Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryers have changed the game when it comes to frozen foods. They are a quick and convenient way to cook frozen meatballs, and they taste delicious! You can cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer straight from the freezer, without needing to defrost them first. This makes them a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The meatballs will be crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside.

How to cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer

Ingredients

Frozen meatballs (any variety)

Non-stick cooking spray (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 320°F and 400°F.
• Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer, ensuring they do not overlap. Leave a little room between each meatball to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the meatballs for 9 to 11 minutes for smaller meatballs, and 11 to 13 minutes for larger ones.
• Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the meatballs cook evenly.
• For extra crispy meatballs, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve.

Tips

• Start with a lower temperature to prevent the outsides of the meatballs from getting tough.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the insides of the meatballs. Meatballs are safe to eat when their internal temperature is 165°F.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fryers need good airflow to cook food evenly.
• Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures the meatballs cook evenly and don't dry out.
• Frozen meatballs can be cooked straight from the freezer and require no oil, making this method healthier than traditional frying.

Recommended air fryer temperature and time

The recommended temperature and time for cooking frozen meatballs in an air fryer will vary slightly depending on the size of your meatballs and your desired crispiness.

For smaller meatballs, cook for 9-11 minutes at 320°F (160°C). For larger meatballs, increase the cooking time to 11-13 minutes. If you prefer your meatballs extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 2 minutes.

It is important to note that the temperature and time may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the settings accordingly. As a general rule, it is recommended to start with a lower temperature to prevent the meatballs from drying out and becoming overcooked.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure even cooking by placing the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding, and shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process. This will help ensure that your meatballs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

For best results, preheat your air fryer before adding the meatballs, and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, delicious, and crispy frozen meatballs from your air fryer every time.

How to store leftovers

If you have any leftover meatballs, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about 3-5 days. To reheat them, put them back in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your leftovers. This will help ensure that your food is thoroughly reheated and safe to eat.
• Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F/204°C before reheating leftovers.
• Place leftovers in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even heating.
• Reheat leftovers for 3-5 minutes at 350°F/175°C, or until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F/73.8°C.
• For meat, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before reheating. This will help the meat cook more evenly.
• If you have sauces or cheese to add, do so during the last minute of cooking.

Remember to always follow food safety guidelines when storing and reheating leftovers to prevent foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your delicious leftover meatballs!

What to serve with air fryer frozen meatballs

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer frozen meatballs. They can be served as an appetiser or entree, with BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, or on top of spaghetti. They can also be added to a sandwich, served over rice, or used as a pizza topping. For a spicier option, they can be served with hot sauce as an appetiser.

• Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Instant Pot Pasta with Meatballs
• Italian Meatball Sliders
• Meatball Sub
• Tacos
• Air Fried Meatball Sandwiches
• Spicy Meatball Appetizers
• Meatball Pizza
• Vietnamese Meatball Sandwich

Recommended frozen meatball brands

Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer. Here's a simple recipe:

• Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Spray the tops with cooking spray.
• Cook for 4 minutes.
• Shake the basket and cook for another 4 minutes.
• For extra crispy meatballs, cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Now, here are some recommended frozen meatball brands:

Nature's Rancher Angus Beef Meatballs

These meatballs are available at Whole Foods and are a great option if you're looking for a shortcut to the traditional Italian-style meatballs. They have a great texture that is fork-tender, with a slightly charred flavour and a nice blend of herbs, including parsley and garlic. They also contain ricotta and Romano cheese, adding to the overall flavour.

Bremer Italian Style Meatballs

These meatballs are available exclusively at Aldi and are perfect for appetizers. While they are called "Italian style," the Italian flavours are not very prominent. Instead, they have a great blend of black pepper, onion, and paprika, making them a versatile option for various dishes.

Trader Joe's Italian Style Meatballs

If you're looking for meatballs that taste almost homemade, Trader Joe's Italian Style Meatballs are a great choice. They have a perfect balance of flavour, with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. These meatballs don't have strong Italian flavours, so they can be used in a variety of dishes, such as Swedish meatballs.

Rosina Meatballs Italian-Style

These meatballs are juicy and well-seasoned. They pair well with sauce but can also be enjoyed without it. They are perfect for spaghetti and meatballs, subs, or any other meatball dish you prefer.

Pineland Farms Italian-Style Beef Meatballs

Pineland Farms is a Maine-based brand that offers light and airy Italian-style meatballs. They are best enjoyed with sauce, either alone or with pasta. However, if you're looking for a meatball sub, you may want to choose a different variety as their delicate texture may not stand up well to bread.

Rao's Meatballs and Sauce

These larger meatballs come in sauce and are great for meatball subs. They also shine when it comes to reheating, making them an excellent choice if you're looking for meatballs that retain their flavour, texture, and consistency even after being reheated.

Some other popular frozen meatball brands include IKEA meatballs, Kirkland (Costco) meatballs, and Trader Joe's turkey meatballs.

Frequently asked questions