Air-Fryer Meatballs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking meatballs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve juicy, tender meatballs with a crispy exterior. Air fryer meatballs are versatile and can be made with various types of ground meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, and served with different sauces and side dishes. They can be served as a meal, snack, or appetizer and are perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick lunch. This guide will teach you how to cook meatballs in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.

Meatball ingredients and preparation

The ingredients you will need for your meatballs are ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, an egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add some herbs and spices for extra flavour—for example, dried Italian spices, dried basil, and cayenne pepper. It is important to choose ground beef with some fat, such as 90/10 or 85/15, as this will ensure your meatballs are juicy. Regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko breadcrumbs will hold in more flavour. Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as it cooks better and has a better flavour.

To prepare your meatballs, start by mixing all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Use your hands to combine everything well, giving it a good squeeze. Next, roll the mixture into balls. You can use an ice cream scoop to make your meatballs uniform in size, or roll them into golf ball-sized meatballs. Chill the meatballs for 20 minutes before cooking, as this will help them hold their shape.

You can also coat your meatballs in a sauce before cooking them in the air fryer to give them extra flavour. For example, you could try coating them in bulgogi sauce, katsu sauce, or eel sauce for an Asian twist.

Air fryer settings

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes recommend different temperatures, ranging from 180°C to 190°C (350°F to 375°F). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the meatballs develop a nice crust.

Once preheated, it's time to cook the meatballs. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to circulate and fry rather than steam. Depending on the size of your meatballs and your air fryer model, you may need to cook them in batches.

Now, it's time to decide on the cooking time and temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking meatballs at a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. The cooking time can vary from 8 to 14 minutes, depending on the size of your meatballs and your desired level of doneness. For example, golf ball-sized meatballs might only need 10 minutes, while larger meatballs may require up to 14 minutes.

During the cooking process, it's essential to shake the basket at the halfway point to ensure even cooking. This is especially important if you're cooking a larger batch and need to cook the meatballs in multiple layers.

Finally, when the meatballs are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meatballs.

Remember, air fryer models can vary slightly, so it's always a good idea to check on your meatballs a couple of minutes early to prevent overcooking. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is a great way to ensure they're cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your meatballs will depend on the size of your meatballs, the type of air fryer you have, and whether you are cooking fresh or frozen meatballs.

For fresh meatballs, you should preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 375°F. Place your meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for the air to circulate. Cook for 8 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for a further 2 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked for a total of about 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you are cooking frozen meatballs, you can cook them straight from the freezer. You will need to increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 375°F. If your meatballs are thawed before cooking, they will only need 12 minutes at 375°F.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary slightly, so it is recommended to check on your meatballs a couple of minutes early to ensure they don't overcook. You can use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of at least 160-165°F.

Resting and serving

Once you've cooked your meatballs in the air fryer, it's important to let them rest before serving. This helps the meatballs retain their juices and ensures they are tender and juicy. The ideal resting time is around 5 minutes, but some recipes suggest resting for 3 minutes or even a few minutes.

While the meatballs are resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with them. Meatballs go well with a variety of sides and sauces, so you have plenty of options to choose from. For a classic option, serve your meatballs with spaghetti and marinara sauce. You can also try serving them with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or a side salad and fresh bread. If you're looking for something more creative, try giving your meatballs an Asian twist by coating them in bulgogi sauce, katsu sauce, or eel sauce.

If you're serving your meatballs as an appetizer, you can serve them with toothpicks for easy eating. Meatballs also work well as a snack, and they can be frozen for later enjoyment. To freeze your cooked meatballs, simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to serve your meatballs, use a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F to 165°F in the center. This will ensure that your meatballs are cooked properly and are safe to eat.

Storing and reheating

Storing your air-fried meatballs properly will ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. Allow the meatballs to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. First, lay the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your meatballs again, simply reheat them in the air fryer or microwave. If using the air fryer, preheat it to between 320 and 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs inside the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one so that the hot air can circulate properly. Reheat for about 5 to 8 minutes, checking periodically to ensure they are heated through.

You can also reheat frozen meatballs in the oven. Place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated throughout.

Frequently asked questions