These Air fryer meatballs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Meatballs prepared in an air fryer offer a healthier and more convenient option compared to conventional frying techniques. They come out juicy on the inside with a slightly crispy outside, all without using too much oil. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping for the week, or even a quick snack.
Almost No Recipe Needed!
Making these meatballs is easy. Just mix your ground meat with your favorite seasoning and spices from your kitchen, together with bread crumbs, eggs, and cheese optional. Then, roll the mixture into small balls. Put them in the air fryer, and soon you will have your delicious juicy meatballs.
They don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps yet, they offer a tasty meal with little time or effort—it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
Super Versatile
These air fryer meatballs are super versatile. You can serve them with spaghetti, make a meatball sub, or toss them in a tasty sauce for a quick appetizer. Plus, they freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
Ingredients for making Air Fryer Meatballs
- Ground beef: You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You could also use a combination of meats for added flavor, like half beef and half pork.
- Bread crumbs: are a binding agent to hold the meatball mixture together. They also add texture and help retain moisture.
- Egg: provides additional binding and moisture to the meat mixture, preventing the meatballs from becoming too dry.
- Red chili flakes: enhance the air fryer meatballs’ flavor by adding heat. They season the exterior and add complexity to the dish.
- Seasonings: you can improve the meatballs with a blend of seasonings such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and herbs like parsley or basil.
How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, red chili flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the egg: Crack the egg into the bowl and mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a fork until everything is well incorporated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you form the meat mixture into meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into balls roughly 1 inch in diameter and evenly space them on the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure not to overcrowd them, and cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.
- Place the meatballs in the preheated air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For even cooking, shake the basket or flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time.
- Carefully remove the cooked meatballs from the air fryer using a pair of tongs or a spatula, then allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the meatballs to redistribute their juices for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Enjoy air-fried meatballs with your favorite pasta, sauce, or side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of ground meat? Of course, you can use various types of ground meat, such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, for a unique flavor in this air fryer recipe. We used the beef in our recipe.
What dipping sauces pair well with these meatballs? You can pair Air fryer meatballs with dipping sauces such as marinara, barbecue sauce, tzatziki, or yogurt-based dips to enhance flavor.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking & ensure a crispy exterior, lightly coat meatballs with oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer basket.
How long should I cook the meatballs in the air fryer? Meatballs can be cooked in an air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on the model and preferences.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking the meatballs? Preheating the air fryer is essential for optimal results when cooking meatballs, as it helps the food reach the desired temperature before being placed inside.
Tips
- Don’t overmix: Mixing the meatball ingredients too much can make the meatballs tough and dense. Combine just until everything is evenly distributed.
- Even size: Try to make the meatballs the same size so they cook evenly. Using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon can help keep them uniform.
- Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking the meatballs in batches allows the hot air to circulate, ensuring a crispy exterior and even cooking.
- Check the meatballs: To make sure they’re done, cut one open to check that it’s cooked through. You can also use a meat thermometer (they should reach 160°F or 71°C).
- Coat meatballs lightly with cooking spray or oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
How to store Meatballs
- Refrigeration: Allow meatballs to cool, place in an airtight container, separate layers with parchment paper, and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs until solid, then store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Label containers with the date for easy tracking. Store for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: reheat refrigerated meatballs in the air fryer or oven until warmed through, or cook frozen meatballs directly in the air fryer, adding extra cooking time.
What to serve with this recipe?
Air fryer meatballs are versatile and can be served with various sides like pasta or noodles, mashed potatoes, salad, rice, bread or rolls, vegetables, cauliflower mashed potatoes, dipping sauces, coleslaw, or quinoa or couscous. Combine the options based on your personal preferences and dietary needs to create a well-rounded and enjoyable meal.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, red chili flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Crack the egg into the bowl and mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a fork until everything is well incorporated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you form the meat mixture into meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into balls, roughly 1-inch in diameter, and evenly space them on the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure not to overcrowd them, and cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For even cooking, shake the basket or flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time.
- Carefully remove the cooked meatballs from the air fryer, then allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the meatballs to redistribute their juices for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Serve your air-fried meatballs with your favorite pasta, sauce, or side dish and enjoy!
Notes
- Preheating your air fryer is essential for consistent cooking and a crispy exterior, ensuring the desired texture.
- Experiment with various herbs, spices, or flavored breadcrumbs to customize the flavor of your dish.
- Coat meatballs lightly with cooking spray or oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Maintaining a consistent meatball size ensures even cooking, prevents overcooking, and ensures even completion of the dish.
Nutrition
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