Name: air fryer meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup marinara sauce

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If you’re craving a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that cooks up quickly and tastes like it took hours, these air fryer meatballs are about to become your new go-to. Using the magic of the air fryer not only cuts down cooking time but also gives the meatballs a perfect crispy exterior while keeping them juicy and tender inside. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

air fryer meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create meatballs bursting with flavor, vibrant color, and perfect texture. These staples are easy to find and combine for a dish that feels both cozy and special.

Ground beef: The base of the meatballs, providing rich flavor and juicy texture.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender by absorbing moisture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle, savory tang and depth of flavor.
Chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a brilliant pop of green color.
Large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold all the ingredients together.
Minced garlic: Infuses the meatballs with that classic aromatic warmth.
Dried oregano: Adds herby, slightly peppery undertones for complexity.
Dried basil: Brings a sweet, peppery note to complement the beef.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance flavors.
Marinara sauce (optional): Perfect for dipping or smothering your cooked meatballs in saucy goodness.

How to Make air fryer meatballs

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by placing the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together. The key here is to just combine the ingredients—not to overwork the meat—so the meatballs stay tender and juicy once cooked.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once the mixture looks evenly combined, roll it into bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with roughly 20 meatballs. Keeping them consistent in size helps ensure they cook through evenly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for around 5 minutes. This step ensures your meatballs start cooking immediately and get that lovely crispy exterior.

Step 4: Load the Basket

Arrange the meatballs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re spaced apart and not touching, as this allows the hot air to circulate freely around each meatball, guaranteeing even cooking and browning.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Air fry the meatballs for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through or gently turning the meatballs if your fryer requires it. They’re done when they’re beautifully browned on the outside and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This rest time helps seal in the juices. Serve them as is or with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping or topping. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!

How to Serve air fryer meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves instantly brightens the dish and adds fresh herbal notes. A little grated Parmesan on top just before serving elevates the flavor, making the meatballs taste even more indulgent and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

These air fryer meatballs are versatile and make a fantastic pairing with a variety of sides. Serve them with spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a classic combo, or load up on roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to keep things light and fresh. For a cozy comfort meal, mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are excellent choices that soak up every bit of sauce and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Skewer a few air fryer meatballs with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for fun appetizers. Or tuck a few into a toasted sub roll with melted provolone and your favorite sauce to create irresistible meatball subs. You can even make meatball sliders for a party that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover meatballs, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen meatballs into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and can be cooked directly from frozen or thawed overnight.

Reheating

Reheat your air fryer meatballs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method crisps them back up nicely. Alternatively, microwaving on medium power works if you’re short on time, just be mindful they might get a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great for air fryer meatballs, just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since these meats tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adding a little olive oil or extra breadcrumbs helps keep the texture moist.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe?

Preheating helps your air fryer meatballs to cook evenly and develop that crispy outer crust from the very start, so it’s definitely recommended. It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in the final texture.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The best way to ensure safety and doneness is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Air fryer meatballs are cooked perfectly at 160°F (71°C) internal temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze before cooking?

Yes! Form your meatballs and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, you can cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer—just add a few minutes to the cooking time.

What sauce pairs best with these meatballs?

Classic marinara is always a winner, adding tangy, tomato-rich flavor that complements the herbs and cheese in the meatballs. You can also try BBQ sauce for a smoky twist or a creamy mushroom sauce for something indulgent and different.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer meatballs bring together convenience, comfort, and bold flavor in one fantastic dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether served up as a quick weeknight dinner or dressed up for guests, they never disappoint. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade meatballs can be with just a bit of help from your air fryer!

air fryer meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These air fryer meatballs are a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful meatballs with a crispy exterior without the need for frying in oil. Made with a mix of ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, they cook evenly in the air fryer and are perfect served with marinara sauce for a delicious appetizer or main dish.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper thoroughly to distribute all flavors evenly.
Mix Gently: Mix the ingredients together using your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Shape Meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment right from the start.
Arrange Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other to allow hot air to circulate properly and cook evenly.
Cook: Cook the meatballs in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicating doneness.
Rest Meatballs: Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with marinara sauce on the side if desired for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to maintain tenderness.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked.
For a lower-carb option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour.
Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Use fresh parsley for best flavor, but dried can be substituted if necessary.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: Italian-American