Air Fryer Magic: Cooking Raw Meatballs

Yes, you can cook raw meatballs in an air fryer. In fact, many people prefer this method over baking them in the oven. Air-fried meatballs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are also healthier, as they don't require any oil, and are quicker to cook and easier to clean up. You can make your meatballs with various types of ground meat, including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or turkey, and serve them with different sauces and side dishes.

Meatball ingredients and preparation

Yes, you can cook raw meatballs in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on meatball ingredients and preparation.

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be made with various ground meats, seasonings, and sauces. Here is a list of common ingredients used in meatball preparation:

• Ground meat: You can use ground beef, ground pork, ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground lamb. A combination of ground meats, such as ground beef and ground pork, is also a popular choice.
• Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs can be used. Breadcrumbs help to hold the meatballs together and absorb moisture.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and help prevent the meatballs from drying out.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan, Romano, or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese adds flavour and saltiness to the meatballs.
• Milk: Milk is optional but adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs.
• Seasonings: Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Fresh herbs like Italian flat-leaf parsley can also be added.

To prepare the meatballs, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and add milk if desired. Add the breadcrumb mixture, eggs, and milk to the ground meat in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until evenly combined, being careful not to overmix the meat. Let the meatball mixture rest for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soften and absorb moisture.

Once the mixture is ready, wet your hands and shape it into small balls, approximately 1-inch to 1 1/4-inch in size or 2 Tbsp in volume. It is important to make the meatballs a uniform size so they cook evenly. Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours if you plan to cook them later.

You can also coat your meatballs in a sauce before cooking, such as bulgogi sauce, katsu sauce, or marinara sauce. This adds extra flavour and moisture to the dish.

Now that you have prepared your meatballs, you can cook them in your air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the air fryer basket and place a single layer of meatballs inside, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook the meatballs for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, and then let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Air fryer settings and temperature

To cook raw meatballs in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking meatballs as it provides a good balance of heat and air circulation.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your meatballs. Smaller meatballs (around 1-2 inches in diameter) can be cooked for about 8-10 minutes. For medium or well-done meatballs, you may want to extend the cooking time to 12-15 minutes. It is important to ensure that the meatballs are cooked thoroughly to avoid any potential foodborne pathogens. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

If you are cooking a large batch of meatballs, you may need to adjust the cooking time and check the doneness more frequently. It is also important to ensure that the meatballs are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as this will help them cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of frying.

Once the meatballs are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking time and process

Yes, you can cook raw meatballs in an air fryer. The cooking time and process are fairly straightforward and quick. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by adding all your chosen ingredients to a mixing bowl and combining them well. You can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or turkey. Don't forget to add ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and seasonings to bind and flavour the mixture. Once combined, wet your hands and shape the mixture into balls. It's important to ensure the ingredients are well-incorporated to prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking. Aim for a uniform size, such as using an ice cream scoop, to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, as it heats up quickly. However, if you want a good sear on the meatballs, preheat it to a temperature between 350-380°F (180-190°C).

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Grease the air fryer basket and place the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and prevents steaming. Depending on the size of your meatballs and your air fryer's temperature, the cooking time will vary from 8 to 14 minutes. For smaller meatballs, 8-10 minutes should be sufficient, while larger ones may need up to 14 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of at least 160-165°F, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the meatballs retain their juices and ensures a tender, juicy texture. Serve them with your favourite sauce, such as marinara, or use them in dishes like spaghetti, sandwiches, or appetizers.

Step 5: Storing and Reheating

Air fryer meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later use. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply place the meatballs in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

Meatball sauces and serving suggestions

There are many different sauces and serving suggestions for meatballs. A classic option is to serve meatballs with marinara sauce, which can be made with crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. You can also add whole peeled tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and onions to your marinara sauce. For a store-bought option, try Newman’s Own.

Another option is to make a sweet and sour sauce with ketchup, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. You can also add vinegar and pineapple juice to this sauce for a more tropical flavor profile.

If you're looking for something more savory, try a mushroom gravy. You can make this by sautéing garlic in butter, then adding flour and chicken broth. Finish the sauce by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

For a spicy kick, you can make a chili sauce with ketchup, grape jelly, and chili sauce. Or, for an Asian-inspired dish, coat your meatballs in bulgogi sauce, katsu sauce, or eel sauce before cooking them in the air fryer.

Meatballs can be served as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or as part of a main course. Some side dish options include mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or spaghetti. For a healthier option, serve your meatballs with a salad.

Storing and reheating meatballs

When you are ready to reheat your meatballs, there are several methods you can use. One option is to use an air fryer, preheated to 190C/375F, and heat the meatballs for about five minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also reheat meatballs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300-325°F and place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish. Cover them with foil to prevent drying and heat until warmed through.

If you are reheating meatballs with sauce or gravy, you can use a stovetop or frying pan. Combine the meatballs and sauce in a pan and cook over low heat until warmed through. This method helps the meatballs absorb the flavor of the sauce and prevents them from drying out. You can also reheat frozen meatballs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 65-75 minutes or 35-45 minutes if thawed.

Frequently asked questions