Crispy Healthy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs: 30-Min Easy Recipe
These crispy healthy buffalo turkey meatballs deliver a satisfying crunch and spicy kick without the sogginess of traditional recipes. Using cornstarch as a binder ensures a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the interior tender and lean.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on it.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey and beaten egg. Sprinkle the dry ingredient mixture over the meat and mix gently with hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch diameter balls using a cookie scoop or hands. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each.
- Bake plain meatballs for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, combine Frank’s RedHot Sauce, melted butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk until smooth and warm, but do not boil.
- Remove meatballs from oven. Pour sauce over them and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Return sauced meatballs to the oven for another 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and stick to the crust.
- Serve warm with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Notes
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispiness; steam makes meatballs soggy. If using an air fryer, cook at 390°F for 10 minutes, sauce, then cook for 3 more minutes. For meal prep, keep sauce separate until serving to maintain texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-6 me
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 24
Keywords: buffalo turkey meatballs, healthy game day snacks, crispy turkey meatballs, gluten-free appetizers, easy weeknight dinner, cornstarch meatballs