Air-Fryer Keto Meatballs

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 10 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
I have been following a keto diet for a year and a half and have lost 130 pounds. With this recipe for air-fryer keto meatballs, you won't miss the breadcrumbs at all! I like to eat these saucy meatballs on their own, but they're also great over zucchini noodles. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • SAUCE:
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce with basil, garlic and oregano
  • 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; cook until lightly browned and cooked through, 8-10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, mix sauce ingredients; heat through. Serve with meatballs.

Can you freeze Air-Fryer Keto Meatballs?

Freeze cooled meatballs in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Preheat air fryer to 350°. Reheat until heated through, 3-5 minutes. Make sauce as directed.

Air-Fryer Keto Meatball Tips

Does an air fryer add carbs?

Air fryers do not add carbs to foods, making them ideal for people following a keto diet. (These other keto-friendly comfort foods are great, too!) If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make this recipe in an oven.

Will meatballs fall apart without breadcrumbs?

Meatballs will not fall apart without breadcrumbs as long as you replace the breadcrumbs with another binding agent, such as cheese, shredded zucchini or chopped mushrooms.

What is the best thing to cook in the air fryer?

Air fryers are ideal for cooking foods that are typically fried in oil, such as chicken, fish and even chimichangas. With the right air-fryer recipes, you’ll be amazed at the foods you can air-fry! (Check out our recipe for Air-Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken.)

Research contributed by Mark Hagen, Taste of Home Executive Editor

Nutrition Facts

4 meatballs with 1/3 cup sauce: 404 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.