Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Let’s be honest, turkey meatballs are usually pretty bland. That’s why I created these honey chipotle air fryer turkey meatballs. The smoky-sweet sauce brings so much flavor, and the air fryer keeps them juicy while making cleanup a breeze. If you’ve been searching for ground turkey meatballs in the air fryer that actually taste amazing, you’re in the right place.
I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to get the flavor and texture just right, and every single time they disappear fast in my house. Between the honey chipotle sauce, the simple pantry-friendly ingredients, and the quick 20 minute cook time, these air fryer turkey meatballs have become a reader favorite and one of my most reliable weeknight dinners.
If you love using your air fryer to make quick and flavorful meals, you’ll definitely want to try a few of my other favorites. These air fryer chicken burgers are juicy and satisfying, my air fryer chicken meatballs are just as easy (and taste like pizza), and the air fryer sweet and sour chicken is a better-than-takeout dinner ready in no time.
Ingredient spotlight
These are a few of the ingredients I think deserve some attention. A full list of ingredients is below in the recipe card.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – these little peppers add spice and a smokiness to the sauce. You only need 2-3 of these peppers from the jar. If you don’t love spicy food, only use 2.
- Honey – honey helps to mellow out the heat from the peppers and also helps to balance out the sauce. If you don’t have honey, you could use maple syrup.
- Ground turkey – to help the turkey meatballs stay moist, I use 85% ground turkey (which has 15% fat). However, if you are trying to lighten up the recipe, you could use a 93% blend and it would still work out well. Just be sure to keep an eye on these and take them out as soon as they reach 165F or they will dry out quickly. Swap the turkey for ground chicken or ground beef if needed.
- Almond flour – almond flour is used to bind the meatballs instead of breadcrumbs. If you don’t have almond flour or have to be nut free, you can use your favorite gluten free breadcrumb (not panko though).
How to make air fryer turkey meatballs
Start by making the honey chipotle sauce. In a blender combine the chipotle in adobo, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil and spices. Blend well until completely smooth. 
In a large bowl, add a few tablespoons o honey chipotle sauce, almond flour and spices. Stir this mixture together well. Add the ground turkey to the honey chipotle mixture and mix well, but don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough. Use a tablespoon scoop to portion out the turkey meatballs easily. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray (be sure there are not any other ingredients, as they can degrade the coating on your basket). Place meatballs directly in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375F for 14 minutes. After 8 minutes, pause the air fryer and carefully flip the meatballs using silicone tipped tongs. Be gentle with the meatballs, they will be very tender and delicate at this time. Finish cooking for the remaining 6 minutes. Let cool 2-3 minutes before removing from the basket. When serving, spoon over additional honey chipotle sauce as desired.
Top tips
- For the most tender meatballs, don’t overwork the meat. That is why I recommend you combine the sauce, spices and almond flour together before adding the ground turkey, that way you just have to work the already mixed ingredients in with the ground turkey
- When forming the meatballs, don’t pack them too tight or they won’t cook evenly.
- Don’t stack the meatballs, be sure they are in a single layer in the air fryer. If you run out of room, you will need to cook them in separate batches. Stacking will create undercooked meat.
- If you want to double the recipe, cook the meatballs in 2 batches in the air fryer or bake in the oven instead.
- For even easier clean up – line the air fryer with parchment paper liner made for air fryers (it will have holes cut in it to help the air circulate through the air fryer).
- Because of the honey in the sauce, these turkey meatballs tend to brown up very quickly when cooking in the air fryer. I don’t recommend cooking them at a higher heat to cook quicker, they will burn.
- Note: All air fryers cook a little differently, so you may need to add or subtract a minute or two from the cooking time.
Air Fryer Ground Turkey Meatballs – Ready in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Honey Chipotle Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 chipotle in adobo peppers - from the can
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Ground Turkey Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 3 tablespoons honey chipotle sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried chives - optional
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Start by making the sauce, combine all the ingredients in the blender and blend on high until smooth about 1 minute.2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2-3 chipotle in adobo peppers, ¾ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, 3 tablespoons of the sauce, chives, salt and garlic powder. Stir well.¼ cup almond flour, 3 tablespoons honey chipotle sauce, 1 teaspoon dried chives, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Add the ground turkey to the bowl and stir until well combined (try not to overmix though).1 pound ground turkey
- Use a tablespoon scoop or a spoon to portion out the meatballs. You should get 14-15 meatballs.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil. Add the turkey meatballs to the basket, making sure they don't overlap. Turn air fryer on 375F for 14 minutes. After 8 minutes, pause the air fryer and carefully flip the meatballs with silicone lined tongs. Continue to cook the remaining 6 minutes.
- Once meatballs are done cooking, let them cool 3-5 minutes before enjoying.
- Top with the extra honey chipotle sauce (to your liking).
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- Don’t overwork the meat. Mix the sauce, spices, and almond flour together first, then gently fold in the ground turkey.
- Form gently. Shape the meatballs without packing them too tightly so they cook evenly.
- Single layer only. Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you run out of room, cook in batches.
- Watch the heat. Because of the honey in the sauce, the meatballs brown quickly. Stick with the suggested cooking temperature or they’ll burn.
- Air fryer times vary. You may need to adjust the cook time by a minute or two depending on your model.
Nutrition Information
Other flavors to try
The cooking method stays exactly the same — all you’re doing is swapping the sauce or seasonings to create new flavor combinations. Here are some of my favorites:
- Pesto: Replace the honey chipotle sauce with pesto and swap the cumin for Italian seasoning.
- Chimichurri: Replace the honey chipotle sauce with chimichurri sauce.
- Buffalo: Replace the honey chipotle sauce with buffalo sauce (hot sauce + olive oil). Omit the cumin and add ½ teaspoon dried dill.
- Teriyaki: Replace the honey chipotle sauce with teriyaki sauce and omit the cumin.
- Italian: Omit the honey chipotle sauce. Instead, add 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning (omit the cumin). These are great dipped in marinara sauce.
- BBQ: Replace the honey chipotle sauce with BBQ sauce.
Best way to serve spicy turkey meatballs
These are just a few of my favorite ways to enjoy these chipotle turkey meatballs:
- Over mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower for a lower carb option)
- With yellow rice and veggies (broccoli or green beans are two of my go-to’s)
- On cauliflower rice, specifically cilantro lime cauliflower rice or green cauliflower rice
- In a wrap with broccoli slaw and avocado ranch dressing
- Broken up and served in tacos
- Over pizza (trust me this is so good)
- With eggs (instead of traditional sausage)
Common questions
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes! You can easily double the recipe to enjoy all week or freeze some for later. For best results, cook in two separate batches in the air fryer or bake them all at once in the oven (quicker than multiple air fryer rounds).
I can freeze these after cooking?
Absolutely. Let the cooked meatballs cool in the fridge, then freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave (50% power, 30-second increments for 1–2 minutes). Then reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes or microwave on high for 1½–2 minutes.
- From frozen: Cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 6–9 minutes.
Can I freeze them before cooking?
Yes! Portion the raw meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag (up to 3 months). Freeze the honey chipotle sauce separately.
- To cook from frozen: Air fry at 375°F for 16–18 minutes.
Storing leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you will be reheating in the air fryer, wait to add the extra honey chipotle sauce (if possible) until right before enjoying.
Reheating instructions
- In the air fryer at 375F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
- In the microwave on high for 1:30-2 minutes.
- In the oven at 350F for 10 minutes.
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