Air-Fryer Cooking: Raw Meatballs, Done Right

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook meatballs, with most recipes suggesting a cooking time of around 10 minutes. The air fryer method is said to create a perfect balance of a crispy, seared exterior and a juicy, tender interior. You can use various types of ground meat, including beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, and serve with a variety of sauces and side dishes. It is also possible to freeze cooked meatballs and reheat them in the air fryer when needed.

Air fryer meatballs cook time

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook meatballs, with most recipes suggesting a cooking time of 10–12 minutes for meatballs made from a variety of meats.

It is important to preheat the air fryer before cooking meatballs. Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to between 350–380°F ?(180–190°C). One recipe suggests cooking meatballs at 400°F, but this is the only recipe that suggests a temperature this high.

When the air fryer is preheated, the meatballs should be placed in a single layer in the fryer basket. Most recipes suggest cooking the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket after 8 minutes, and then cooking for a further 2 minutes. The meatballs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Some recipes suggest cooking the meatballs for 12–14 minutes, or until the center of the meatball reaches 165°F. One recipe suggests cooking the meatballs for 5 minutes, turning them, and then cooking for a further 5 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the meatballs. One recipe suggests cooking meatballs the size of billiard balls for 14 minutes, while another suggests cooking golf-ball-sized meatballs for 10 minutes.

Air fryer meatballs can be served in a variety of ways, such as with pasta and tomato sauce, in a meatball sub, or as an appetizer with toothpicks. They can also be frozen and reheated in the air fryer or microwave.

Air fryer temperature for meatballs

Yes, you can cook raw meatballs in an air fryer. The air fryer is the secret to perfect meatballs that are crispy on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside.

To cook raw meatballs in an air fryer, first prepare your meatballs by mixing your ingredients in a bowl. Then, wet your hands and shape the mixture into balls. It is recommended to make them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

When it comes to the air fryer temperature for meatballs, there are a few different suggestions. Some sources recommend cooking meatballs in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Another source recommends cooking meatballs in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes. A third option is to cook meatballs in the air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 minutes.

Regardless of the temperature you choose, it is important to ensure that your meatballs are cooked through. The safe internal temperature for meatballs is 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To check the internal temperature of your meatballs, you can use a meat thermometer.

In addition to temperature, it is important to consider the placement of your meatballs in the air fryer. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave room for air to circulate around the meatballs. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of frying.

Finally, let your meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow them to cool slightly and ensure they are juicy and tender.

Meatball ingredients

You can cook raw meatballs in an air fryer, and it's super easy! The air fryer is the secret to perfect meatballs that are crispy on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside.

Now, for the ingredients. Meatballs are typically made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, herbs and seasonings. Here are some more details on these ingredients:

Meat

Ground beef is a popular choice for meatballs, but you can also use other types of ground meat such as pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, veal or Italian sausage. For juicier meatballs, you can even mix half ground beef with half ground pork or turkey.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are important as they help hold the meatballs together. Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but panko breadcrumbs tend to hold in more flavour.

Cheese

Cheese adds a nice savoury flavour to the meatballs. Good options include freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino Romano cheese.

Eggs

Eggs are essential as they act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together. They also prevent the meatballs from drying out.

Herbs and Seasonings

Freshly chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley is a great addition to meatballs as it adds a slightly peppery, vibrant flavour. Other seasonings you can use include garlic, salt and ground black pepper.

Once you've gathered your ingredients, simply combine them in a large bowl, shape the mixture into balls, and cook them in your air fryer for about 10 minutes!

How to shape meatballs

Yes, you can cook raw meatballs in an air fryer.

Shaping meatballs is a simple process, but there are a few tricks to ensure they hold their shape and cook evenly. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by adding all your chosen ingredients to a mixing bowl. This could include ground beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, and seasonings. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly combined. Using your hands can be the easiest way to achieve a good mix.

Step 2: Wet Your Hands

Before shaping the meatballs, lightly wet your hands. This will help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and make it easier to form smooth, uniform meatballs.

Step 3: Shape the Mixture

Use your hands to roll and shape the mixture into balls. Aim for a consistent size, such as using an ice cream scoop to ensure uniformity. This will ensure the meatballs cook evenly in the air fryer. Depending on the recipe, you may form anywhere from 16 to 28 meatballs.

Step 4: Chill (Optional)

Some recipes suggest chilling the meatballs for about 20 minutes after shaping. This can help them hold their shape better during cooking.

Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the shaped meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving enough space for air to circulate. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.

Following these steps will result in perfectly shaped meatballs that are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Storing and reheating meatballs

Storing your meatballs properly is essential to preserving their flavour and texture. If you're planning to store your meatballs in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container. They will stay good to eat for 3-4 days.

If you want to store your meatballs for longer, you can freeze them. First, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for 4 hours. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Label the container or bag with the date, and use the meatballs within 3 months to 6 months.

You can also freeze your meatballs in an oven-safe container with sauce and cheese. When you're ready to eat them, simply reheat the container in the oven, and you'll have a delicious tray of meatball parmesan.

When you're ready to reheat your meatballs, you have several options. If your meatballs are frozen, you can reheat them in the air fryer or oven. Reheating them in the air fryer will take about 12-15 minutes at 190°C/375°F. In the oven, cook frozen meatballs for 65-75 minutes at 400°F. If your meatballs are thawed, you can reduce the cooking time to 35-45 minutes in the oven.

If your meatballs are refrigerated rather than frozen, you have a few more reheating options. You can use the stovetop, oven, or microwave. On the stovetop, combine the meatballs with sauce or gravy in a pan and cook over low heat until warmed through. In the oven, place the meatballs in a single layer in a baking dish, cover them with foil, and heat until warmed through. Reheating in the oven will take about 35-45 minutes at 300-325°F. If you're short on time, you can also reheat refrigerated meatballs in the microwave until warmed through.

Remember, when reheating meatballs, you don't want to cook them further. Your goal is simply to warm them through so they don't dry out. Enjoy your delicious, juicy meatballs!

Frequently asked questions