Air-Frying Fresh Meatballs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer meatballs are a quick and easy meal to make, taking just 10 minutes to cook. They can be served as a healthy and delicious dinner, or as a protein-packed lunch on the go. To make sure your meatballs cook evenly, make sure they are all roughly the same size and that you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. You can add flavour and moisture with finely diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms and zucchini.

How to make meatballs the right size and shape

Yes, you can cook fresh meatballs in an air fryer. To make sure they cook evenly, make sure the meatballs are all roughly the same size. To get the right shape, roll the mixture into 20-25 balls. Transfer them to a tray or plate, then chill for 20 minutes.

To get the meatballs to cook evenly, make sure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave plenty of room for air to circulate around the meatballs. This will also prevent them from steaming instead of frying.

To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F.

How to avoid overcooking

Yes, you can cook fresh meatballs in an air fryer. To avoid overcooking, make sure the meatballs are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave plenty of room for air to circulate around the meatballs. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of frying. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F. This is an easier way to check than having to cut the meatballs in half. You can also add finely diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to add flavour and moisture.

What temperature to cook meatballs at

Yes, you can cook fresh meatballs in an air fryer. To do this, preheat the air fryer to 180C or 190C/375F. Make sure the meatballs are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave plenty of room for air to circulate the meatballs. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of frying. To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F.

How to add flavour to meatballs

Yes, you can cook fresh meatballs in an air fryer. To add flavour to meatballs, you can experiment with the five main flavours: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. You can also add finely diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to add flavour and moisture.

If you want to make Moroccan meatballs, you can add cumin, paprika, chilli powder, and turmeric to your meatballs. You can also add ground beef, fried onion pieces, and binders. For a stronger flavour, add the seasoning to the sauce as well. To curb the acidity of tomatoes and the heat of the spices, add a hint of brown sugar to the sauce.

For Italian meatballs, you can add oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning. You can also add a small portion of spicy Italian pork sausage to increase the complexity and heat. Cheese can also add flavour to meatballs. Celebrity chef Ina Garten adds freshly grated parmesan to her meat blend for a subtle sharpness.

Fennel seeds are another way to add flavour to meatballs. You can add between 1/4 teaspoon and 1 whole teaspoon for every 2 pounds of meat.

What to serve meatballs with

Yes, you can cook fresh meatballs in an air fryer. To make sure they cook evenly, make sure they are all roughly the same size and that you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, leaving plenty of room for air to circulate.

• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash
• Rice with pineapple chunks and teriyaki sauce
• Vermicelli salad
• Spinach salad with garlic and olive oil
• Roasted vegetables
• Bruschetta
• Fries and ketchup dip
• Vegetable puree (cauliflower is a good option) with a bed of bitter greens like arugula

Frequently asked questions