Air Fryer Meatballs
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Learn how easy it is to make these air fryer meatballs as an appetizer or dinner this week. A ground beef and pork meatball that is air fried till it is golden brown on the outside and juicy in the center.
Making air fried meatballs you will find it is a quicker cook time and won’t heat up your home the way your stovetop or oven would.
Also check out these air fryer chicken thighs, or even my air fryer peanut butter cookies for a simple dessert.
Recipe ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Ground Beef – You will find that leaner beef works. I find that 80/20 or 85/15 works best. You don’t want it to be too lean, or it can cause dry meatballs.
- Ground Pork – Ground pork paired with beef will elevate the flavor and give your meatballs a nice and juicy texture.
- Breadcrumbs – Feel free to make homemade breadcrumbs or buy your favorite brand. Just make sure they are plain.
- Garlic – Minced garlic adds an extra layer of flavor to the meatballs.
- Parsley – If you do not have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley to replace it.
- Italian Seasoning – The Italian seasoning will be the stand-out flavor of the meatballs.
- Eggs – The eggs act as the binder to ensure all the ingredients mix and hold shape.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This is my secret ingredient for the meatballs. It adds a smokey component.
How to make Air Fryer Meatballs
For the full ingredient amount and full instructions, see the recipe card below.
Mix all the ingredients for the meatballs and then form them into meatballs.
I find placing them onto a sheet pan helps me prepare them easily and keep them organized.
Arrange them in a single layer so the air fryer can cook the meatballs evenly.
Once the meatballs are done, you can serve them with your favorite sauce or toppings.
Recipe tips and variations
For this recipe for meatballs, you will find you can change up how you make them in a handful of ways. Here are some ideas and tips for success.
- Using a cookie scoop helps ensure all the meatballs are the same size. This is going to ensure you get an even cook on all the meatballs.
- Make sure to leave space between each meatball in the air fryer. By doing this, you ensure all areas of the meatball cook evenly.
- You can swap the ground pork for lamb, Italian sausage, or even a breakfast sausage.
- Instead of plain breadcrumbs, you can use Italian breadcrumbs. If you do that just omit the Italian seasoning from the recipe.
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Once they do, remove and let them cool a bit then serve.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Store any homemade meatballs leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze the meatballs place them in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for 3-4 months.
- Reheat: To reheat leftover meatballs you can use your oven or air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 2-3 minutes, oven at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
How to serve
These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or for dinner. You can pair it with a dipping sauce for an appetizer. BBQ, honey mustard, or any other popular dip. Or you can pair the meatballs with a marinara or pasta sauce and serve on a hoagie or pair with pasta.
The possibilities on how to serve up these meatballs are endless!
Frequently asked questions
Do not stack or layer your meatballs in the air fryer. The meatballs need to be in a single layer with space between them. Otherwise, you will find that the areas that touch can be undercooked.
You may put foil in the air fryer. You will want to put it at the bottom of your air fryer so it can catch drips. If you place it on the tray and the air can’t fully circulate you will find that it can affect the meatballs.
Do not overmix your meatballs or they can become dense and chewy. Making sure to mix lightly and don’t pack the meatballs too much together can ensure you have tender meatballs.
Yes. Go right ahead and make a double batch if you would like. Just make sure that you batch cook the meatballs in the air fryer.
Baked meatballs are good too! That being said we love how the air fryer makes them golden brown and the fat drips right into the air fryer basket below instead of “steaming” the meatballs.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Using clean, dry hands, work the mixture together until well combined. Try not to compact it too much, you want it mixed, but not smashed.
- Form into 1” spheres and then cook in batches at 400 degrees F for 14 minutes per batch. If the meat is sticking to your hands, drizzle them with olive oil. This will help crisp the outside of the meatball and prevent them from sticking to your hands.
- Enjoy with pasta or as an appetizer.
- Store in a container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
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