Yes, you can make homemade meatballs in an air fryer. In fact, many people prefer to cook meatballs in an air fryer because they turn out crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. They are also healthier than fried or baked meatballs because they don't require any oil. You can make meatballs in an air fryer with various types of ground meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or even a combination of meats. The cooking time is typically around 10-12 minutes, and you can serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Meat | Lean ground beef, ground pork, lamb, chicken, venison, beef, veal |
Cheese | Parmesan cheese |
Bread crumbs | Store-bought or homemade |
Egg | One or two |
Seasoning | Garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder |
Cooking time | 10-12 minutes |
Temperature | 350-380°F |
Resting time | 5 minutes |
Freezer-friendly | Yes |
What You'll Learn
Meat and flavour combinations
Meatballs are a great way to combine different meats and pack in flavour. Here are some ideas for meat and flavour combinations to use in your air fryer meatballs:
Classic Italian Meatballs
For a classic take on meatballs, combine ground beef and ground pork. This combination provides a perfect blend of flavour and ensures the meatballs are juicy. Season with Italian seasoning, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. You could also add an egg and breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs. Form the mixture into balls and cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes.
Cheesy Meatballs
For a cheesy twist, add some grated Parmesan cheese to your meatball mixture. Parmesan lends flavour and creaminess to the meatballs. You could also try adding a small ball of mozzarella cheese to the centre of each meatball for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
Herby Meatballs
Add some fresh herbs to your meatball mixture for a burst of flavour. Try using chopped parsley, basil or oregano. You could also add some dried Italian herbs for an extra flavour boost.
Spicy Meatballs
Kick things up a notch by adding some spice to your meatball mixture. Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or chilli powder will give your meatballs a nice kick. You could also try using spicy Italian sausage meat instead of plain sausage meat.
Veggie-Packed Meatballs
Finely dice some vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms or zucchini and add them to your meatball mixture. This is a great way to add extra flavour, moisture and nutrients to your meatballs.
Experiment with different combinations of meats, cheeses, herbs and spices to find your favourite meatball flavour!
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Seasoning and binding ingredients
Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a popular choice for adding flavour and creaminess to the meatball mixture. Using freshly grated Parmesan is recommended, as it blends better with the meat and has a superior flavour compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but panko breadcrumbs are an excellent option for holding more flavour. You can also make your own breadcrumbs at home or substitute them with alternatives like oats.
Eggs: Eggs are a must in meatball mixtures as they lend moisture and act as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatballs together. Room temperature eggs are ideal.
Seasoning: Fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are classic choices for seasoning meatballs. If you're short on time, garlic powder works well instead of fresh garlic. You can also add other dried herbs like oregano and basil, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Milk or Water: Adding milk or water to the meatball mixture provides extra moisture, ensuring the meatballs don't dry out. Milk is preferred for a more flavourful result.
When preparing the meatballs, make sure to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. The better combined the ingredients are, the less likely the meatballs are to fall apart during cooking. Wet your hands when shaping the mixture into balls to help them hold their shape.
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Air fryer settings and timings
The ideal air fryer settings and timings will depend on the type of meatballs you are cooking, the size of your meatballs, and the model of your air fryer. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to ensure your meatballs turn out perfectly.
Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 350-380°F (175-190°C). This can be done by simply turning on the air fryer and letting it heat up for a few minutes before adding your meatballs.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can place your meatballs inside. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the meatballs from cooking evenly. Place the meatballs in a single layer, leaving enough space for air to circulate.
The cooking time for your meatballs will depend on several factors, including the size of the meatballs, the type of meat used, and whether the meatballs are fresh or frozen. On average, fresh meatballs will take around 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer, while frozen meatballs will take a few minutes longer. For example, one source recommends cooking frozen meatballs for 4 minutes, shaking the basket, and then cooking for an additional 4 minutes. For extra crispy meatballs, you can cook them for an additional 2 minutes.
It is also important to note that air fryers can vary slightly in terms of cooking times and temperatures, so it is always a good idea to check your meatballs a couple of minutes early to ensure they don't overcook. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, or cut into one of the meatballs to make sure it is cooked through.
Finally, once your meatballs are cooked, it is important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meatballs are juicy and tender.
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How to shape the meatballs
Shaping the meatballs is an important step in the meatball-making process. Here is a detailed guide on how to shape your meatballs for the air fryer:
Firstly, ensure that your meatball mixture is thoroughly combined and homogenous. This is important as it ensures that the meatballs hold together during cooking and don't fall apart. Use your hands to mix and squeeze the ingredients together until everything is well incorporated.
Next, wet your hands slightly. This will help to prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your hands and make it easier to shape the meatballs. Take a small amount of the meat mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a ball. The amount of mixture used will depend on the desired size of your meatballs. For reference, some recipes suggest making around 15-16 golf-ball-sized meatballs, while others suggest making up to 24-28 slightly smaller meatballs.
As you shape each meatball, place them on a tray or plate. This makes it easier to transfer them to the air fryer in batches if needed. Chill the shaped meatballs in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
When shaping the meatballs, it's important to make them all roughly the same size. This ensures that they cook evenly in the air fryer. You can use a small ice cream scoop to help portion out the meat mixture and create uniformly sized meatballs.
Finally, before placing the meatballs in the air fryer, grease the air fryer basket lightly to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, leaving enough space between them for air to circulate. This will help them cook evenly and give them that crispy exterior and juicy interior that air-fried meatballs are known for.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer meatballs can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Main Course
- Serve the meatballs over pasta with a side of marinara or pasta sauce for dipping.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the meatballs with zoodles (zucchini noodles) and sauce.
- Make a meatball sub by serving the meatballs in a sandwich.
- Serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Appetizer or Snack
- Make smaller meatballs and serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Enjoy the meatballs as a snack on their own or with a dipping sauce.
Part of a Larger Meal
- Add the meatballs to soups or stews.
- Include them as a side dish or appetizer for a larger Italian meal.
On-the-Go
Pack the meatballs warm in a thermos for a protein-packed lunch on the go.
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Frequently asked questions
Meatballs should be cooked in the air fryer for around 10 minutes at 350°F/175°C.
First, combine your ingredients in a bowl. Then, form the mixture into balls and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for another 2 minutes.
Yes, you can cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer. Spread them in a single layer in the basket and spray with cooking spray. Cook for 4 minutes, shake, then cook for another 4 minutes. For extra crispy meatballs, add another 2 minutes to the cooking time.
You will need meat (such as ground beef, ground pork, or sausage meat), cheese (parmesan), breadcrumbs, an egg, and seasoning (such as Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper).
To make your meatballs crispy, cook them in the air fryer for around 10 minutes at 375°F/190°C. This will give them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.