Air Fryer Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them. Whether served with pasta, in subs, or as a party appetizer, these tender meatballs are quick, versatile, and sure to please any crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, no oven required.
- Healthier Option: Requires less oil than traditional frying.
- Versatile: Perfect for spaghetti, meatball subs, or a standalone appetizer.
- Crispy and Juicy: Golden on the outside, tender on the inside.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Egg
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Onion (grated or finely chopped)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the meatballs.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture, then roll it into 1- to 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a plate or tray.
- Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the meatballs halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with pasta, marinara sauce, or as a standalone dish. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 (about 20 meatballs)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Keto-Friendly: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for extra flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed: Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating or cooking.
- Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or in a saucepan with marinara sauce until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs in the air fryer?
Yes, cook frozen meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
2. What type of ground meat works best?
A mix of ground beef and pork provides great flavor and texture, but you can use any ground meat.
3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps cook the meatballs evenly and achieve a golden exterior.
4. How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking?
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers.
5. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them and add a tablespoon of almond flour.
6. How do I ensure the meatballs stay juicy?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
8. How do I check if the meatballs are done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Can I add sauce directly in the air fryer?
No, but you can toss the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce after cooking.
10. Can I make smaller or larger meatballs?
Yes, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller meatballs may take 8-10 minutes, while larger ones may need 12-15 minutes.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Meatballs are a quick, easy, and versatile way to enjoy perfectly cooked meatballs without the mess of traditional frying. Whether you serve them with pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit. Try them today for a delicious meal made with ease!
Print
Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 16 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Air Fryer Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked with a golden exterior. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re great for spaghetti, meatball subs, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juicier meatballs, or lean for a lighter version)
- 1/3 cup (30g) breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (for greasing the air fryer basket)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
- Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form about 16 meatballs.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each meatball. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the meatballs are browned and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
5. Serve:
- Serve the meatballs warm with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.