Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with minimal cleanup. They have a crispy exterior and tender interior thanks to the air fryer’s rapid cooking method. Perfect as a quick appetizer, a pasta topping, or a protein-packed snack, these meatballs come together fast and taste like they’ve been simmering all day.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or a mix of beef and porkbreadcrumbsgrated Parmesan cheeseeggsminced garlicchopped parsleyonion powdersaltblack pepperItalian seasoningolive oil spray

directions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.

Form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a plate or tray.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to work in batches.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temp should reach 160°F/71°C).

Remove and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 meatballs.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10-12 minutesTotal time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

Incorporate finely chopped spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Glaze with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or teriyaki for different flavor profiles.

Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella for a cheesy surprise.

storage/reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before air frying.

Do I need to flip the meatballs during cooking?

Shaking the basket halfway through helps cook them evenly without needing to flip individually.

Can I bake these instead?

Yes, bake in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked.

What type of breadcrumbs works best?

Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs both work well, depending on your flavor preference.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.

How do I know when they’re done?

They should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Do I need to use egg?

Yes, the egg helps bind the mixture together and keeps the meatballs moist.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli are all great options.

Can I add cheese inside?

Yes, you can stuff them with mozzarella or cheddar before cooking.

Are these good for meal prep?

Absolutely—they store and reheat well, making them great for weekly meal planning.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Meatballs are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal plan, offering crispy outsides and juicy centers in a fraction of the time it takes to bake or pan-fry. With customizable flavors and minimal mess, they’re a perfect solution for weeknight dinners, party platters, or nutritious snacks. Once you try these, you may never go back to traditional methods.