Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook frozen foods, and meatballs are no exception. You can make juicy, tender meatballs in your air fryer in just a few minutes, without having to defrost them first. The result is a delicious, evenly cooked meal that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Can you make frozen meatballs in an air fryer?

How long to cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer

Yes, you can make frozen meatballs in an air fryer! Here's how to do it:

First, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the air fryer is preheating, take your desired amount of frozen meatballs out of the freezer and let them sit for a bit so they're not rock-hard when you cook them. Once the air fryer is preheated, open the basket and place the frozen meatballs inside in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray. This will help them get crispy.

Close the basket and let the meatballs cook for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, open the basket and shake it to ensure even cooking. Then, cook the meatballs for another 4 minutes. If you want your meatballs to be extra crispy, cook them for an additional 2 minutes. In total, the meatballs should cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

Once the meatballs are done cooking, serve them as an appetizer or as part of a meal. They go great with BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, or on top of spaghetti. Enjoy!

How to store and reheat leftover meatballs

To store leftover meatballs, wait for them to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to five days.

To reheat meatballs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 320°F (150°C). Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer and heat for three to five minutes, or until warmed through.

You can also reheat meatballs in the microwave, on the stove, in the oven, or in a skillet. If you're reheating sauced meatballs, the microwave or stove are the best options. For plain meatballs, the stove or skillet are good choices if you want to crisp up the outside.

Best sauces to serve with meatballs

Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer. To do so, spread out your frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray the tops with cooking spray. Then, cook them for around 8-10 minutes at 350-400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispy meatballs, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Now, onto the sauces. Below are some of the best sauces to serve with meatballs:

Marinara Sauce

A classic choice, marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is often served with meatballs. While you can buy marinara sauce in a jar, it's also easy to make at home. Simply combine whole peeled tomatoes, yellow onions, garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt, and let the sauce simmer for around 45 minutes.

Swedish Meatball Sauce

This sauce is thick, creamy, and buttery, with a bit of kick from the Worcestershire, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. It pairs well with mashed potatoes and, of course, Swedish meatballs.

Honey Garlic Sauce

A sweet, spicy, and savory option, honey garlic sauce is made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and Chinese 5-spice powder. It's an excellent choice for those looking for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Sweet and Sour Meatball Sauce

This simple sauce is made with just two ingredients: ketchup and grape jelly. It's a surprising combination that results in a delicious, tangy sauce.

Grape Jelly Sauce

Similar to the sweet and sour sauce, grape jelly sauce combines grape jelly with chili sauce for a thicker, richer sauce with a bit of heat.

Garlic Butter Sauce

For garlic lovers, this sauce is a creamy, herby blend of garlic, butter, flour, and chicken broth. It's the perfect choice for smothering meatballs in umami flavor.

Vodka Cream Sauce

This sauce starts with a base of onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil. Then, vodka, beef broth, and tomatoes are added to create a thick, creamy, and tomatoey sauce. It's a unique and flavorful option for meatballs.

Tomato Basil Sauce

Tangy and herby, tomato basil sauce is made with fresh ingredients like garlic, basil, tomato paste, and heavy whipping cream. A touch of sour cream adds a tangy twist to this classic sauce.

Greek Lemon Sauce

For something truly tart and tangy, try Greek lemon sauce. This simple sauce is made with just three ingredients: eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a dash of salt. It's an unexpected but delicious choice for meatballs.

Mushroom Gravy

A classic comfort food, mushroom gravy is a delicious choice for meatballs. It's also a straightforward sauce to make, even for beginner cooks.

Sage Brown Butter Sauce

This sauce is incredibly easy to make and tastes heavenly. Simply combine sage leaves, butter, and minced garlic for a flavorful sauce that's perfect for meatballs and a variety of other dishes.

Meatballs and pasta

Yes, you can make frozen meatballs in an air fryer! Here's a recipe for meatballs and pasta that serves four and takes about 25 minutes to cook:

Ingredients:

• 16 oz lean ground beef
• 4 oz ground pork
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Your choice of pasta
• Marinara sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well.
• Form the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs.
• Place half of the meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes.
• Shake the basket and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
• Cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
• Heat the marinara sauce in a separate pan on the stove.
• Serve the meatballs and pasta with the warm marinara sauce.

You can also add some fresh basil or parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

Meatball sandwich

Ingredients:

• Lean ground beef
• Ground pork
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Milk
• Cooking spray
• Marinara sauce
• Bread rolls

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until well combined.
• Shape the mixture into equal-sized meatballs.
• Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 8 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for an additional 2 minutes. For extra crispy meatballs, cook for a further 2 minutes.
• Allow the meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before assembling your sandwich.
• Toast your bread rolls, if desired.
• Place 3-4 meatballs on each bread roll, and top with marinara sauce.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can also use frozen, pre-made meatballs for this recipe. Simply place them in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
• If you prefer your meatballs with a crispy exterior, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Don't forget to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• These meatballs can also be served as an appetizer, over spaghetti, or with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Frequently asked questions