Keto Turkey Meatballs is a great recipe for anyone following a low calorie diet or looking to reduce their carb intake. These meatballs are made with ground turkey, which is a lean protein source and perfect for those trying to maintain a low-carb diet. It is a great spin on the average Meatloaf recipe.
Serve this over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice for a complete keto-friendly meal. Not only is this keto turkey meatball recipe delicious, but it's also a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet and also a great meal to meal prep. I am sure that the whole family will love it as well as you sit down for family dinners.
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Ingredients
Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Lean ground turkey
- Red onion finely chopped
- Green bell pepper finely chopped
- Minced garlic
- Large egg
- Crushed pork rinds
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and Black pepper to taste
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Swerve brown sugar substitute
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.
Add the ground turkey, onion, peppers, garlic, egg, pork rind crumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste to a large mixing bowl, and knead with your hands until well combined.
Form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, place into a well-greased air fryer tray and Air fry at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Stir together the sugar-free ketchup and Brown sugar substitute, brush the mixture onto the top of the meatballs, and return them to the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground Meat - Swap out ground turkey for ground beef or chicken
- Seasonings - Use different seasonings, such as cajun or taco seasoning for a different flavor profile
- Flour Alternatives - Instead of pork rind crumbs, try using almond flour or coconut flour.
- Cheese -Add in grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture or even some mozzarella cheese.
- Vegetarian - substitute the meat with cooked lentils or black beans
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Bowl
Storage
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days
Freezing: You can store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months
Reheat: To reheat, place in the air fryer or oven until heated through.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to mix all ingredients well. This will help keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly and ensure a crispy texture.
- For added flavor, try adding some herbs or spices to your meatball mixture such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of ground meats or plant-based options like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian twist on classic meatballs.
- To make clean-up easier, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before adding the meatballs. This will prevent them from sticking and save you time in cleaning up later.
FAQ
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in the air fryer but it won't allow you to add the veggies. Make sure you adjust the cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly heated through.
Make sure to handle the mixture gently when forming the meatballs. Overworking or pressing too hard can cause them to fall apart. You can also try refrigerating the formed meatballs for about 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
The recommended temperature for cooking meatballs in an air fryer is 375°F. As for the cooking time, it typically takes around 12-15 minutes to cook fully. However, it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the meatballs using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure that they are cooked thoroughly and safe to eat. Remember to shake the air fryer basket or flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Enjoy your delicious homemade meatballs straight from the air fryer!
Recipe Card
Keto Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Lean ground turkey
- ¼ Red onion finely chopped
- ½ Green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- 1 Large egg
- 1 C. Crushed pork rind crumbs
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ C. Sugar free ketchup
- 1 Tbsp. Swerve brown sugar substitute
Instructions
- Add the ground turkey, onion, peppers, garlic, egg, pork rind crumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste to a large mixing bowl, and knead with your hands until well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, place into a well-greased air fryer tray and Air fry at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Stir together the sugar-free ketchup and Brown sugar substitute, brush the mixture onto the top of the meatballs, and return them to the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes before serving.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nora says
These turkey meatballs turned out perfectly! We will make them more often in the future! Thanks!
Matt says
These turned out great! Love that they fit into a keto lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
Beth says
These are so delicious! I love the flavor, and I really love that there are not extra carbs in there. Om nom nom.
Liz says
These meatballs were super easy to make and delicious! They were perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Jordan Hansen says
I hadn’t thought to try turkey meatballs in the air fryer. These were great!