Pesto Meatballs

These Pesto Meatballs are one of my absolute favorite, easy dinner recipes or lunch meal preps. This method makes the juiciest, golden turkey meatballs. Honestly, there is so much deliciousness in every bite. Nothing beats a basic recipe that transforms into something that instantly feels like your new favorite go to meal! Their tiny, portable size makes them just as good for a weeknight main dish as they are for an appetizer at your next get-together. I love that they're made with only 4 fresh ingredients! They bring that irresistible, vibrant flavor that's perfect for the late summer months. Plus! They're air-fried, so you get a hands off, mess-free night! Pesto is honestly my favorite way to spice up any basic meal and make it more flavorful.

If you loved this Pesto Meatballs recipe, try my Honey Garlic Meatballs, these Gluten Free Chicken Meatballs and my Air Fryer Chicken Hummus Meatballs. For more gluten free ideas, check out my Gluten Free Pasta Recipe ideas.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Pesto Meatballs are so good! They're an easy recipe that's packed with flavor!

Serve them with pasta, tuck them into wraps or use them as a protein-packed snack. There is honestly so much you can do with these versatile meatballs!

They are a huge hit as a kid-friendly option. Such a win if you have a family with little ones to feed. You can always leave out the spice if you need to!

Perfect when you need an easy dinner recipe that works every time. It's fail-proof, guys. Just add them to a bowl of pasta or a bed of rice and you're ready to go.

I love that they're freezer friendly and completely make-ahead friendly for busy weeks. It makes meal prepping so simple.

They can absolutely be dressed up! Add sauces to them or sides!

They are naturally gluten free, dairy free and egg free! If you're an allergy girl like me, you'll love this recipe!

Equipment Needed

I used my trusty Air Fryer for these Pesto Meatballs. I love my Our Place Wonder Oven so much! It also frequently tends to go on sale. You'll also need a mixing bowl to make the ground turkey mixture in. If you are still using plastic bowls, consider swapping to glass mixing bowls instead for a non-toxic option!

Ingredients Needed

Ground turkey: I try to use organic ground turkey whenever I can!

Red pepper flakes: I love the little kick of heat this adds to my meatballs. You can use any spices in their place. Try cumin, mustard seeds or crushed coriander seed instead.

Pesto: Use a homemade or a store bought pesto. Keep it dairy free and gluten free if you need to. Just remember to check the pack if you're buying your pesto! I love making it with homemade pesto!

Coconut flour: Helps to bind these meatballs and it's totally gluten free!

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Roll the ground meat and ingredients into balls and place them into your air fryer.

Step 4: Air fry them at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they have lightly browned.

Step 5: Serve with pesto or over pasta and enjoy! They are also perfect as an appetizer or packed for lunch!

Storage

Store leftover cooled Pesto Meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Place cooked meatballs on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. I love these as a meal prep item, as they keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes or in the oven until heated through. I keep my eye on them so they don't overcook.

Variations

Cheesy: Grate in ¼ cup grated dairy free Parmesan or mozzarella (dairy free if needed) for added richness.

Herby: Stir in chopped fresh basil, parsley or oregano to enhance the pesto flavor.

Nutty: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped walnuts or almonds for texture.

Low heat version: Skip the red pepper flakes for a mild, kid-friendly option.

Med style: Swap pesto for sun dried tomato pesto or olive tapenade for a different flavor profile.

How To Serve 

Here's a bunch of ways I love to serve these Pesto Meatballs:

• I love to pop a few of these meatballs over freshly cooked pasta with marinara sauce.
• Serve them with mashed potato or root vegetables.
• With a salad and a side of my Summer Roasted Vegetables.
• Tucked into pita with Homemade Ranch Dressing.
• Over a bed of rice!

Recipe FAQ

What meat does pesto go well with?

Pesto goes well with chicken, turkey, pork and beef. It also tastes great with seafood like salmon or shrimp.

Can you put pesto in meatballs?

Yes! Adding pesto to a meatball mix is a quick and easy way to flavor turkey meat.

What is the best sauce to have with meatballs?

Good old marinara is always a winner, but creamy sauces and pesto sauce are yummy too. Honestly, pesto is my favorite!

Can I make my own pesto? 

Yes, homemade pesto is a great idea! My homemade pesto recipe is the BEST!

Can I use another type of meat? 

Yes, feel free to use ground beef or ground chicken instead.

Are these gluten free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten free because it uses coconut flour!

Are these dairy free? 

Yes, but you must use a cheese free pesto to keep it dairy free.

What to eat with pesto meatballs?

Pasta, rice or mashed potatoes and veggies are all delicious!

Can you make these low histamine?

Yes, these meatballs are low histamine as long as you use pesto that does not have citrus. You can also skip the red pepper flakes.

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these fun dinner ideas next:

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef

Turkey Breakfast Hash

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Gluten Free Lasagna Soup

If you make this Pesto Meatballs recipe and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.