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

Yes, you can cook meatballs in an air fryer! In fact, many people prefer this method to baking or frying. The air fryer method is healthier, quicker, and easier to clean up. It also drains off excess fat, making it a lighter option. The result is a meatball with a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior.

Meatball ingredients and alternatives

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients and cooking methods. Here are some common ingredients and alternatives to consider when making meatballs:

Meat

The type of meat used is a crucial component of meatballs. While recipes often call for a combination of ground beef, veal, and pork, you can also use just ground beef or experiment with other ground meats such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. For instance, one recipe recommends a blend of 2/3 lb beef, 2/3 lb pork, and 2/3 lb veal, while another suggests using either ground beef or ground turkey. If you want to make a larger batch, you can also use 2 lbs of ground beef or a combination of 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb ground pork.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are essential for holding the meatballs together and adding texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, which are coarser and hold more flavour. If you want to make your own breadcrumbs, tear slices of stale, hearty bread (such as a la brea loaf) into pieces and blitz them in a food processor.

Cheese

Cheese adds flavour and creaminess to meatballs. Parmesan cheese is a popular choice, and it's recommended to use freshly grated parmesan instead of the pre-grated variety. Other options include Romano cheese or mozzarella cheese.

Eggs

Eggs act as a binding agent and help keep the meatballs moist. Most meatball recipes call for one or two eggs, depending on the amount of meat used.

Seasonings and Herbs

Seasonings and herbs enhance the flavour of meatballs. Common seasonings include Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, while fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano, and Italian flat-leaf parsley are often used. Garlic is also a key ingredient, with some recipes calling for fresh garlic, while others suggest using garlic powder for air-fried meatballs.

Liquid

A small amount of liquid is added to the meatball mixture to keep it moist. Milk, water, or olive oil can be used, with milk being recommended for a richer flavour.

Cooking Method

There are several ways to cook meatballs, including baking, frying, or using an air fryer. Baking is a convenient option that requires less hands-on time, while frying gives the meatballs a golden brown colour and flavour. Air frying is a healthier alternative that doesn't require any oil and results in crispy-on-the-outside and juicy-on-the-inside meatballs.

Air fryer settings and timings

To cook meatballs in an air fryer, you will need to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model, so it is always good to check the manufacturer's instructions. Once preheated, place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space for air to circulate. This will help the meatballs cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of frying. Depending on the number of meatballs you are cooking, you may need to do this in batches.

The cooking time for meatballs in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the meatballs and the power of your air fryer. On average, it takes about 10-12 minutes to cook meatballs in an air fryer. However, it is important to ensure that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F to make sure they are fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature or cut into one of the meatballs to ensure it is no longer pink inside.

If you are cooking frozen meatballs in the air fryer, the cooking time will be slightly longer, around 12-15 minutes. Similarly, if you are reheating cooked meatballs, they will only need about 5 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F to 375°F.

How to shape meatballs

Shaping meatballs is a simple process, but it can be time-consuming to get them all the same size. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shape meatballs:

• Start by lightly wetting your hands. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
• Take a small amount of the meatball mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of meatballs.
• If you want to speed up the process and ensure that all your meatballs are the same size, you can use a small ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture. Simply scoop the mixture into your hand, then roll it into a ball. Alternatively, pat the mixture out into a rectangle and cut it into squares, then roll each square into a ball.
• Smooth out any uneven parts by gently rolling the meatballs between your palms until they are perfectly round.
• Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet or tray.

Once you have shaped your meatballs, they can be cooked in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

How to store and reheat meatballs

Storing and reheating meatballs is a simple process. Here is a detailed guide:

Storing Meatballs

You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you want to store them for a more extended period, you can freeze them. To do this, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about 4 hours. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Meatballs

You can reheat meatballs in an air fryer or a microwave. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to between 350°F and 375°F. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them for proper airflow. Reheat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through to ensure even heating. If you're using a microwave, place the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Tips for Reheating Meatballs

• If you're reheating a large batch of meatballs, you may need to do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• If your meatballs have been refrigerated or frozen, they may have lost some moisture. Adding a small amount of sauce or broth to the air fryer basket before reheating can help keep them moist.
• To ensure the meatballs are thoroughly reheated, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered safe for consumption.

What to serve meatballs with

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or appetiser and paired with various side dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with meatballs:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with meatballs. Adding roast garlic to the potatoes can enhance the flavour and make it more interesting. This combination goes well with Swedish meatballs, barbecue meatballs, and cranberry meatballs.

Roasted Red Potatoes

Roasting brings out the natural flavours of potatoes, making them a tasty and filling side dish. Red roasted potatoes, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper, can be a perfect side for busy weeknights.

Rice

A simple bowl of steamed white rice pairs perfectly with meatballs, especially those with a creamy or savoury sauce. Asian-inspired meatballs, such as sweet and sour, Korean, honey garlic, or turkey meatballs, also taste fantastic with rice.

Noodles

Instead of the usual spaghetti, try serving meatballs with egg noodles. Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce over egg noodles is a simple and delicious meal. Udon noodles, a Japanese wheat flour noodle, can also be tossed in a peanut butter sauce for a Thai-inspired dish to serve with meatballs.

Sandwiches and Subs

Meatballs covered in cheese and marinara sauce are a classic sandwich filling. Use a thick, crispy bread like a French baguette or Hoagie roll to prevent sogginess. Greek meatballs go well with pita bread, while Buffalo meatballs pair nicely with toasted French bread.

Corn on the Cob

Barbecue meatballs pair well with grilled corn on the cob, slathered with butter and seasoned with spices.

Ratatouille

This stewed vegetable dish, combining zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, bell pepper, and mascarpone cheese, is a nutritious and tasty side that even kids will enjoy. Ratatouille is an ideal companion for Italian meatballs.

Green Beans

Green beans are a classic dish in Chinese cuisine and go well with Asian-inspired meatballs, such as sweet and sour meatballs. They are easy to prepare and provide a crunchy texture to the meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts can be paired with Asian-inspired meatballs for a unique combination.

Salad

A salad can lighten up a meatball dish and turn it into a nutritious meal. A green salad with an Asian dressing pairs well with Asian-inspired meatballs, while a mixed green salad complements Spaghetti and meatballs or Italian-inspired dishes. A Greek salad is a good choice for Greek meatballs.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side that goes well with Italian meatballs. The herbs used in the meatball and garlic bread can create a fluid flavour profile.

Frequently asked questions