the Breville Test Kitchen
Air-Fried Pesto Turkey Meatballs

the Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro
+1 more appliance
1 hr total time
35 mins active time
Easy
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
Measurements:
For the pesto
½ cup (2½ oz) pine nuts
3 cups (3 oz) basil leaves
5 cloves garlic
1 cup (2½ oz) grated parmesan cheeseplus extra to serve
¾ cup (6 fl oz) extra-virgin olive oil
For the meatballs
½ cup (2½ oz) pine nuts
2 lb ground turkey
2 large eggs
2 shallotsfinely chopped
¾ cup (1½ oz) panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup (2 oz) grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp kosher salt
Cooking spray
Instructions
- 1
Insert the wire rack into position 4. Set the oven to Bake, Convection, 350°F, for 4 minutes and press Start to preheat.
- 2
Place the pine nuts for the pesto and the meatballs in the roasting pan. Once preheated, place in the oven and start the timer.
- 3
The pine nuts should be golden brown. If not, cook them a little longer. Remove the pine nuts from the oven and cool to room temperature.
- 4
Add the basil, garlic, parmesan and ½ cup of the pine nuts to a blender. With the motor on, slowly add the oil and blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- 5
Combine the turkey, eggs, shallots, breadcrumbs, the remaining pine nuts, parmesan, salt and 1/3 cup of the pesto.
- 6
Adjust the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 425°F, for 14 minutes and press Start. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
- 7
Grease the roasting pan. Roll the turkey mixture into balls approximately ¼ cup measures and place in the pan.
- 8
When the oven signals, place the pan in the oven and cook for 14 minutes.
- 9
Remove from the oven and spoon over the remaining pesto.
- 10
Adjust the oven to Bake, Convection, 350°F, for 5 minutes and press Start.
- 11
When the oven signals, return the meatballs to the oven and cook for 5 minutes.
- 12
The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer. If not, cook them a little longer.
- 13
Top with grated parmesan and serve.