Air Fryer Meatballs: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Making meatballs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that perfect balance of a crispy, seared exterior and a juicy, tender interior. The process is simple: combine your ingredients, shape the mixture into balls, and air fry for around 10 minutes. You can use various types of ground meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, and serve with a range of sauces and side dishes. Air fryer meatballs are a versatile and delicious option for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Choosing the right type of meat

Ground beef is a popular choice for meatballs, and it's important to select a variety with some fat content. Aim for ground beef with a ratio of 90/10 or 85/15. Extra lean or fat-free ground beef should be avoided, as it tends to dry out even with other ingredients in the mixture.

Ground pork is another excellent option for meatballs, and it pairs well with ground beef. The combination of these two meats creates a juicy and flavourful blend.

If you want to explore other types of meat, ground lamb and ground chicken are also viable choices for making meatballs in an air fryer. They offer a unique taste and can be just as juicy and tender as beef or pork.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of sausages. Removing the meat from the sausage casing and mixing it with other ingredients can add a new layer of flavour to your meatballs.

Remember, the key to juicy and flavourful meatballs is choosing a type of meat with a suitable fat content and combining it with complementary ingredients.

Blending the ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, including ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination of both), Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (regular or Italian-seasoned), eggs, milk or water, and seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic (fresh, minced, or powder), salt, and pepper. You may also add chopped fresh parsley or onion powder for extra flavour.

Now, let's get started with the blending process:

• Prepare a large mixing bowl: In your mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, including the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any other dry seasonings you wish to add. Give them a good mix until they are well incorporated. This initial step ensures that your seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meatball mixture.
• Add the meat: To the same bowl, add your choice of ground meat. If you are using a combination of beef and pork, add both types of meat to the bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix the meat with the dry ingredients. Make sure to blend thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat, as this can affect the texture of your meatballs.
• Incorporate wet ingredients: Create a well in the centre of the mixture and add the eggs, milk or water, and any other wet ingredients you may be using. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also be added at this stage. Mix everything together until a cohesive mixture forms. The wet ingredients help bind the meatballs and keep them moist, so ensure they are evenly distributed.
• Adjust seasoning: Once all the ingredients are combined, taste a small portion of the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. This step is crucial, as it ensures your meatballs have the perfect balance of flavours. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• Chill the mixture: Before shaping your meatballs, it is advisable to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps the flavours meld and also makes the mixture easier to handle when shaping the meatballs.

Remember, when blending the ingredients, it is essential to mix thoroughly but gently. Overworking the meat can result in denser meatballs, so be sure to handle the mixture with care.

Shaping the meatballs

Firstly, it's important to ensure that your meatball mixture is well combined. Use your hands to mix and squeeze the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. This will help the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.

When shaping the meatballs, wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. Then, take a small portion of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a ball shape. Aim for a uniform size, such as a golf ball or 2-inch meatballs, to ensure even cooking. Place the shaped meatballs on a tray or plate and chill them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before air frying. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Leave enough space between the meatballs for air to circulate, which will help them cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of frying.

Finally, when placing the meatballs in the air fryer basket, ensure they are in a single layer and not stacked or overlapped. This will ensure that they cook evenly, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking meatballs in an air fryer will depend on the type of meatballs you are cooking, and whether they are cooked from fresh or frozen.

For fresh meatballs, you should preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space for air to circulate. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket after 8 minutes, or halfway through.

For frozen meatballs, you should preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Regardless of whether your meatballs are fresh or frozen, they should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. It is recommended to let the meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Storing and reheating

If you want to freeze your meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for one to two hours until frozen. Then, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring you label them with the date. They will last in your freezer for up to three months.

To reheat your meatballs, pop them in the air fryer or microwave until they're warm enough to serve. If they're frozen, cook them in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. If they're chilled, cook them at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions