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Air Fryer Greek Meatballs

Published: Jun 24, 2025 by Nicole Kendrick · This post may contain affiliate links · 50 Comments

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These air fryer Greek meatballs are moist, tender, and packed with authentic Greek flavors, including paprika, garlic, onion, lemon, and sumac. And because they're made with turkey instead of beef, they're also lower in calories and fat. This recipe is a winner all the way around!

Golden meatballs with peppers on a white plate.

We love cooking with the air fryer. Air-fried recipes are always perfect. Meats get tender and juicy, coatings get nicely crisp, and recipes take a fraction of the time. Even better, recipes like these air fryer frozen brussel sprouts can be cooked without defrosting, so things are even easier.

One of our favorite ways to use the air fryer is to create recipes that can double as appetizers or main courses, like these air fryer panko shrimp. We've added another easy appetizer or main to our rotation with these air fryer Greek meatballs. We love this one with the bright flavor of our lemon loaf cake recipe for a tasty weeknight dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: All you need are a few kitchen staples to make these delicious meatballs.
  • Easy to Make: Just like our air fryer peppers and mushrooms, all you have to do is mix your ingredients and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting!
  • Tasty Greek Flavors: Our Greek inspired meatballs feature lemon, sumac, and aromatics for a classic Greek flavor.
  • Customizable: You can change almost every part of this recipe to make it your own.
  • Versatile: Turkey meatballs are perfect for lunch, dinner, or an appetizer.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Like our spinach feta egg bites, these are freezer-friendly, so you can make extra for later.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make Air Fryer Greek Meatballs
  • Expert Tips
  • Air Fryer Greek Meatballs FAQ
  • More Air Fryer Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Ingredients

Package of ground turkey, and egg, and bowls with seasonings.

You'll find a complete list of the ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Variations

  • Ground Turkey: You can use ground beef or pork in place of turkey. For the full Greek experience, try using ground lamb.
  • Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
  • Sumac: The sumac is completely optional. If you're not a fan, leave it out. The meatballs will still be delicious.
  • Feta Cheese: Try mixing a little feta into the mixture.

How to Make Air Fryer Greek Meatballs

Turkey meatball mixture in a metal mixing bowl.

Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Then, use an ice cream scoop to scoop out portions and shape them into 1-inch meatballs.

Eight turkey meaballs in an air fryer basket.

Step 2: Place the meatballs on the prepared air fryer tray, leaving space between each meatball.

Air-fried turkey meatballs and peppers on a white plate.

Step 3: Air fry at 400 degrees until golden on both sides and cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking.

Meatballs and red peppers in two plastic containers.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • We used lemon olive oil for flavor. If you don't have that, use regular olive oil and a tablespoon of lemon zest.
  • Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and accurate cooking times. It only takes about five minutes.
  • The mixture will feel a bit softer than you're used to if you normally use ground beef. That's okay!
  • Don't overwork your meat mixture. Mixing too much leads to contraction as the meatballs cook and dry out.
  • The meatballs are done when their internal temperature registers 165 degrees. Cooking times vary depending on the individual air fryer and the size of your meatballs.

Air Fryer Greek Meatballs FAQ

How long do you cook turkey meatballs in the air fryer?

It takes about 10 to 12 minutes for turkey meatballs to cook in the air fryer, depending on their size.

Are turkey meatballs better in the air fryer or oven?

Air frying turkey meatballs gives you the best of both frying and baking, creating meatballs that are golden and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Can air fryer turkey meatballs be a little pink?

Depending on the mix used, turkey meatballs may appear slightly pink, even after they are fully cooked. This is because of the dark meat that may be used in the ground turkey mixture. As long as the thermometer registers 165 degrees, the meatballs are perfectly safe to eat.

Turkey meatballs and bell peppers on a white plate.

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  • Plateful of Mongolina beef with rice.
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If you loved this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment and let us know. We always love hearing from our readers!

📖 Recipe

Golden meatballs with bell peppers on a white plate.

Air Fryer Greek Meatballs

Our air fryer Greek meatballs are made with just a few simple ingredients. They're an easy, delicious meatball recipe you'll love.
5 from 51 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
0 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 2
Calories 331 kcal

Equipment

  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Air fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ tablespoon lemon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sumac

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
  • Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, spray the air fryer basket with oil, and place the meatballs into it with space in between them.
  • Air fry the meatballs for 5 minutes. Then, flip them and air fry for another 5 minutes. They should be golden and register 165 degrees in the center with a meat thermometer.

Notes

Storage
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. 
  • Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. 
  • To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then microwave at 1-minute intervals. 
Tips
  • We used lemon olive oil for flavor. If you don't have that, use regular olive oil and a tablespoon of lemon zest.
  • Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and accurate cooking times. It only takes about five minutes.
  • The mixture will feel a bit softer than you're used to if you normally use ground beef. That's okay!
  • Don't overwork your meat mixture. Mixing too much leads to contraction as the meatballs cook and dry out.
  • The meatballs are done when their internal temperature registers 165 degrees. Cooking times vary depending on the individual air fryer and the size of your meatballs.

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 58gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 209mgSodium: 278mgPotassium: 768mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 443IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Comments

  1. Lisa Porter says

    June 26, 2025 at 12:41 pm

    These were ridiculous! I served them up gyro style with pita and tzatziki. SO good!

    Reply
  2. Paula says

    June 26, 2025 at 1:03 pm

    5 stars
    these greek meatballs tasted amazing! I love the seasoning you recommended, they turned out great.

    Reply
  3. Liz says

    June 26, 2025 at 2:19 pm

    5 stars
    These were delicious, Nicole! And they were perfect on a hot summer evening since I didn't have to turn on the oven!

    Reply
  4. Swathi says

    June 29, 2025 at 2:31 pm

    5 stars
    Airfryer Greek meatballs are so good, I enjoyed them with some spaghetti, so good.

    Reply
  5. Ashley says

    July 20, 2025 at 7:23 am

    5 stars
    What a perfect weeknight dinner recipe. The whole family loved it!

    Reply
  6. Amy says

    July 20, 2025 at 10:23 am

    5 stars
    These meatballs were so easy to make and tasted great. I also love the fact that they are a healthier meal as I'm trying to watch my calorie intake and air frying definitely makes a difference!

    Reply
  7. amy liu dong says

    July 20, 2025 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    This is a healthy and delicious version of cooking meatballs, because it is cooked with a small amount of oil.

    Reply
  8. Bev says

    July 20, 2025 at 9:17 pm

    5 stars
    These were amazing! A nice twist on the claasic meatball.

    Reply
  9. Andrea says

    July 20, 2025 at 9:27 pm

    5 stars
    The lemon and sumac gave these such a good pop of flavor.

    Reply
  10. Krystle says

    July 23, 2025 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    The flavor of these is unreal, so yummy. We love it over rice.

    Reply
  11. Andrea says

    July 23, 2025 at 11:17 pm

    5 stars
    Really juicy and flavorful—loved the lemon and garlic combo in these.

    Reply
  12. Nicole says

    July 24, 2025 at 11:58 am

    5 stars
    This Greek meatballs are so delicious! Such an easy recipe.

    Reply
  13. Tisha says

    July 24, 2025 at 5:22 pm

    5 stars
    The Greek flavor on this really stands out more in the air fryer or thanks for sharing

    Reply
  14. Krystle Smith says

    August 10, 2025 at 8:35 pm

    5 stars
    They came out perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. I popped the extras in the freezer for an easy dinner next time.

    Reply
  15. Elizabeth says

    September 20, 2025 at 8:10 pm

    5 stars
    SO easy and tasty! I served these meatballs for dinner and there weren't any leftovers.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      February 18, 2026 at 1:06 pm

      That is when you know you made some good food! Glad to hear it worked out so well! -NK

      Reply
  16. Nick says

    September 21, 2025 at 11:18 am

    5 stars
    These air fryer Greek meatballs are such an easy and delicious recipe.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      February 18, 2026 at 1:06 pm

      Truly they take no time at all! And the flavor is amazing!!

      Reply
  17. Claudia says

    September 21, 2025 at 11:19 am

    5 stars
    Just made these Greek meatballs in the air fryer—juicy, flavorful, and super quick! 🍽️✨

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      February 18, 2026 at 1:06 pm

      YAY! Enjoy the yummy food!!

      Reply
  18. Krystle Smith says

    October 12, 2025 at 7:18 pm

    5 stars
    These look so good! I love that they're made in the air fryer, so easy and quick. Definitely adding this to my weeknight dinner list.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      April 23, 2026 at 12:07 pm

      The air fryer is truly the best option for saving time and getting good meals. Enjoy!

