If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful appetizer that makes hosting simple and fun, these air fryer turkey meatballs with buffalo sauce are just the thing. They come together in under 30 minutes, they’re moist, tender, and pack a flavorful punch that your guests will love. 

Whether you’re hosting a game day crowd, a casual family dinner, or a church small group, this dish is a crowd-pleaser rooted in simple hospitality. You might also enjoy adding variety to your table with these 43 Favorite Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party or complementing your spread with a few Easy Make Ahead Party Dips For A Crowd.

A plate of saucy, cheese-covered meatballs garnished with herbs. One meatball is cut open, revealing a juicy interior. A fork pierces it, with a small dish of sauce in the background.
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Why You’ll Want to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

These spicy, savory meatballs are about to become your new go-to appetizer for gatherings.

  • Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and fast cooking time in the air fryer
  • Flavor: Buffalo-ranch sauce gives a bold, irresistible flavor
  • Customizable: Adjust the heat to your preference, mild or hot.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped and frozen, then thaw and reheated in your air fryer.
  • Great for Entertaining: The buffalo sauce is always a hit, and you can make it mild or spicy.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and lean ground turkey

If you’re planning a party and need more ideas, check out these 60+ Cheap Party Finger Food Ideas that pair well with these meatballs.

Before You Get Started

  • Chill the Ground Turkey: Cold turkey is easier to shape and mix.
  • Crush the Crackers Finely: Use a food processor or place in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches for even browning.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

  • Soggy texture: Avoid adding too much liquid or skipping the egg.
  • Meatballs falling apart: Be sure your crackers are finely ground and mix gently.
  • Overcooked meatballs: Use a meat thermometer and pull them at 165°F.

Ingredients You Will Need for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Labeled ingredients for a turkey burger recipe are displayed: ground turkey, salt & pepper, egg, garlic powder, celery, saltine crackers, green onion, butter, ranch, and hot sauce. Each ingredient is placed in a small dish.
  • Ground turkey or chicken: Lean and protein-rich, either makes the perfect base for tender meatballs. Use chilled meat to make shaping easier.
  • Gluten-free panko crumbs: Adds binding and texture to hold your meatballs together. Substitute with crushed saltines or regular breadcrumbs if gluten isn’t an issue.
  • Egg: Helps hold the meatballs together and adds moisture. Use a flax egg for a dairy-free option.
  • Green onion: Adds brightness and a mild onion flavor. Can substitute with chives.
  • Celery: Brings crunch and traditional buffalo flavor. Dice finely for even cooking.
  • Hot sauce (for meatballs): Adds mild heat and ties into the buffalo theme. Frank’s RedHot is a great choice.
  • Hot sauce (for buffalo sauce): Gives that signature buffalo zing. Use your favorite!
  • Ranch dressing: Creamy and cooling to balance the buffalo spice.

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Buffalo Sauce

Mix the Turkey and the Ingredients

  • Gently mix the cold ground turkey or chicken in a bowl for 30 seconds.
  • Mix in gluten-free panko crumbs and the egg.
  • Mix in celery, green onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
A white bowl contains raw ground meat mixed with breadcrumbs and a whole raw egg. The yolk is partially broken, and the mixture is slightly pink and textured. The bowl is placed on a white surface.
A white bowl contains ground meat mixed with chopped celery, green onions, and various spices, including pepper and garlic powder. A reddish sauce is also present, ready to be mixed. The bowl sits on a white background.

Form and Cook Meatballs

  • Use a 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon to shape into balls.
  • Cook half the batch at a time for 5 minutes, flip, then cook another 5 minutes. Check internal temp (165°F).
Raw meatballs on a parchment-lined baking tray with a metal scoop on the side.
Eight raw meatballs are arranged inside an air fryer basket. The meatballs appear seasoned and are set on a black mesh surface, ready for cooking.

Sauce the Meatballs

  • Microwave butter, then stir in hot sauce and ranch until smooth.
  • Coat the warm meatballs with the sauce and serve immediately.
A white plate containing twelve round, evenly coated meatballs in a glossy orange sauce, with some sauce smeared around the plate.

Gina’s Recipe Tips and Variation Ideas

Recipe Tips:

  • Seasoning & Customization: For extra kick, add cayenne or extra hot sauce.
  • Cooking Technique: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; it affects browning.
  • Storage Tips: Let cool before freezing to avoid sogginess.
  • Dietary Modifications: Use dairy-free ranch and butter if needed. You could also switch up the crackers for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Recipe Variations:

  • Flavor Twists: Try BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for a sweet-savory option.
  • Ingredient Substitutions: Use ground chicken instead of turkey.
  • Cooking Methods: No air fryer? Simply bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.

