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Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatball Sliders: Best 15-Minute Recipe

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These easy air fryer turkey meatball sliders are ready in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Juicy turkey meatballs with a crispy exterior, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara on soft slider buns—a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s lighter than traditional beef sliders.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko works too)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 slider buns (brioche, white, or whole wheat)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 6 slices mozzarella cheese, cut in half
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Most air fryers need about 3-5 minutes to preheat.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Use a cookie scoop or wet hands for easier rolling.
  4. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each for air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the meatballs halfway through. Cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. While meatballs cook, prepare slider buns by splitting them in half. Optionally toast buns in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Assemble sliders: Place a cooked meatball on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each meatball. Top with a half-slice of mozzarella cheese.
  8. For extra melty cheese, return assembled sliders to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Use 93% lean ground turkey for best moisture. Flip meatballs halfway through cooking for even browning. Let cooked meatballs rest for 60 seconds before assembling to prevent soggy buns. Cooked meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and buns.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-air-fryer-turkey-meatball-sliders-best-15-minute-recipe/