There’s something magical about air fryers, isn’t there? They transform simple ingredients into crispy, golden delights with minimal effort. These Easy Asian Air Fryer Meatballs are no exception—little flavor bombs that pack a punch, reminiscent of those street food stalls I wandered past in Bangkok, or maybe it was just a dream, but who can tell these days?
Steps
- Begin by cracking an egg into a medium-sized mixing bowl and beat it with a fork. Add panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated ginger, scallion whites, and soy sauce to the bowl and mix them together until well combined.
- Incorporate the ground turkey into the mixture, using a fork to gently combine everything without over-mixing. Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, each weighing about one ounce, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Generously spray the air fryer basket with oil, then arrange the meatballs in a single layer. Cook them at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring to turn them halfway through the cooking process.
- If your air fryer cannot accommodate all the meatballs at once, cook them in batches. Keep the first batch warm by covering it with foil, and reheat briefly in the air fryer if necessary before serving.
- While the meatballs are cooking, stir sesame oil and scallion greens into the brown rice. Divide the rice among four bowls, topping each with four meatballs and half a cup of edamame.
- Finish each bowl with a drizzle of soy sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and optional sriracha or cilantro for added flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 scallion whites, finely chopped
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 scallion greens, sliced
- 2 cups shelled edamame, heated
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, optional, for garnish
- Sriracha, optional, for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1932 kcal | Carbohydrates: 196 g | Protein: 148 g | Fat: 64 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 520 mg | Sodium: 2944 mg | Fiber: 44 g | Sugar: 12 g
FAQ
- Can I make these meatballs without an air fryer?
- Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
- What can I serve with these Asian turkey meatballs?
- These meatballs pair well with brown rice, edamame, and a drizzle of sriracha. You can also try quinoa, vermicelli, or soba noodles, and swap edamame for vegetables like bell pepper or cucumber.
- How do I store leftover meatballs for meal prep?
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. Flash-freeze them on a parchment-lined pan before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- Can I make a gluten-free version of these meatballs?
- Absolutely! Use gluten-free panko and substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to make these meatballs gluten-free.
- What are some variations for this recipe?
- You can switch the ground turkey for ground chicken, use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko, or try different sauces like hoisin or an Asian Carrot Ginger Dressing.
Tips
- To prevent your meatballs from sticking together when freezing, first flash freeze them on a parchment-lined sheet pan before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- If you don’t own an air fryer, bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes as an effective alternative.
- Experiment with different bases and toppings for your bowls; try substituting brown rice with quinoa or noodles, and swap edamame for vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- For a gluten-free version of these meatballs, use gluten-free panko and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the meatballs if you’re not using the oven method.
- Parchment Paper – Used for lining the baking sheet when preparing the meatballs or for flash freezing them.
- Oil Spray Bottle – For spraying the air fryer basket with oil, though you might also use a regular bottle of oil.
