Global
Mediterranean Air-Fryer Turkey Meatball Feast
A vibrant dish featuring juicy turkey meatballs, tender roasted courgette, and fluffy couscous, infused with Mediterranean flavors.
Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 4.
Ingredients
- 500g ground turkey
- 1 small courgette, sliced
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Cooking Steps
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
In a bowl, mix ground turkey, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket.
Air fry the meatballs for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the couscous according to package instructions and set aside. The couscous will typically take about 5-10 minutes to absorb the water.
After 10 minutes, add the courgette slices to the basket with the meatballs. Drizzle the olive oil over the courgette and toss gently.
Continue to air fry the meatballs and courgette for an additional 6-8 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 75°C/165°F) and courgette is tender.
Once done, remove the basket and let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, fluff the couscous with a fork and mix in lemon zest and juice.
To serve, place a bed of couscous on each plate, top with several meatballs and roasted courgette slices, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Optional Enhancements
- Ground chicken or beef can replace turkey.
- Quinoa can substitute couscous for a gluten-free option.
- Zucchini can be swapped with bell peppers or asparagus.
Plant & Growing Tips
Courgette
- Plant courgette seeds directly after the last frost in a sunny spot with plenty of space and rich, well-drained soil.
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting, to encourage continuous production.
- Consider growing bush varieties in containers if garden space is limited.
Parsley
- Sow parsley seeds in spring or autumn in rich, moist soil, or buy small plants for quicker establishment.
- Parsley can tolerate some partial shade, especially in warmer climates, which can help prevent bolting.
- Keep the soil consistently moist for lush growth.
Oregano
- Plant oregano in full sun and well-drained soil; it is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in pots.
- Pinch back regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
- Propagate easily from cuttings taken in spring or early summer.
Natural Pest Control
- Inspect courgette plants regularly for squash bug eggs on the underside of leaves and scrape them off.
- Address powdery mildew on courgette leaves by ensuring good air circulation and spraying with a diluted milk solution.
- Spray aphids off parsley and oregano plants with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Use floating row covers over young courgette plants to protect them from early pest infestations.
Harvest
Courgette
- Harvest courgettes when they are small and tender, typically 15-20 cm long, to encourage the plant to produce more fruit.
Parsley
- Snip outer stems at the base as needed for fresh use, as it is a cut-and-come-again herb that will regrow.
Oregano
- Snip sprigs as needed for fresh use, ideally before the plant flowers for the best flavour and to encourage new growth.
Storing & Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
