Air Fryer Meatballs: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make meatballs. They are quick, easy, and healthy. You can use a variety of ground meats, including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or even a mix. The meatballs are tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. They go well with pasta, gravy, mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer. You can also freeze them for later.

Meat: use ground beef and pork for the perfect blend of flavour and juiciness

When it comes to making meatballs in an air fryer, the type of meat you use is crucial. While you can make meatballs with various types of ground meat, a combination of ground beef and ground pork is ideal for achieving the perfect blend of flavour and juiciness.

Using lean ground beef and ground pork will give your meatballs a delicious flavour and ensure they stay juicy. When choosing ground beef, opt for one with some fat, such as 90/10 or 85/15. Extra lean or fat-free ground beef tends to dry out, even with other ingredients in the mixture.

Ground beef and pork are combined with Italian-inspired flavours to create juicy and flavourful meatballs. The beef provides a hearty base, while the pork adds extra moisture and a unique taste that sets these meatballs apart.

When preparing the meat mixture, combine the ground beef and pork with other ingredients like Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Mix the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Once the meat mixture is ready, shape it into balls of uniform size. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, giving them enough space to cook evenly.

Follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness, typically around 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. The meatballs will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to the combination of ground beef and pork.

So, if you're looking to make delicious and juicy meatballs in your air fryer, opt for a combination of ground beef and pork as your meat of choice.

Seasoning: Italian seasoning, onion powder, and Parmesan are popular choices

Seasoning is a key component of any meatball recipe, and Italian seasoning, onion powder, and Parmesan are popular choices for adding flavour to meatballs cooked in an air fryer.

Italian seasoning is a versatile blend of herbs and spices that enhances the flavour of meatballs. It typically includes a combination of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, and marjoram, among other herbs. This blend adds a depth of flavour to the meatballs, evoking the tastes of traditional Italian cuisine.

Onion powder, another popular seasoning choice, brings the savoury taste of onions to the meatballs without the need for fresh onions. It adds a subtle sweetness and a mild onion flavour that complements the other ingredients in the meatball mixture.

Finally, Parmesan cheese not only adds a salty, nutty, and buttery flavour to the meatballs but also serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatballs together during cooking.

When combined, these seasonings create a flavourful and aromatic meatball that is perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether served as an appetizer, in a meatball sub, or with pasta, these seasonings enhance the taste and make the dish more appealing.

Feel free to experiment with the amounts of each seasoning to find the perfect blend for your taste preferences. Additionally, you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs to create unique and delicious variations.

Breadcrumbs: use regular or panko breadcrumbs to hold the meatballs together

When making meatballs in an air fryer, breadcrumbs are an essential ingredient to help bind the meatballs together. You can use either regular or panko breadcrumbs, but each has its own advantages.

Regular breadcrumbs are finer, which means they will give you a less crunchy texture. They are also a good option if you are looking for a more subtle flavour profile.

Panko breadcrumbs, on the other hand, are larger in size and will give your meatballs a satisfying crunch. They also hold in more flavour, making them a great choice if you want your meatballs to pack a punch.

If you are using regular breadcrumbs, you can simply add them to the other meatball ingredients and mix well. However, if you are using panko breadcrumbs, it is best to soak them in milk for at least 5 minutes before adding them to the meat mixture. This will help ensure your meatballs have the best texture.

In addition to their role as a binder, breadcrumbs can also be used as a coating for your meatballs. Simply roll the formed meatballs in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before placing them in the air fryer. This will give your meatballs a delicious, crispy crust.

Egg: this helps bind the meatballs and adds moisture

When making meatballs, it's important to include an ingredient that will act as a binder to hold the meat together. Eggs are a common choice for this, and they have the added benefit of contributing to the tenderness of the meatballs.

Eggs are a great binder because they help the meat to stick together without causing it to fall apart. This is because eggs add moisture to the meat mixture, which prevents the meat proteins from shrinking and becoming tough during cooking. This results in meatballs that are juicy and tender.

When making meatballs with eggs, it's important not to overwork the meat. Simply mix the ingredients until they are combined and try to use your hands if possible, as this will give you a better sense of when the mixture is ready.

In addition to their role as a binder, eggs can also add flavour and nutrients to meatballs. For example, they contain protein and other essential vitamins and minerals. So, when making meatballs, eggs are a great choice for achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Cooking time: cook at 350-400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through

Cooking meatballs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by combining all your ingredients in a mixing bowl and mixing them well. The specific ingredients and their quantities may vary depending on your personal preference and recipe, but typically, you'll need ground meat, breadcrumbs or bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some milk or water for extra moisture. Once your mixture is ready, use your lightly wet hands to shape it into evenly sized meatballs.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F. This step ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and efficiently.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking, and then carefully place your meatballs inside. It's important not to overcrowd the basket and to leave space for air to circulate, ensuring even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches.

Step 4: Cooking Time

Now, for the magic to happen! Cook your meatballs at 350-400°F for 10-12 minutes. To ensure even browning and cooking, it's a good idea to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process, around the 5-minute mark. This helps in achieving that desirable crispy texture.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the timer goes off, let your delicious meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures they are nice and juicy. Then, serve them with your favourite sides or sauces. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions