Crispy Lemon Dill Turkey Meatballs (Gluten-Free)

These are some tasty turkey meatballs

These Crispy Lemon Dill Turkey Meatballs (Gluten-Free) have a refreshing tangy flavor. I use a mix of lean ground turkey meat with eggs and (gluten-free) panko breadcrumbs for just the right moisture content to keep these turkey meatballs light, yet juicy and full of flavor. Especially when topped with a delightfully easy lemon garlic sauce. Plus, it’s great drizzled over rice and vegetables.

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Here are the supplies:

Before you make these gluten-free crispy lemon dill turkey meatballs, gather these supplies to make the process a breeze.

• I use a Ninja Foodie air fryer with two baskets when I make these meatballs but any air fryer will work for this recipe.
• Glass mixing bowls – these are my favorite and they can go from the freezer to fridge to microwave without any issues.
• Cookie scoop – even though these are made for baking, I love using them to make the perfect-sized meatballs! I also have a smaller one that I use to make the appetizer-sized meatballs.
• Measuring cups and spoons – these are essentials in every kitchen.
• Small prep bowls – I like getting myself organized by pre-measuring my ingredients in these little bowls before adding them to the ground meat. That way I can make sure I’ve got everything I need before I get my hands messy!

What you’ll need to make this recipe:

Here’s your checklist of ingredients combining freshness, crunch, and savory goodness.

Makes 15-20 meatballs.

• Ground turkey – I use lean ground turkey but you can use whatever blend you find at your local grocery store.
• Eggs – add moisture and bind the ingredients together.
• Chopped onion – adds texture and flavor.
• Dill – I used dried dill for this recipe but if you have fresh dill on hand, it would work well too!
• Salt & pepper – enhance flavor and create balance.
• Panko breadcrumbs – I use gluten-free panko but if you’re not Celiac, you can use regular panko breadcrumbs. They add lightness and texture to the turkey meatballs.
• Parsley flakes – add a clean and peppery taste.
• Garlic – chopped garlic adds texture to these meatballs but you can also use garlic powder to get the same delicious flavor.
• Lemon juice – for tanginess and a light fresh flavor.

How to make turkey meatballs:

Follow these easy steps to make this satisfying dinner.

Step 1 – Chop onion and garlic. Add to the ground turkey along with the eggs, panko, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon juice.

Step 2 – Mix and place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to let the flavors blend.

Step 3 – Using a cookie scoop or soup spoon, scoop the mixture into rough golf ball-sized portions and arrange them in your air-fryer baskets. You should have approximately 15-20 meatballs.

Step 4 – Air fry at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes then stir. I like crispy meatballs so I cook them for an additional 5-10 minutes (15-20 minutes total) until they are done.

Step 5 – Serve with a lemony sauce and a starchy side of your choice. Rice, noodles, or my easy smashed potatoes are all great options!

Success tips:

These tips will help you make the best gluten-free Crispy Lemon Dill Turkey Meatballs.

• The best meatballs are tender and juicy, so It’s important to use the recommended amount of eggs and panko breadcrumbs in this recipe. The breadcrumbs absorb the egg and add lightness to the meatballs.
• It’s important to stir the meatballs halfway through cooking to encourage things to cook evenly.
• If you have a cookie scoop – use it! It’s a great way to make sure every meatball is the same size. If you have a smaller scoop, you can use it to make appetizer-sized turkey meatballs.
• Chilling the meat mixture in the fridge before making the meatballs enhances the flavor. This also gives the panko breadcrumbs a chance to soak up some moisture, and prevents the turkey meatballs from falling apart.

What to serve with lemon dill turkey meatballs?

A starchy side dish is perfect for these crispy lemon dill turkey meatballs especially when they’re served with this sticky lemon sauce. I recommend basmati rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even some smashed potatoes.

Storing, freezing, and reheating tips

I always like to make extra meatballs and freeze some for another meal. I’d recommend freezing them raw rather than cooked. And, all you do is chill the meat mixture, then make the meatballs and place them on a cookie sheet to freeze. This will allow them to freeze individually without sticking together. I store them in foil containers or freezer bags in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook them, let them partially defrost at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before air frying. You will need to cook them a bit longer (25-30 minutes) as they will still be partially frozen. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs are at least 170 degrees F.

Variations:

• Cooking the turkey meatballs in the air fryer is a great way to get the crispy texture. They can also be baked in the oven.
• I made these meatballs for dinner but you can make the meatballs smaller and serve them as appetizers instead. They are a delightful and guilt-free treat for any occasion.
• If you don’t have gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a finer texture or gluten-free oatmeal for a chunkier texture.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my turkey meatballs rubbery?

The main reason for rubbery meatballs is the lack of texture. When ground meat is packed too closely together, it cooks up rubbery and chewy. The best way to counteract this is to add texture to your meatballs by adding panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and chopped garlic. You can also add some cooked rice, shredded zucchini, or even shredded carrots for texture. I find that letting the meat rest before cooking also helps.

Why are my turkey meatballs falling apart?

Meatballs need binders to glue the ingredients together. In this turkey meatball recipe, the eggs and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs act as the binder. The moisture in the eggs soaks into the breadcrumbs while the meat mixture is resting. As they cook, the protein in the eggs coagulate and add strength and stability to the turkey meatball so they don’t fall apart.

What is a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs in meatballs?

I like to use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs in meatballs but if you don’t have any, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, gluten-free oatmeal, or cooked rice instead!

Can I substitute regular gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, they can be used interchangeably but regular gluten-free breadcrumbs will give your turkey meatballs a different texture. Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs are crispier and produce a lighter meatball.

Can Celiacs eat panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, provided they are made from gluten-free bread in a dedicated facility and labeled as such. I use Kikkoman Panko (Gluten-Free) but there are several gluten-free panko options to choose from.