      Reply
  19. Claudia says

    October 13, 2025 at 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    These look fantastic! Air fryer Greek meatballs sound juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      April 13, 2026 at 11:19 am

      Greek meatballs are such a hit! Enjoy this lovely treat!

      Reply
  20. Cindy says

    October 27, 2025 at 7:55 pm

    5 stars
    These Greek meatballs were so good. Can't believe how quick they were in the air fryer!

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      November 11, 2025 at 11:05 am

      Such an easy way to get dinner on the table! Thanks, Cindy!

      Reply
  21. Molly says

    October 28, 2025 at 5:12 am

    5 stars
    Superb recipe for busier weeknights. Very simple and quick to make, and goes well with just about any sauce - we tried these with both Sweet and Spicy Asian style glaze as well as leftover tomato-based pasta sauce.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 04, 2026 at 2:46 pm

      Great when you are in a rush and yes so easy to customize! Enjoy!

      Reply
  22. Lora says

    October 28, 2025 at 6:47 am

    5 stars
    These air fryer Greek meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with Mediterranean spices. Light, healthy, and so easy to make!

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 04, 2026 at 2:47 pm

      Very light. Perfect when you want to make it with any carb or vegetable! Enjoy!

      Reply
  23. Aiah says

    November 03, 2025 at 1:38 am

    5 stars
    The flavors blended beautifully, with just the right balance of herbs and garlic to make each bite rich and satisfying.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      April 23, 2026 at 12:12 pm

      I agree! Totally satisfying and easy to make!

      Reply
  24. megan says

    November 03, 2025 at 2:48 pm

    5 stars
    these meatballs are so so easy to make! they are meal prep GOLD!

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      April 23, 2026 at 12:12 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  25. Jean says

    November 08, 2025 at 3:43 pm

    5 stars
    I went with Lisa's suggestion and served them in gyro's. So good.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 04, 2026 at 2:53 pm

      That sounds amazing! No doubt a 5 star recipe was created!!! LOL!

      Reply
  26. Eric says

    December 22, 2025 at 1:40 am

    5 stars
    My new favourite - so easy to make in an air fryer, and they are perfect with spaghetti and a simple tomato sauce. Will try them in a meatball sub next!

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 05, 2026 at 12:50 pm

      I love these in a quick sub sandwich and I know you will too! Enjoy!

      Reply
  27. Iza says

    December 24, 2025 at 10:21 am

    5 stars
    I made these air fryer Greek meatballs the other day, and they came out juicy and so easy—perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      February 18, 2026 at 1:06 pm

      I LOVE these for meal prep. Thank you!!!

      Reply
  28. Lara says

    May 13, 2026 at 1:33 am

    5 stars
    Superb! Served these with mustard and sour cream sauce (Swedish meatball style) and we all agreed it will be on rotation around here at dinner 🙂

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 18, 2026 at 11:34 am

      Now that sounds like a perfect dinner! Enjoy!

      Reply
  29. Swathi says

    May 13, 2026 at 6:37 am

    5 stars
    Air fryer greek meatballs is delicious I am going to make it again, so good.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 18, 2026 at 11:34 am

      I love to hear that! Enjoy the bold flavors!

      Reply
  30. Jony says

    May 13, 2026 at 6:48 am

    5 stars
    These came out so juicy and the outside got perfectly browned in the air fryer. They have so much flavor from the herbs. I served them with some pita and tzatziki for a super quick dinner.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 18, 2026 at 12:25 pm

      Thank you so much, Jony!

      Reply
  31. GINA says

    May 14, 2026 at 9:04 pm

    5 stars
    These meatballs were SO flavorful. Everyone love them. We served them with rice and veggies. Simple but delicious!

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 18, 2026 at 11:34 am

      I love a Greek Meatball! Enjoy the snack!

      Reply
  32. Genevieve says

    May 16, 2026 at 8:42 pm

    5 stars
    These look like the perfect weeknight meal idea! Simple to make and packed with protein.

    Reply
    • Nicole Kendrick says

      May 18, 2026 at 10:59 am

      Yes!!! They don't last long at my dinner table! Enjoy!

      Reply
5 from 51 votes (20 ratings without comment)

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Welcome to The Busy Kitchen!

I’m here to help you get quick, healthy meals on the table without the stress. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just a packed schedule, you’ll find easy-to-follow recipes, smart tips, and family-friendly dishes that save time without sacrificing flavor. Let’s make healthy eating simple—no matter how busy life gets!

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