1-Preparation: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This step is crucial because it helps the meatballs start cooking immediately, sealing in the moisture. While the appliance heats up, gather a large mixing bowl. If you have not already done so, finely chop your onion and mince your garlic. Having your ingredients ready, also known as mise en place, makes the assembly process smooth and efficient.

2-Mixing the Ingredients: In your large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The key here is not to overmix. Use your hands or a spoon to gently combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated. Overworking the meat can lead to tough, rubbery meatballs, which we want to avoid. We want them tender and light.

3-Shaping the Meatballs: Once your mixture is ready, it is time to shape them. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Aim for uniform size to ensure they all cook at the same rate. You should get about 20 meatballs from this batch. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can lightly wet your hands with water or a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking.

4-Air Frying: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or use a parchment paper liner with holes for air circulation. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. Air needs to flow around each meatball to get that crispy exterior. Cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

5-Flipping for Evenness: About halfway through the cooking time, around the 5 or 6-minute mark, open the basket and gently flip each meatball using tongs. This ensures they brown evenly on all sides. It also helps you check on the progress. The meatballs should be starting to turn a golden brown color.

6-Finishing Touches and Serving: Once the timer goes off, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F. If they need a minute or two more, put them back in. When done, remove them from the basket and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve them hot with your favorite marinara sauce, over pasta, or as a protein snack. They pair wonderfully with a light dessert like Strawberry Shortcake Trifles for a complete meal experience.