Air fryer meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried meatballs. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for the BEST air fryer meatballs:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil mist
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a mist of oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape the meat mixture into meatballs of your desired size. A common size is about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the meatballs for proper air circulation.
- Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your meatballs and the air fryer model you’re using.
- To check for doneness, cut one meatball open to make sure it’s cooked through. There should be no pink in the center.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through and have a nicely browned exterior, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the air fryer meatballs with your favorite dipping sauce, marinara sauce, or use them in pasta dishes, sandwiches, or appetizers.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other seasonings, herbs, or spices that you enjoy. Enjoy your delicious and healthier air fryer meatballs!
Note: Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the specific air fryer model you have. It’s always a good idea to consult your air fryer’s manual for recommended cooking times and temperatures for meatballs.
Of course! Here’s another variation of air fryer meatballs, this time with a sweet and tangy glaze:
Sweet and Tangy Glazed Air Fryer Meatballs:
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Follow steps 1 to 4 from the previous recipe to prepare and shape the meatballs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the glaze: ketchup, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a mist of oil.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Leave some space between the meatballs for even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through and have a nicely browned exterior, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
- Brush the sweet and tangy glaze over each meatball, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Return the glazed meatballs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to caramelize the glaze and create a slightly sticky exterior.
- Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the glazed air fryer meatballs as an appetizer, main dish, or over cooked rice, noodles, or vegetables.
This variation adds a delightful sweet and tangy twist to your air fryer meatballs, making them perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a family-friendly meal. Enjoy!
