Place the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to thoroughly combine all ingredients until uniform.
1 pound ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Divide the mixture into 12 equally-sized portions. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form smooth, round meatballs roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet or plate.
If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. If pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels if frying, or directly to a serving dish if baking. They should be firm on the outside with a moist, tender interior. Observe for a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve the meatballs hot, accompanied by your favorite sauce or pasta, or use them as a filling for sandwiches. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.