Learn how to make air fryer meatballs that are tender, juicy, and healthy. Ready in a just 10 minutes, these make a fast and satisfying dinner!
Air frying is a foolproof way to cook healthier and delicious meals in a fraction of the time.
If you loved our air fryer whole chicken, pork tenderloin, or ribs, you’ll surely love our air fryer meatballs!
Like our turkey meatballs, they turn out perfectly moist and juicy!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy. Like air fryer hamburgers, they cook in a fraction of the time using simple ingredients and instructions. I often make this on busy weeknights as they cook in less than 10 minutes.
- Healthier. Thanks to the air fryer, these meatballs don’t need ANY oil, but don’t fret: they turn out just as juicy as you’d expect them to!
- Easy clean up. If you regularly cook meatballs on the stovetop, you know what a mess it makes…not with an air fryer, though!
- Perfectly cooked. The air fryer creates a perfect balance of a crispy, seared exterior and a juicy, tender interior.
What I love the most about this recipe is its versatility. They can be made with various types of ground meat (such as pork, lamb, or chicken) and served with various sauces and side dishes.
Ingredients needed
If you regularly make meatballs, you’ll be familiar with the similar ingredients. Here is what you’ll need:
- Ground beef. Choose ground beef with some fat, like 90/10 or 85/15. I don’t recommend using extra lean or fat-free ground beef, as no matter what else you add the mixture, it always dries out!
- Breadcrumbs. Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but I find panko breadcrumbs to hold in so much more flavor.
- Parmesan cheese. Always use freshly grated parmesan cheese, as it cooks much better with the meat than the pre-shredded kind. It also has a much better flavor too.
- Italian seasoning. A mix of different herbs, such as oregano and basil. If you plan on serving these meatballs in a tomato-based sauce (our homemade sugo or pomodoro sauces are family favorites!), do not skimp on this!
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
- Garlic powder. I’ve tried these meatballs with both fresh garlic and garlic seasoning, and the powder works best for the air frying. If I was baking or pan-frying these, then I’d use the fresh kind.
- Eggs. Room temperature.
- Milk or water. For the extra moisture needed. I like using milk because it’s just so much more flavorful.
How to cook meatballs in the air fryer
These air fryer meatballs will be ready to enjoy in just four simple steps:
Step 1- Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
Step 2- Prepare the meatballs
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well.
Step 3- Shape
Now, wet your hands to roll out and prepare 24-28 meatballs.
Step 4- Cook the meatballs
Grease the air fryer basket and place a single layer of meatballs. Let them cook for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.
Step 5- Rest and serve
Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Make the meatballs all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave plenty of room for air to circulate the meatballs. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of frying.
- To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F. This is a MUCH easier way to check than having to cut the meatballs in half every time.
Flavor variations
The beauty of any good meatball recipe is that it is easy to customize! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Add diced vegetables. Finely diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini can add flavor and moisture to your meatballs. They are also a sneaky way to pack in extra veggies too!
Use flavored breadcrumbs. To intensify the Italian flavors, I sometimes use Italian-flavored breadcrumbs which make such a difference.
Try different sauces. Coat your meatballs in a sauce before cooking them in the air fryer. We like to give them an Asian twist by coating them in bulgogi sauce, katsu sauce, and even an eel sauce.
Storage instructions
To store. Put leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To freeze. In freezer freezer-safe container, meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave until warm enough to serve.
More air fryer recipes to try
Frequently asked questions
When referring to cooked meatballs, they only need 5 minutes in the air fryer at 190C/375F. Give them a shake halfway through so all sides heat up nicely.
If they are thawed before adding them to the air fryer, they will cook in 12-15 minutes at 190C/375F. When frozen meatballs are added to the air fryer, you must wait a few more minutes to enjoy them.
Yes! If you are using pre-made and frozen meatballs, you can add them directly to the air fryer and cook as instructed. The only difference is to adjust the cooking time to compensate.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup milk or water
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
- In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well.
- Using lightly wet hands, shape the mixture into 24 meatballs.
- Grease the air fryer basket and place a single layer of meatballs on the base.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.
- Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Superklasse! Tolle Zutaten! So macht man die auch in Italien, bin begeistert! Jetzt auch für den Airfyer, Danke!
Came out great! Added minced onion……delish!!!
What is the best/correct way to check internal temperature in an airfryer please?
meat thermometer 🙂
Could these be made the night before and cooked shortly before serving, the next day?
Absolutely, just brush them with a touch of water before doing so.
What can you substitute the bread crumbs with to make it Keto?
Try my keto bread crumbs- https://thebigmansworld.com/keto-bread-crumbs/
What air fryer do you use/recommend?
I will link to it in my post 🙂