Meatballs

These air fryer meatballs are tender, juicy, and crispy on the outside, thanks to the air fryer’s ability to cook with less oil. They are made with ground meat of your choice, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of spices, forming the perfect bite-sized morsels. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or meal prep. The air fryer ensures even cooking, locking in flavors and creating a crispy exterior without the extra oil found in traditional frying methods.

Whether you’re looking to serve them with pasta, as a sub sandwich, or as a snack with a side of marinara, these meatballs are versatile enough to complement many meals. Plus, they’re healthier than the traditional deep-fried variety, allowing you to indulge guilt-free. With the added benefit of being quick to prepare, these meatballs will become your go-to recipe for easy and delicious weeknight meals.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Beef Recipe, meatballs

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings: People

Calories: 82kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer

Mixing bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Ingredients

1 lb 450g ground beef or ground turkey (or your preferred meat)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs whole wheat for healthier options
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional
Olive oil spray for air fryer basket

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the meatballs cook evenly right from the start.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using, add the chopped parsley. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Form the Meatballs: Take about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used. You should have about 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, making sure there’s space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate around them, ensuring an even cook.
Air Fry the Meatballs: Air fry the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The meatballs are done when they are golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, or in a sandwich. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Video

Notes

Meat Options: You can use any ground meat for this recipe, including beef, turkey, pork, or even chicken. For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken are great choices.
Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers.
Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your meatballs and the type of meat used, cooking time may vary slightly. Make sure to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices! Add chili flakes for a bit of heat or switch out the Parmesan for another type of cheese like mozzarella for a different twist.

Nutrition