Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer meatballs are a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food with less mess and fuss. These juicy, flavorful meatballs come together effortlessly and cook perfectly in the air fryer for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Step 3: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until cooked through, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Step 4: Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce or over your favorite pasta.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh taste.
- For gluten-free meatballs, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Adjust the cooking time slightly as poultry may cook faster.
Do I need to add oil to the air fryer basket?
It’s not necessary to add oil because the meatballs have enough fat to keep them moist, but a light spray can help achieve a crispier exterior if desired.
PrintAir Fryer Meatballs Recipe
These Air Fryer Meatballs are a quick and easy recipe perfect for a delicious, savory meal. Made with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, they’re juicy and flavorful, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a nicely browned exterior on the meatballs.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked through and browned on the outside, serve the meatballs warm with marinara sauce or over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture or panko for extra crispiness.
- Check internal temperature to be at least 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Keywords: air fryer meatballs, easy meatball recipe, Italian meatballs, quick dinner, ground beef meatballs
