Frying Meatballs: Is It Possible And Worth It?

You can put meatballs in a fryer, and it seems that doing so is a popular choice. Air fryers, in particular, are a common method for cooking meatballs, with many recipes available online. This is because air fryers are quick, easy to clean, and can make meatballs tender, juicy, and healthy. They can also add a crispy texture to the outside of the meatball. However, frying meatballs is not the only option, as some people choose to bake them instead.

Air fryer meatballs can be made with frozen or fresh meat

Air fryer meatballs are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. They can be made with frozen or fresh meat and can be cooked in under 15 minutes.

Air Fryer Meatballs with Fresh Meat

To make meatballs with fresh meat, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Eggs
• Milk or water

First, preheat your air fryer to 190C/375F. In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well. Then, wet your hands and shape the mixture into meatballs. Grease the air fryer basket and place a single layer of meatballs inside. Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Finally, let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Meatballs with Frozen Meat

You can also make meatballs with frozen meat, either from scratch or using pre-made frozen meatballs. Here is a simple recipe for making air fryer meatballs with frozen meat:

• Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray.
• Cook the meatballs for 4 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
• For extra crispy meatballs, cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Meatballs

• Make sure the meatballs are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave enough room for air to circulate.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs to avoid overcooking.
• Add diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and moisture.
• Try using flavored breadcrumbs or coating the meatballs in a sauce before cooking for extra flavor.

You can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or lamb

Yes, you can put meatballs in a fryer! You can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or lamb to make meatballs that are tender, juicy, and healthy. Here are some tips and tricks for each type of meat:

Ground Beef Meatballs

Ground beef meatballs are a classic choice for frying. When selecting your ground beef, opt for meat with some fat, such as 90/10 or 85/15. Extra lean or fat-free ground beef tends to dry out, even with added ingredients.

For flavour, you can add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, eggs, and milk or water. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, shape the mixture into meatballs, and place them in a single layer in your preheated air fryer.

Cooking time is typically around 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ground Pork Meatballs

Ground pork is another versatile option for meatballs. You can follow a similar process as with ground beef, adding breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, eggs, and milk or water.

Mix the ingredients, shape the mixture into meatballs, and place them in a single layer in your preheated air fryer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ground Chicken Meatballs

Ground chicken meatballs are a leaner option and can be paired with Asian sauces for a delicious flavour profile. You can use ground chicken or turkey, and the spices are flexible. Some common ingredients include panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Mix the ingredients, roll the mixture into balls, and bake on a preheated sheet pan for about 25-30 minutes.

Ground Lamb Meatballs

Lamb meatballs offer a unique flavour and can be made in an air fryer for a crispy texture. In addition to ground lamb, you'll need an egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, ground cumin, ground turmeric, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and olive oil.

Mix the ingredients (except the garlic and lamb), grate the garlic directly into the bowl, then add the lamb. Shape the mixture into balls and place them in your air fryer, ensuring they don't touch. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for about 8-9 minutes, or until the centres are fully cooked.

Remember, it's important to ensure your meatballs are cooked thoroughly, and you can use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. Enjoy your delicious fried meatballs!

Meatballs can be served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or as an appetiser

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

With Pasta

Meatballs can be served with pasta, as part of a traditional Italian meal. This combination is a classic for a reason—the hearty meat pairs perfectly with a generous helping of carbohydrates. The meatballs can be cooked in a tomato-based sauce, or simply served on top of a bed of pasta with a generous grating of cheese.

With Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are another excellent side dish for meatballs. The soft, fluffy texture of the potatoes complements the denser, meatier meatballs. This pairing is a great way to create a comforting, hearty meal, especially when served with a rich gravy.

As an Appetiser

Meatballs can also be served as an appetiser or starter. They can be served on skewers, or simply on their own with a dipping sauce. This is a great way to offer a more substantial appetiser without serving a full meal.

Other Options

Meatballs are a versatile dish and can be served with a variety of other sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. They can also be served in sandwiches, or as part of a larger meal, such as a meatball stew.

No matter how they are served, meatballs are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

Meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months

Meatballs can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Properly storing your meatballs is crucial to prevent food safety issues and keep them tasting great. To maximise their shelf life, refrigerate your meatballs within two hours of cooking in shallow, airtight containers, or wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap.

When it comes to freezing, it's best to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Before freezing, cool your meatballs to room temperature, and place them on a tray, ensuring they aren't touching each other. Once they're frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. This will help to maintain their quality and prevent them from sticking together.

It's important to note that chicken or turkey meatballs won't last as long as beef in the fridge. Refrigerate and store chicken and turkey meatballs for only two days.

Additionally, be sure to write the date on the freezer container so you can keep track of how long your meatballs have been stored.

You can reheat meatballs in an air fryer, microwave, or under a broiler

Yes, you can reheat meatballs in an air fryer, microwave, or under a broiler.

If you're using an air fryer, place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket and heat them at 190°C/375°F for about 5 minutes. Give them a shake halfway through to ensure even heating. If your meatballs are frozen, simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, usually by adding a few extra minutes.

For the microwave, reheat the meatballs for a minute at a time on high power until they reach your desired temperature. This method is convenient for a quick meal, and you can cook and then freeze the meatballs to reheat and enjoy whenever needed.

Alternatively, you can place the meatballs on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler for a few minutes until they are crispy again.

Frequently asked questions