Combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, black pepper, salt, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined—don't overmix or the meatballs become tough and dense.

Roll the mixture into 12-16 meatballs roughly the size of golf balls, placing them on a clean plate or baking sheet. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking and prevents smaller meatballs from drying out while larger ones finish cooking.

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil, then arrange meatballs in a single layer without touching. Working in batches prevents crowding and ensures the air can circulate properly around each meatball for maximum crispiness.

Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at the six-minute mark. Air fryer turkey meatballs family recipe achieves that perfect golden-brown exterior while staying juicy inside when you follow this timing exactly.

While meatballs cook, whisk together marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning in a small saucepan over medium heat. This sauce thins slightly and coats the meatballs beautifully without overwhelming their natural flavor.

Remove meatballs from the air fryer and transfer to your sauce, gently tossing to coat completely. Let them simmer in sauce for two to three minutes so every bite absorbs those delicious flavors.

Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately with your favorite sides or dipping options.