotle sauce with pesto and as an alternative of cumin, use italian seasoning
- Chimichurri – substitute the chipotle sauce with chimichurri sauce
- Buffalo sauce – substitute the chipotle sauce with buffalo sauce (scorching sauce + olive oil) and omit the cumin and add 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Teriyaki sauce- substitute the honey chipotle sauce with teriyaki sauce and omit the cumin.
- Italian – omit honey chipotle sauce. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1/2 tablespoon italian seasoning (omit cumin). Dip in marinara sauce.
Learn how to bake chipotle turkey meatballs in oven
Comply with the instructions as written on find out how to make the meatballs. As an alternative of placing them within the air fryer, put them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Bake in a preheated 400F oven for quarter-hour.
Vitamin Data
Vitamin Info
Quantity per Serving
The place does vitamin information come from? Vitamin information are offered as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Meals Database.