Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Meatball Recipe – Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful

An Air Fryer Meatball Recipe is a quick and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, offering a perfect balance of crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. To prepare, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, an egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and form into evenly-sized meatballs. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, then lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch, allowing for even cooking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve them with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy homemade meatballs.

Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Meatball Recipe – Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering the perfect balance of convenience and health benefits. One of the most popular dishes to make in an air fryer is meatballs. Air fryer meatballs are a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. With the air fryer, you get perfectly crispy and tender meatballs without the added fat from deep frying. This Air Fryer Meatball Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a simple, tasty, and nutritious meal that can be made in no time.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, a perfect appetizer for a party, or a quick snack, these air fryer meatballs are the answer. You can enjoy them on their own, pair them with a variety of sauces, or serve them alongside pasta or a salad. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make these succulent meatballs in your air fryer, ensuring they turn out perfect every time.

Ingredients

For these air fryer meatballs, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. You can customize them to your liking, but here’s a basic recipe to start with:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (you can use panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 egg (helps to bind the ingredients)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray (for lightly greasing the air fryer basket)

Equipment

• Air fryer (any brand should work, but ensure it’s preheated for best results)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tray or basket for air frying
• Non-stick spray or olive oil spray
• Tongs (for flipping meatballs halfway through cooking)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Resting Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)

Cuisines: Italian, American

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by placing the ground beef (or your preferred meat) into a large mixing bowl. Add in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix everything together. The egg acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs together while they cook.

Use your hands or a spoon to combine the ingredients until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture is well-combined, it’s time to form the meatballs. Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls (you should get about 16 meatballs from this recipe). Make sure they are all the same size to ensure even cooking. If desired, you can lightly grease your hands with olive oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

While you’re shaping the meatballs, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the right temperature for crisping the meatballs evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the basket or tray with olive oil spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one. You may need to cook the meatballs in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fry the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through cooking (after about 6 minutes), use tongs to gently flip the meatballs to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The meatballs should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer, which should read 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey.

Step 5: Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and makes them even more tender.

Serve the meatballs with your favorite dipping sauces, over pasta, or as a topping for pizza. You can also serve them as an appetizer with marinara sauce or as part of a sandwich or sub.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Meatballs

• Use lean ground meat for a healthier version of this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works great and will still result in juicy meatballs.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the meatballs in batches to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
• Customize the seasoning. Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes, to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead: You can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs and air fry them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
• For extra flavor: Try stuffing your meatballs with a cube of mozzarella cheese or your favorite fillings.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Meatballs?

Air fryers are perfect for making meatballs because they provide a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Unlike traditional frying, which requires large amounts of oil, air frying uses hot air circulation to cook the meatballs. This results in less fat and fewer calories, making the air fryer an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks.

The air fryer also cooks meatballs faster than an oven, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. The even heat distribution ensures that every meatball is cooked uniformly, which can sometimes be difficult with stovetop cooking or baking in the oven.

Conclusion

This air fryer meatball recipe is simple, quick, and delicious. Whether you’re making a batch for a family dinner or preparing appetizers for a party, these meatballs are sure to impress. You can customize the recipe with different meats, seasonings, and fillings, making it versatile for every taste. Plus, using the air fryer means less mess and fewer calories, all while delivering that perfect crispy texture.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Give this air fryer meatball recipe a try for your next meal, and enjoy the benefits of healthier, faster cooking without sacrificing flavor.