Recipe Shortcuts:

  • Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the meatballs and refrigerate raw for up to 24 hours, then cook fresh before serving.

If you’re a fan of buffalo flavor, you’ll love the Easy Buffalo Rotisserie Chicken Dip Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold buffalo taste, making it perfect for scooping with chips or celery sticks. Another crowd-pleasing option is the Creamy Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, a slow cooker favorite that’s always a hit at parties.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Allow the meatballs to cool and then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze fully cooked meatballs in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. I suggest waiting to sauce them after you thaw and reheat them. 

Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

A plate of meatballs coated in sauce, garnished with herbs. A small, textured bowl of red sauce is on the side. The plate is set on a light-colored surface with a beige napkin partially visible.

Biblical Hospitality Reflection

“Biblical hospitality doesn’t start with a guest list. It starts with a willing heart.”

This quote reminds me that hospitality is more than a menu or a clean house; it’s about being available and intentional. In Luke 10:27, we’re told to “love your neighbor as yourself.” A simple platter of buffalo turkey meatballs can be a way to make someone feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, invite someone over and let grace fill the gaps.

If you’re looking for more ways to embrace this mindset, you might enjoy reading A Challenge to Practice Biblical Hospitality in Everyday Life or reading through Creating Community: Bible Verses On Hospitality.

Hosting Tip: Serve these on a tray with toothpicks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dip. Also, if you want to go traditional, serve with carrot and celery sticks.  It keeps things easy and encourages mingling! You can even explore themed gatherings like a Backyard Dinner Party Ideas event or put together a full snack spread with Fun Food and Snack Bar Ideas for a Party.

Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!

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A plate of meatballs topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs. A small dish of red sauce is placed beside the meatballs, and drizzles of sauce decorate the plate.
5 from 1 rating
by Gina Dickson

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Buffalo Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 30 meatballs
Air fryer turkey meatballs are a juicy, flavor-packed appetizer that’s quick and easy to make. Made with lean ground turkey or chicken, celery, green onion, and tossed in a buffalo-ranch sauce, these meatballs are perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.

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Ingredients
 

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground turkey, lean, chilled
  • 15 saltine crackers, finely crumbled
  • 1 egg
  • ⅓ cup green onion, finely chopped, both green and white parts
  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce, not wing sauce

Buffalo Sauce

  • ⅓ cup hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons ranch dressing

Instructions
 

Preheat Air Fryer

  • Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix the Meatball Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey. Mix gently for about 30 seconds (cold turkey is easier to shape).
    1 pound ground turkey
  • Add the crumbled saltine crackers and mix for a few seconds.
    15 saltine crackers
  • Crack in the egg and mix for another 30 seconds.
    1 egg
  • Add green onion, celery, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Mix until fully combined (about 30 more seconds).
    ⅓ cup green onion, ½ cup celery, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons hot sauce

Shape the Meatballs

  • Use a 1-inch cookie scoop (or spoon) to portion the mixture.
  • Roll into balls with your hands and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Air Fry the Meatballs

  • Place half the meatballs into your air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
  • Air fry for 5 minutes, flip them, then cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Check for doneness using a meat thermometer , the internal temperature should be 165°F. If needed, cook for 2 more minutes.

Make the Buffalo Sauce

  • Melt the butter in a small bowl (about 30 seconds in the microwave).
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Stir in the hot sauce and ranch dressing until smooth.
    ⅓ cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons ranch dressing

Toss and Serve

  • Add the cooked meatballs to a large bowl.
  • Pour the buffalo sauce over them and toss to coat evenly then serve warm.

Notes

Tip: For mess-free clean-up on your hands use disposable surgical gloves. Give them a quick spritz of cooking spray on the outside so the meat mixture will not stick to them. When finished pull them off inside out and throw them in the trash.
How to freeze meatballs
This is an easy meatball recipe that can be frozen raw and then baked in your air fryer just before a big party or to make a quick dinner. Having snacks like these meatballs is a great idea during the busy holiday season.
  • Using a 1-inch cookie scooper, place a ball of meat mixture into your and roll into a ball. Place it on the parchment paper. When you have all the turkey balls rolled, place the cookie sheet into the freezer. Allow freezing for 24 hours.
  • Next, remove frozen turkey balls from the cookie sheet and place meatballs in a freezer bag. Be sure the bag is labeled and dated. They will remain fresh in your freezer for up to 6 months.
 

Equipment

Cookie Scoop
Serving: 1meatball, Calories: 32kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 171mg, Potassium: 65mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 38IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizers
Author: Gina Dickson
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A plate of glazed meatballs garnished with chopped herbs, with a small dish of sauce in the background. The sauce is drizzled on the white plate, enhancing the presentation.