These Healthy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs are a simple baked meatball recipe made with ground turkey, almond flour, spices, and hot sauce. They make a tasty appetizer, snack, or meal and come together in under 30 minutes. Naturally Paleo, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and Whole30 compliant.
I had a different recipe planned, but I couldn’t wait to share these Healthy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs. If you love buffalo flavor, these are irresistible—perfect for meal prep, parties, or game day.
Made with a simple blend of turkey, almond flour, spices, and hot sauce, they’re baked (not fried) and have the familiar tang of buffalo wings without added sugars or unnecessary ingredients.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love these buffalo turkey meatballs
- Recipe ingredients
- Step by step meatball instructions:
- Tips and Tricks:
- How to store them:
- How to serve them:
- Recipe FAQs
- Other buffalo recipes you may enjoy:
- Other meatball recipes you’ll love:
- Healthy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs (Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-free) Recipe
Why you’ll love these buffalo turkey meatballs
- All the classic buffalo wing flavor in an easy-to-eat meatball.
- Baked and made with real-food ingredients—almond flour replaces breadcrumbs.
- Ground turkey is a lean protein option compared to ground beef.
- Quick to prepare: about 10 minutes to mix and 20 minutes to bake.
- Suitable for Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-free, and Dairy-free diets when you use compliant ingredients.
- They pair well with simple, low-ingredient hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite buffalo-style sauce.
Recipe ingredients
- ground turkey – Use regular-fat ground turkey for juicier meatballs rather than ultra-lean varieties.
- almond flour – A great breadcrumb substitute that adds texture and nutrition.
- hot sauce – Use your preferred brand and heat level.
- garlic powder – For savory depth.
- onion powder – Adds balanced flavor.
- salt and pepper – To taste.
- chili powder – A pinch brings a little extra bite.
- egg – Helps bind the meatballs together.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
Step by step meatball instructions:
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until evenly combined.
Step 2: Form into tablespoon-sized balls. A mini cookie scoop works well for even portions.
Step 3: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for about 20 minutes. For extra crisp, finish under the broiler for a minute or two.
Note: Some fat may render while baking. Pat the bottoms of the meatballs dry with a paper towel before serving.
Step 4: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
(1) Choose the right turkey.
- Using very lean turkey (99%) can yield drier meatballs. For juicier results, 94% lean works well.
- If excess fat renders while baking, simply blot it away with a paper towel before serving.
(2) Adjust heat to taste.
- Start with the lower end of hot sauce in the recipe and add more if you prefer a stronger buffalo flavor.
(3) Add dipping sauces.
- Serve with blue cheese, ranch, or any preferred dipping sauce that fits your diet.
How to store them:
Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
How to serve them:
- As an appetizer with a dipping sauce
- As a main with fries and vegetables
- Over a salad for extra protein
- With rice and roasted vegetables
Recipe FAQs
Yes—these are baked rather than fried and use lean turkey as a protein source. Almond flour replaces breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Yes. Mix and roll the meatballs, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.
Yes—ground chicken can be substituted using the same method.
Yes. They use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and contain no other gluten ingredients.
Other buffalo recipes you may enjoy:
Try other buffalo-style recipes for more ways to enjoy that signature heat and tang—buffalo sauces, meatloaf, or dips all pair well with these meatballs.
Other meatball recipes you’ll love:
Look for variations like turkey spinach meatballs, turkey meatballs with oats, or Asian-inspired meatballs for more meal ideas.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ review below!
Healthy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs (Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-free)
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey, (use 94% for juicier meatballs)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3-1/2 cup hot sauce, (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 egg
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
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Shape into tablespoon-sized balls (about 20–24 meatballs depending on size).
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Bake 20–25 minutes. For extra crisp, broil briefly at the end of cooking.
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Wipe any excess liquid or fat from the bottoms of the meatballs with a paper towel before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.