Air-Fryer Meatballs

Meatballs deserve to get more of a spotlight outside of their iconic pairing with spaghetti. These air-fryer meatballs certainly prove what some ground meat and spices are capable of. They go from recipe to table in just 30 minutes and only require staple ingredients. Thanks to the air fryer, they’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Meatballs

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• Ground beef and pork: Creating a mixture of ground meat is the best hack for richer and more flavorful meatballs than you could get with just ground beef.
• Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs help keep the meatballs intact.
• Parmesan cheese: This provides a nutty and savory flavor. Make sure to grate it fresh yourself for the best results.
• Egg: Egg acts as another binding agent so your meatballs retain their shape.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics provide extra umami flavor and depth. You can also use onion and garlic powder in place of fresh.
• Fresh parsley and Italian seasoning: These add some light Italian flavor to the meatballs.

Directions

Step 1: Mix and shape the meatballs

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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients. Shape this mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls.

Step 2: Air-fry the meatballs

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Place the meatballs in a single layer on a greased tray in the air-fryer basket. Air fry the meatballs in batches. Cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer to evenly cook each meatball.

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Air-Fryer Meatball Variations

• Swap your meats: You can use other types of ground meat, like ground turkey or ground chicken, too.
• Make these in the oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also make meatballs in the oven. Bake them at 375° for 15 to 18 minutes.
• Sneak in veggies: You can add finely chopped veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to your meatball mixture.
• Turn it into a bowl: You could also put these air-fryer meatballs on top of mashed potatoes, rice or quinoa, along with some other roasted veggies.
• Get saucy: These meatballs are flavorful without sauce, but you could also add some pasta sauce, a creamy Swedish meatball sauce or a sweet and spicy sauce. You can get creative.

How to Store Meatballs in the Air Fryer

You can store your meatballs in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze air-fryer meatballs?

This is a very freezer-friendly recipe. We recommend storing them for up to three months. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Air-Fryer Meatball Tips

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Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or another substitute, like almond flour or coconut flour.

How do I know when meatballs in the air fryer are cooked through?

Air fryers all cook slightly differently. You’ll know your meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Why are my meatballs tough?

Rolling the beef together when forming your meatballs can compress it and make it tough to chew. To avoid this, mix your meat gently and use a scoop (an ice cream scoop works great!) to create the balls.