Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Buffalo Sauce
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!
Equipment
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.
Video
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.
Nutrition
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
