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

Yes, you can cook meatballs in an air fryer. In fact, many people prefer this method to baking or frying, as it results in a tender inside and a slightly crisp outside. The process is simple: combine your ingredients, shape the mixture into balls, and air fry for around 10 minutes. You can use a variety of ground meats, including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or even a mix. To add extra flavour, try using Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, or breadcrumbs.

Meatball ingredients and alternatives

Meat

Meatballs are usually made with ground beef, but you can also use ground pork, ground veal, ground lamb, ground chicken, or a combination of these. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try ground venison or beef mixed with other meats like Italian sausage. For the best flavour and texture, choose ground beef with some fat, such as 90/10 or 85/15. Leaner meats tend to dry out.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are essential for holding the meatballs together and giving them a tender texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs hold more flavour. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. If you want to make your own breadcrumbs, tear slices of stale, dense bread (like a la brea loaf) into pieces and blitz them in a food processor.

Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a classic choice for meatballs, adding flavour and creaminess. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best results. You can also try other cheeses like Romano or mozzarella.

Eggs

Eggs are a must in meatballs as they act as a binding agent and keep the meatballs moist. Use one egg per pound of meat.

Seasonings

The most common seasonings in meatballs are garlic (fresh or powdered), Italian seasoning (a mix of herbs like oregano and basil), salt, and pepper. You can also add finely chopped onions, parsley, or other herbs and spices to boost the flavour.

Milk or Water

A small amount of milk or water is needed to add moisture to the meatball mixture. Milk is preferred as it adds more flavour and richness.

Alternatives and Add-Ins

You can add diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to your meatballs for extra flavour, moisture, and a boost of nutrients. For an Asian twist, coat your meatballs in bulgogi, katsu, or eel sauce.

Air fryer temperature and time

The air fryer is a great way to cook meatballs, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping them tender and juicy inside. The temperature and time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the number of meatballs you are cooking, and the size of the meatballs. Here is a guide to help you get the best results:

Air Fryer Temperature

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350-400°F (175-200°C). However, some recipes suggest lowering the temperature to 380°F after preheating to ensure the meatballs cook evenly.

Air Fryer Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the number of meatballs you are cooking and their size. On average, meatballs will take around 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. If you are cooking a larger batch, you may need to cook them in shifts or move them around halfway through to ensure even cooking.

It is important to ensure that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check this.

Tips for Even Cooking

• Make sure the meatballs are all roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Shake the basket at the halfway point to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Meatball shapes and sizes

When it comes to shaping and sizing meatballs, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to keep the meatballs the same size to ensure even cooking. Irregularly shaped meatballs will result in uneven cooking, with larger ones being undercooked and smaller ones overcooked and dry. A small ice cream scoop can be a helpful tool to portion out equal amounts of the meat mixture and create perfectly round meatballs. After scooping, gently roll the mixture into balls with lightly damp hands to prevent sticking.

The ideal meatball size will depend on how you plan to eat them and the dish you're preparing. If the meatballs are going into a soup or a dish where they won't be cut up, it's best to make them small enough to eat in one bite. For dishes where the meatballs will be simmered for a while and then eaten on their own, larger meatballs are preferable as they will become more tender and can be easily sliced with a fork.

When making meatballs for a sandwich, you'll want to avoid ones that are too big to bite into or so small that they fall out. A standard size for a main course is medium one- to two-inch meatballs. However, there's room for experimentation, and you can try bite-sized meatballs or larger ones, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

For air fryer meatballs, it's recommended to make them roughly the same size to ensure even cooking and not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents the meatballs from steaming instead of frying.

How to store and reheat meatballs

Storing and reheating meatballs is a simple process. If you have cooked a large batch of meatballs in your air fryer, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze your leftover meatballs, place them in a freezer-safe container and they will last for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to reheat your meatballs, you can do so in the air fryer or the microwave. Reheating in the air fryer will only take 3-7 minutes, and you can follow these steps:

• Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F.
• Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have space around them for even heating.
• Reheat for 3-7 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature has reached 165°F with a meat thermometer.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve.

If you are reheating frozen meatballs, simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.

What to serve meatballs with

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve them with:

As a Main Course

Meatballs can be served as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Some classic options include spaghetti, white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. If you're looking for something a little more creative, try serving them with:

• Fried cabbage and egg noodles: A German recipe that combines lightly browned cabbage with egg noodles for a hearty and delicious meal.
• Roasted potatoes with greens: A starchy and nutritious side dish that pairs well with meatballs.
• Peanut butter noodles: Udon noodles tossed in a creamy peanut butter sauce, making a great side for Thai-inspired meatballs.
• Disney's Ratatouille: A veggie side dish loaded with eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and mascarpone cheese.
• Chinese buffet green beans: A quick and easy way to create an Asian-inspired meal to serve with your meatballs.

As a Starter or Appetizer

If you're serving meatballs as a starter or appetizer, here are some ideas to make them more substantial:

• Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating.
• Offer a side of salad and fresh bread, or pack them warm in a thermos for a protein-packed lunch on the go.
• Make mini meatballs and serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or bulgogi sauce.

As Part of a Larger Meal

Meatballs can also be incorporated into a larger meal. Here are some ideas:

• Serve them over traditional pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lower-carb option.
• Include them in a soup, such as Italian wedding soup or chicken Alfredo soup.
• Make meatball sandwiches or sliders for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Add them to a salad, such as a kale Caesar salad or a fattoush salad.

Frequently asked questions