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air fryer greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki
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Air Fryer Greek Turkey Meatballs With Tzatziki

These Air Fryer Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are one of my favorite healthy meals. It has so much flavor, but is still light and satisfying.
Course Appetizer, Main
Cuisine Greek
Keyword Air Fryer Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 20 meatballs
Author Geraldine Julie

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs

  • 1½ lb ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely grated + its juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese The pockets of melting feta add brine and fat directly to the lean turkey as it air-fries.

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Optional

  • A drop of liquid honey. A tiny bit of honey balances the sharp raw garlic and lemon acidity without making the sauce taste sweet.

Serving

  • Greek Salad

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated onion and all of its liquid, garlic, egg, panko, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Let this sit for 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground turkey, fresh parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest and the crumbled feta. Using cold hands, gently fold the mixture together until just combined.
  • Form the mixture into 20 equal meatballs. Lightly oil your hands if needed.
  • Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
  • Mist the basket lightly with olive oil.
  • Arrange the meatballs in a single layer with space between them.
  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning gently halfway through.
  • Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Serve warm with chilled tzatziki sauce and extra dill or parsley if desired.

Video

Notes

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Taste & Texture

These meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with lemon, garlic, and herb flavor, while the tzatziki is cool, creamy, and refreshing.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until heated through.

Serving Recommendations

I love serving these meatballs with Greek salad, warm pita bread, and plenty of tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Use ground chicken instead of turkey.
  • Swap dill for fresh mint.
  • Use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko.
  • Add extra feta for more richness.
  • Serve in pita wraps with lettuce and tomatoes.

Proper Storage Tips

  • Store the tzatziki separately from the meatballs.
  • Keep everything in airtight containers.
  • Add a lemon slice to meal prep containers to help keep the meatballs fresh.

Pro Tips

  • Squeeze all excess water from the cucumber.
  • Don't overmix the turkey mixture.
  • Use the grated onion juice for extra moisture.
  • Cook in a single layer.
  • Remove the meatballs as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C) to keep them juicy.