Why is Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs a new go-to meal? We’re working on stepping up our cooking as part of our health goals for 2022. We’ve found that making normal meals just a little bit more flavorful, just a hint more special makes it easier to eat less. When meals are more satisfying without adding unhealthy ingredients, it’s a win all the way. When you top zoodles with crispy-on-the-outside, flavorful meatballs, all you taste is delicious food.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds zoodles (spiralized zucchini noodles, from about 3 medium zucchinis; see Cook’s Note)
• Kosher salt
• 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup 2% milk
• 8 ounces ground turkey (read labels, not all turkey is lean!)
• 1/4 cup part-skim
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ricotta
• 1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• freshly ground black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/4 cups jarred tomato sauce (be fussy & get a variety that really wows you)

Directions

1. Toss the zoodles with a good pinch of salt in a large bowl. Let sit until the zoodles begin to soften and release some excess liquid, about 10 minutes. Pat them dry and set them aside.
2. Meanwhile, combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a medium bowl and let sit while the breadcrumbs soften and absorb most of the liquid, about 5 minutes. Add the turkey, ricotta, parsley, Parmesan, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and several grinds of black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture, then mix thoroughly with your hands to combine. Form into 12 meatballs (each about 1 1/2 tablespoons and 1-inch wide).
3. Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the inside of the basket with cooking spray and add the meatballs, leaving some space between each for air circulation. Air fry until golden brown on the outside and just cooked through, about 10 minutes, turning the meatballs about halfway through the cooking time.
4. Meanwhile, warm the tomato sauce in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the sauce, lower the heat to low, and keep warm.
5. Season the zoodles with a 1/4 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Air fry at 400 degrees F until tender and starting to brown at the edges, tossing halfway through, 5 to 6 minutes. Divide the zoodles between 2 dinner plates or shallow bowls, then top each with 6 meatballs and spoon the warm tomato sauce over top. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan

Cook’s Note

You can find prepared zoodles at some grocery stores. Or you can use a spiralizer to make your own from three 8-ounce zucchinis.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs