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+ servings
5 from 1 vote

Garlic Parmesan Turkey Nuggets

35 minutes
easy
Serves 20 nuggets
Plate of garlic parmesan turkey nuggets sprinkled with Parmesan and served with a bowl of marinara sauce.

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for sprinkling
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning make sure there is no additional salt in the seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs sub gluten-free if needed
  • Olive oil spray
  • Warm marinara sauce for dipping

Directions 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  • Shape the mixture into nugget-sized pieces, about 2 tablespoons each.
  • In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with a generous pinch of salt and 1-2 tsp of Italian seasoning. Roll each nugget in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks.
  • Arrange the nuggets on the baking sheet and spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with the leftover parmesan on top. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Air Fryer Option: Arrange nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil. Cook at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Sprinkle with any extra Parmesan (if you have some) while hot and serve with warm marinara for dipping!

Notes

  • For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs (or pulse gluten-free panko finer in a blender).
  • Swap ground turkey for chicken, pork, or beef if preferred.
  • Nuggets can be frozen after baking and reheated at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, or batch-prepped for freezer meal prep (full instructions on [Substack link here]).