By Joanna Carter
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner option, these air fryer meatballs are perfect for you. Ready in just 15 minutes, they are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer means less oil and a healthier meal for you and your family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal on the table fast.
- Healthier Option: Air frying reduces the need for excess oil, making these meatballs a lighter alternative to traditional fried meatballs.
- Juicy and Flavorful: Perfectly seasoned meatballs every time, thanks to a blend of herbs, cheese, and garlic that infuses the meat with rich flavor.
- Versatile: These meatballs are great on their own, with pasta, in a sub, or as a party appetizer. You can also switch up the seasonings to match your favorite cuisines.
Ingredients
- Ground meat: Use beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a mix to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Each type of meat brings a unique flavor and texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the meatballs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and flavor. You can also use onion powder if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the meatball mixture. Use any type of milk you prefer, including dairy-free alternatives.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the flavor of the meatballs.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Olive oil spray: To lightly coat the meatballs and ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs. If you want larger or smaller meatballs, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating ensures the meatballs start cooking immediately and helps them develop a nice crust.
- Cook the Meatballs: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Enjoy the meatballs hot, with your favorite sauce or as part of a meal. They pair wonderfully with pasta, in a sub, or as a party appetizer.
Joanna’s Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Overmixing can result in dense, rubbery meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Make sure all meatballs are the same size for even cooking. Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniformity.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the meatballs are cooked through and safe to eat.
- Freeze for Later: These meatballs freeze well. Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to the mixture for a kick of heat. You can also mix in a bit of hot sauce or sriracha.
- Cheesy Meatballs: Insert a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball before cooking for a gooey surprise.
- Herb Meatballs: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to the mixture for a burst of fresh flavor. You can also experiment with different dried herbs and spices.
- BBQ Meatballs: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce halfway through cooking for a tangy, sweet glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- With Pasta: Serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal. You can also try them with other types of pasta and sauces.
- In a Sub: Place meatballs in a hoagie roll with marinara sauce and melted cheese for a delicious meatball sub.
- As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauce at your next party. They pair well with a variety of sauces, such as marinara, BBQ, or even a creamy ranch.
- With Veggies: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables for a healthy dinner. Try serving them with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.
- Freeze: Place cooked or uncooked meatballs in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, cook from frozen in the air fryer or oven until heated through.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
- Air Fryer Vegetables: A healthy side dish that’s quick and easy.
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos: Perfectly cooked fish in a fraction of the time.
- Air Fryer Donuts: A sweet treat that’s healthier than traditional fried donuts.
These air fryer meatballs are a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer, they are sure to be a hit. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking!