Crispy Deep Fried Turkey Balls: Easy Recipe & Tips

Deep Fried Turkey Balls: A Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Snack

If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and just a little bit indulgent, deep fried turkey balls are the perfect treat. These bite-sized delights are loaded with juicy turkey, flavorful seasonings, and a crunchy coating that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer for your next party, a tasty game day snack, or a creative way to use up leftover turkey, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best deep fried turkey balls at home!

Why You’ll Love Deep Fried Turkey Balls

• Perfect for Leftovers: Got leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or another meal? This recipe transforms it into something totally new and exciting.
• Great for Parties: These bite-sized snacks are a hit at gatherings—easy to eat and always crowd-pleasing.
• Customizable: Change up the seasonings or add cheese, herbs, or spices to make them your own.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for quick snacks or appetizers later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked turkey (finely chopped or shredded)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

How to Make Deep Fried Turkey Balls

1. Prepare the Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until everything is well blended and holds together.
2. Shape the Balls:
   Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into balls using your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Coat for Crunch:
   Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs to give them a nice crispy coating.
4. Chill:
   Pop the tray in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the balls firm up and prevents them from falling apart during frying.
5. Heat the Oil:
   Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large heavy pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry to Perfection:
   Carefully lower the turkey balls into the hot oil in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
7. Drain and Serve:
   Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried turkey balls and set them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Tips for Success

• Keep Them Cold: Chilling the turkey balls before frying helps them stay together and get extra crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady and each ball cooks evenly.
• Test Oil Temperature: If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and turn golden in about a minute.
• Add Cheese for Gooeyness: For an extra treat, tuck a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each ball before rolling.

Serving Suggestions

Deep fried turkey balls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces! Try serving them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, spicy aioli, or classic marinara. They’re perfect as finger food for parties, game days, or even as a fun dinner option with fries and salad on the side.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place cooled turkey balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crisp again. Microwave reheating works but may soften the coating.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
• Bacon Boost: Stir in some crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
• Diverse Meats: Substitute cooked chicken or ham if you don’t have turkey on hand.
• Crispy Coating: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for extra crunch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~80-100
• Total Fat: ~5g
• Saturated Fat: ~1g
• Protein: ~5g
• Total Carbohydrates: ~6g
• (Nutrition will vary based on size and ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these turkey balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and shape the balls ahead of time, then store them covered in the fridge for up to one day before frying. You can also freeze them before frying—just thaw slightly before cooking so they fry evenly.

Can I bake instead of fry?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can bake the turkey balls on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious!

Can I use ground turkey instead of cooked turkey?

You can! Just brown it first with some seasoning before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. This ensures your turkey balls are fully cooked and flavorful.

What’s the best oil for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil is best for deep frying these turkey balls.

The Bottom Line

If you want a snack that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, deep fried turkey balls are sure to become a new favorite. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Give them a try at your next gathering or whenever you’re in need of some comfort food—your taste buds will thank you!