Air Fryer Meatballs: Cooking Time And Temperature Guide

Air fryer meatballs are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. They are tender, juicy, and delicious. The air fryer cooks the meatballs in less than 15 minutes, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights. The meatballs are also versatile and can be made with different types of ground meat, such as pork, lamb, or chicken, and served with various sauces and side dishes. The key to cooking meatballs in an air fryer is to ensure even cooking by creating meatballs of similar sizes and not overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Meatball ingredients and alternatives

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be made with various types of ground meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or even vegan alternatives. Here are the ingredients and alternatives you can use to make delicious meatballs in your air fryer:

Meat

The meat is the star of the show when it comes to meatballs. You can use ground beef, ground pork, or a combination of both. If you're making a larger batch, you can also add ground veal to the mix. It's important to choose ground beef with some fat, like 90/10 or 85/15, to ensure the meatballs stay juicy.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are essential for holding the meatballs together and giving them a crispy texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs are a great option as they hold in more flavor. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a classic choice for meatballs, adding flavor and creaminess. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results. If you're looking for a vegan option, you can use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Eggs

Eggs are another key ingredient that helps bind the meatballs together and adds moisture. For a vegan alternative, you can use a flax egg or chia egg as a replacement.

Seasonings

Seasonings are what give meatballs their unique flavor. Italian seasoning, garlic (fresh or powdered), onion powder or grated onion, salt, and pepper are all great options. You can also add in fresh herbs like basil and parsley for extra flavor and color.

Milk or Water

A small amount of milk or water can be added to the meat mixture to provide extra moisture. Milk will add more flavor, but water can also be used as a substitute.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Finely diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini can be added to the meat mixture for extra flavor, moisture, and a boost of nutrition.

Vegan Alternatives

For a vegan alternative to traditional meatballs, you can use plant-based proteins like tempeh, chickpeas, or tofu. These options can be seasoned and prepared in a similar way to meat-based meatballs and are a great option for those following a plant-based diet.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking meatballs in an air fryer will depend on the type of meat used, the size of the meatballs, and the number of batches.

For example, if you are cooking 16 meatballs made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer, turn the temperature down to 380°F, and cook for 12-14 minutes. The meatballs are done when they are browned and have an internal temperature of 165°F in the centre.

On the other hand, if you are cooking 24-28 meatballs made from ground beef, you should preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place a single layer of meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°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. Additionally, when cooking multiple batches, make sure to leave enough room for air to circulate around the meatballs. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of frying.

How to store meatballs

Storing meatballs is a great way to ensure you always have a quick, tasty meal option available. Here is a detailed guide on how to store meatballs:

Storing Cooked Meatballs:

If you have cooked meatballs that you want to store, it is best to place them in an airtight container or a sealed zipper bag. Meatballs stored this way can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cooked Meatballs:

If you want to store your cooked meatballs for longer, you can freeze them. First, let the meatballs cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to enjoy your frozen meatballs, you can reheat them in the air fryer or microwave. Reheat them in small increments until they are warmed through.

Storing Uncooked Meatballs:

If you have prepared meatballs that have not been cooked yet, you can also store them. Place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch. Freeze them like this first, then transfer them to a resealable bag once they are solid. Uncooked meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

It is recommended to cook frozen uncooked meatballs directly from frozen, as they can become squishy if thawed before cooking. Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Tips for Storing Meatballs:

• For easier portioning, consider freezing meatballs in individual servings rather than one large batch.
• To avoid freezer burn, minimise the amount of air in the storage container or bag.
• Label your containers or bags with the date of storage and the number of meatballs inside.

How to reheat meatballs

There are a few ways to reheat meatballs, depending on whether they have been stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Reheating Refrigerated Meatballs

Meatballs stored in the refrigerator can be reheated in the air fryer or the microwave. If you choose to use the air fryer, heat them at 190C/375F for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides heat evenly. If you opt for the microwave, heat them for a minute at a time on high power until they are heated through.

Reheating Frozen Meatballs

If your meatballs are frozen, you can also reheat them in the air fryer or the microwave. In the air fryer, cook them at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. In the microwave, heat them at regular intervals on high power until they are heated all the way through.

Storing Meatballs

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container or a zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to a month.

What to serve meatballs with

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, appetiser, or snack. They can be paired with various side dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas on what to serve with meatballs:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with meatballs. The soft, buttery, creamy, and cheesy components of the dish complement the meatballs perfectly. Adding roast garlic to the potatoes can enhance the flavour and make it even more delectable. This combination is especially recommended for Swedish meatballs.

Roasted Red Potatoes

Roasting brings out the natural flavours of potatoes, making them a tasty and filling side dish. Red roasted potatoes, seasoned with minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper, can be a perfect companion to meatballs.

Rice

A simple bowl of steamed white rice can pair perfectly with meatballs, especially those with a creamy or savoury sauce. Asian-inspired meatballs, such as sweet and sour, Korean, honey garlic, or turkey meatballs, also taste fantastic with rice.

Noodles

Instead of the traditional spaghetti, try serving meatballs with egg noodles or udon noodles. Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce over egg noodles is a simple and tasty combination. For a Thai flair, toss the udon noodles in peanut butter sauce—a wonderful fusion of Asian flavours.

Sandwiches and Subs

Meatballs covered in cheese and marinara sauce are a match made in heaven when served in a sandwich or sub. Use a thick, crispy bread like a French baguette or Hoagie roll to prevent sogginess. Greek meatballs in pita bread and Buffalo meatballs on toasted French bread are also delightful variations.

Corn on the Cob

Barbecue meatballs and grilled corn on the cob make a perfect pair for a backyard cookout. Slather the corn with butter and season it with spices for a mouthwatering side dish.

Ratatouille

This stewed vegetable dish, combining zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, bell pepper, and mascarpone cheese, is a nutritious and tasty companion to Italian meatballs. Even picky eaters will enjoy this veggie dish!

Green Beans

Green beans are a classic dish in Chinese cuisine and go well with Asian-inspired meatballs, such as sweet and sour meatballs. They are easy to prepare and provide a bright and crunchy contrast to the meatballs.

Asparagus

Swedish meatballs, with their rich and creamy sauce, pair wonderfully with the crunchy texture of asparagus. Toss the asparagus with butter and lemon, and microwave it for a quick and easy side dish.

Broccoli

Flavour broccoli with garlic and lemon to create a tangy and flavourful dish. Pair it with Hawaiian meatballs for a tropical twist to your meal.

Salad

Salads are versatile and can be tailored to complement any type of meatball. For Asian-inspired meatballs, try a green salad with an Asian dressing like a Thai chopped salad. Italian or Greek meatballs go well with a mixed green salad or a Greek chopped salad, respectively.

Spaghetti

Of course, we can't forget the classic pairing of spaghetti and meatballs. It's a family favourite that never gets old.

Frequently asked questions