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Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs With Cranberry Sauce - Easy, Juicy, and Festive

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the meatballs: 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean works best)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, but adds richness)
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced onion (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (for coating the basket or spraying)
  • For the cranberry sauce: 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice (plus 1/2 teaspoon zest, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt
  • To serve (optional): Chopped parsley, orange zest, or toothpicks for appetizers

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly oil or spray the basket to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the meatball base: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently with a fork or your hands until just combined. Do not overmix or the meatballs can turn dense.
  3. Shape the meatballs: Use a tablespoon or small scoop to form 16–18 golf ball–size meatballs. Roll lightly to smooth.
  4. Air fry in batches: Arrange meatballs in a single layer with a little space between them. Air fry for 9–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outsides are browned.
  5. Make the cranberry sauce: While the meatballs cook, stir cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, Dijon, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat for 3–4 minutes, until glossy and warm. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  6. Toss or serve: You can toss the cooked meatballs in the warm cranberry sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Finish with parsley or a touch of orange zest.