Frozen Meatballs In Air Fryer
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My air fryer frozen meatballs will change the game for weeknight dinners. All you need is frozen meatballs, sauce, and 10 minutes to make them. We love serving them over spaghetti or as meatball subs!
I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my meatball recipes- sometimes to the point where I end up with trays more than my family can eat (like the day I went overboard testing my turkey meatballs). Instead of letting them go to waste, I froze the extras for later. That’s when I discovered the best way to cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer.
The result? Juicy inside, crispy edges, and full of flavor every time. The secret is simple: add a sauce to lock in moisture, regardless of the type of meatball you’re using. My family devours them over spaghetti, and my partner prefers them to fresh meatballs.
Why you should cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer
- Fast. Dinner in under 10 minutes- I lean on this method for weeknight meals.
- No need to thaw. I tested this recipe both ways and found the meatballs turn out best when cooked from frozen.
- Versatile. For guests, I’ll air fry frozen meatballs, add marinara sauce and mozzarella, and serve them as an easy appetizer (I even shared this on my Instagram last weekend!).
- Perfect texture. The air fryer crisps the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy, just like freshly made meatballs.
Key ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- Frozen meatballs. You’ll need one pound of frozen (not thawed) meatballs. I’ve tested this recipe with my own frozen lamb, chicken, and keto meatballs, and plenty of store-bought options. Costco, Omaha steaks, and Farm Rich meatballs all work beautifully.
- Your favorite sauce. I usually reach for BBQ sauce (pictured), but any sauce will keep the meatballs moist. In my family, everyone has a favorite- ketchup (my sister), pesto (my mom), honey mustard (my partner), sriracha (also my partner, and Swedish gravy (my dad).
How to cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer
Step 1- Prep. Preheat the air fryer, and place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 2- Air fry. Brush with sauce. Air fry until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Step 3- Serve. Remove the meatballs and serve as desired.
Meatball size matters
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your frozen meatballs. In my testing:
- Mini meatballs (as pictured): 8-9 minutes
- Medium meatballs (around 1 1/2 inches): 10-12 minutes
- Large meatballs: At least 12-14 minutes
Regardless of size, always check the internal temperature. Beef and pork should reach 160°F, and chicken should reach 165°F to be safe and juicy.
Chef tips for success
- Air fry in batches. I learned this through testing- when the basket is crowded, the meatballs steam instead of being crisp. Leaving about 1/2 inch between each one gives you that golden, even finish.
- Shake the basket. Tossing them halfway through ensures all sides cook evenly. For larger meatballs, I’ll also flip them individually with tongs.
- Use a meat thermometer. It’s the most reliable way to check doneness. Pork and beef meatballs should reach a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), while chicken meatballs should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents undercooking and keeps them juicy instead of dry.
- Flavor variations. I often change things up: toss them in buffalo sauce for game day, coat them in teriyaki glaze for an Asian-inspired dinner, or slice them over homemade pizza.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! I’ve tested this recipe with both raw frozen and pre-cooked frozen meatballs. When using pre-cooked ones, I found they don’t need quite as much time in the air fryer- shaving off a few minutes is enough to heat them through while keeping the outside crispy. The key is to check them a little earlier so they don’t dry out.
Let the meatballs cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave them for 45 seconds or pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes, until crispy.
More frozen air fryer recipes
- Air fryer frozen burgers
- Air fryer frozen chicken breast
- Air fryer frozen salmon
- Air fryer frozen chicken wings
Frozen Meatballs In Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs see notes
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer. Brush each meatball with barbecue sauce.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking several times throughout. The meatballs are fully cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (beef, lamb, or pork) or 165°F (chicken).
- Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- Meatballs: Any frozen meatball works. I used homemade ones, including ground chicken, ground lamb, ground beef, and even low-carb meatballs.
- Sauce: BBQ, ketchup, pesto, or even ranch work.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for 4 days or the freezer for 3 months.
- Pre-cooked frozen meatballs: Check for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
