Meatballs have always been a favorite of mine, and when you make them in the air fryer, they get that perfect crispy outside while staying juicy on the inside. The best part? You don’t have to turn on the oven or stand by the stove flipping them! These air fryer meatballs are a total game-changer—simple, quick, and oh-so-tasty. I promise, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever made meatballs any other way!
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Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Meatballs
This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a savory snack, these air fryer meatballs have got your back. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile: You can serve these meatballs in so many ways. Whether it’s with spaghetti, on a sub roll, or just as an appetizer with dipping sauce, they fit any meal or occasion.
Quick and Easy: Forget about babysitting the stove or oven. The air fryer cooks these meatballs to perfection in half the time. You’ll have dinner ready in a flash!
Less Mess: No grease splatters from frying on the stove, no turning on the oven—just pop them in the air fryer basket and let it do the work for you. Clean-up is a breeze!
Flavorful: These meatballs are packed with flavor in every bite. They have that perfect balance of savory, slightly spicy, and a little herby goodness. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients
Making meatballs in the air fryer is as simple as mixing together a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you need to make them:
Ground Beef: This is the base of the meatballs. It gives them that rich, savory flavor and juicy texture.
Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs help bind everything together while giving the meatballs a great texture. They soak up all the delicious juices and flavors.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together and gives them that tender bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy depth to the flavor. Trust me, you want this in there!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the aroma and flavor that will make your kitchen smell incredible.
Italian Seasoning: A must for that classic Italian flavor. This blend of herbs gives the meatballs the perfect herbal kick.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making these meatballs is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and get that crispy exterior.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to mix everything together until fully combined. Don’t overmix, though—you want the meatballs to stay tender!
Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. I like to use my hands for this step—it’s fun and easy!
Air Fry the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re done, serve the meatballs however you like—on top of pasta, in a sub, or with a side of marinara for dipping. The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Air Fryer Meatballs
There are endless ways to enjoy these juicy, crispy meatballs. Here are a few ideas:
With Pasta: Classic spaghetti and meatballs is always a win. Serve these air fryer meatballs over your favorite pasta, topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan.
In a Sub: Make a quick meatball sub by placing the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, topping with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They make a perfect finger food for parties or game days.
With Veggies: For a healthier option, serve them alongside roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers.
Additional Tips
- Use Lean Meat: If you want a leaner option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still turn out delicious.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep these meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to cook!
- Add Spice: Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. They’ll stay nice and crispy!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey works great in this recipe, although it might be a little leaner than beef. You may want to add a bit more seasoning or oil to keep them moist.
Q2: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just air fry them when you’re ready to cook.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later.
Q4: Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?
A4: Yes! You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oat flour, or even a gluten-free alternative.
Q5: Can I use a different seasoning?
A5: Of course! If you prefer a different flavor profile, feel free to experiment with different spices. You could try adding cumin, paprika, or even fresh basil for a unique twist.
Q6: How do I reheat the meatballs?
A6: To reheat, just pop the meatballs back in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 375°F, or until warmed through.
Q7: Can I make these in the oven instead of the air fryer?
A7: Yes! Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely! Just make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches.
Q9: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A9: Yes, these meatballs freeze really well. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Q10: How do I make the meatballs more tender?
A10: Be sure not to overmix the meatball mixture. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Meatballs are everything you could want—quick, flavorful, and so easy to make! Whether you’re serving them for dinner, bringing them to a party, or just enjoying them as a snack, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping them juicy on the inside. Ready to give them a try? Get your air fryer out, and let’s make some magic happen!
Print
Air Fryer Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Air Fryer Meatballs come out tender, flavorful, and perfectly browned on the outside. These meatballs are easy to make and a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (divided use, optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, garlic, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add the Panko breadcrumbs and pour in the milk. Stir together well and let the mixture sit for about a minute to absorb the liquids.
- Add the ground beef and ground pork to the bowl and mix gently until combined. It’s easiest to do this with clean hands. Be careful not to overmix to prevent tough meatballs.
- Mix in the parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Stir just until everything is evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer, you can freeze the meatballs before cooking for later use. Simply freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag or container for long-term storage.
- Feel free to add other seasonings to your taste, such as dried oregano or Italian seasoning, for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg