Air-Fried Meatballs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer meatballs are a quick and easy meal that can be made in large batches and stored in the freezer for a quick weeknight meal. They are tender and juicy, with a crispy exterior. The best part is that you don't have to deal with the mess of frying or the dryness of baking. You can make these meatballs with various types of ground meat, including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, or Italian sausage. They can be served as an appetiser, in a sandwich, or as part of a meal with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Meatball ingredients and alternatives

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients and cooking methods. Here are the essential components and some alternatives to consider:

Meat

The type of meat you use will depend on your preference and what is accessible to you. Here are some options:

• Ground beef: Aim for 80% to 90% lean meat. The fat adds flavour and tenderness.
• Ground pork
• Ground veal
• Ground turkey or chicken: These alternatives can be used, but the ratios and cooking times may vary.
• Spicy Italian sausage

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are essential to creating a starchy panade that traps the juices, resulting in juicy meatballs. Here are some options:

• Fresh breadcrumbs: Use dense bread such as a la brea loaf that is 2-3 days old.
• Dried breadcrumbs: These can be store-bought or made by drying out fresh breadcrumbs in the oven.
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free bread to make your own gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These are a type of Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are larger, flakier, and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.

Cheese

Cheese adds flavour and creaminess to the meatballs. Here are some options:

• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grate the cheese yourself for the best flavour and melting texture.
• Romano cheese

Eggs

Eggs act as a binder and add moisture to the meatball mixture. Use one egg per pound of meat.

Seasonings and Herbs

Seasonings and herbs give the meatballs an Italian flavour. Here are some options:

• Italian seasoning: A blend of different herbs such as oregano and basil.
• Fresh garlic: Mince or crush the garlic before adding it to the mixture.
• Fresh onion: Finely mince the onion to ensure it is tender by the time the meatballs are cooked.
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley
• Basil
• Oregano

Liquid

A small amount of liquid helps to moisten the meatball mixture. Here are some options:

• Water: Slowly add water to the mixture, but be careful not to make it too wet.
• Milk: Whole milk adds more flavour and richness than water.

Cooking Method

There are several ways to cook meatballs, including baking, frying, or using an air fryer. When using an air fryer, preheat it to 350-375°F (175-190°C) and cook the meatballs for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Air fryer settings

To make meatballs in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, usually between 350–400°F. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure your meatballs cook evenly.

When cooking the meatballs, you should set the air fryer to the same temperature as you preheated it to, between 350–400°F. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for around 10–12 minutes. You may need to cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Some recipes suggest shaking the basket or turning the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. After cooking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Shaping the meatballs

To start, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well to create a meatball batter. Use your clean hands to form the mixture into balls, wetting your hands beforehand to prevent the mixture from sticking to them. Aim for a yield of around 15-16 golf-ball-sized meatballs, or 24-28 smaller meatballs.

If you are making the meatballs ahead of time, place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for 4 hours. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Cooking time and temperature

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for this step is between 350°F and 375°F (175°C to 190°C) . Preheating ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and efficiently once placed in the air fryer basket.

After preparing your meatball mixture and shaping it into balls, you are ready to cook them in the air fryer. The cooking time for meatballs in an air fryer typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. However, it is essential to shake or turn the meatballs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. For example, you can cook them for 8 minutes, shake the basket or turn the meatballs, and then cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step helps to achieve a nice sear on the exterior of the meatballs.

The ideal temperature for cooking meatballs in the air fryer is between 350°F and 375°F (175°C to 190°C). This temperature range allows the meatballs to develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. It is important to note that air fryers can vary slightly in terms of temperature settings and cooking times, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions.

To ensure that your meatballs are cooked to perfection, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for meatballs is at least 160°F (71°C), but they are typically cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allowing the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps to distribute the juices and ensures that they are juicy and tender when served.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

With Pasta

A classic way to serve meatballs is with spaghetti and marinara sauce. You can also add them to other pasta dishes, such as garlic pasta or spaghetti carbonara. For a gluten-free option, serve them with zucchini pasta.

In a Sandwich

Create a meatball sub by placing the meatballs between two slices of bread with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.

With Polenta

For a comforting alternative to pasta, serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy polenta.

Over Mashed Potatoes

Add a side of mashed potatoes for an ultimate comfort meal. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower mashed potatoes.

As an Appetizer

Arrange the meatballs on a plate with toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also serve them with a side of dipping sauce, such as homemade marinara.

On Pizza

Slice the meatballs and add them as a topping to your favourite pizza.

On a Salad

For a protein boost, add meatballs to a shaved Brussels sprouts salad or a caprese pasta salad.

In Soups and Stews

Fresh or frozen meatballs can be easily added to soups or stews, such as Italian wedding soup.

As a Snack

Air fryer meatballs are perfect for snacking. Enjoy them on their own or with a dipping sauce.

With Rice

Serve the meatballs with a side of rice, such as stick-of-butter baked rice.

With Vegetables

Pair the meatballs with roasted lemon Parmesan garlic asparagus, grilled vegetables, or roasted air fryer vegetables like broccoli or sweet potato cubes.

As a Meatball Sandwich

Use any leftover meatballs to make a delicious meatball sandwich for lunch the next day.

With Baked Potatoes

Serve the meatballs alongside baked potatoes cooked in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.

No matter how you choose to serve them, air fryer meatballs are a tasty and versatile option that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.

Frequently asked questions