Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs: How Long To Cook?

Air fryers have changed the game when it comes to frozen foods. They are a great way to cook frozen meatballs, which come out crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. There are a few simple steps to follow to ensure your meatballs are cooked to perfection.

How to cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen meatballs
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)
• Your choice of sauce

Utensils

Air fryer

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 320°F and 400°F.
• Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping.
• Spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray (if using).
• Air fry for 4–5 minutes.
• Shake the basket and cook for a further 4–5 minutes.
• For extra crispy meatballs, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
• Serve with your choice of sauce.

Tips

• Start with a low temperature to ensure the meatballs are tender and not dried out.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the meatballs cook evenly.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Air fryers need good airflow to cook food evenly.
• Always preheat the air fryer for the best results.

Tips for cooking frozen meatballs in an air fryer

Frozen meatballs are a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be whipped up in minutes. Here are some tips for cooking them to perfection in your air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the meatballs. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the meatballs from drying out. Preheat to around 320-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

Arrange the meatballs in a single layer

For the best results, place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each meatball, ensuring they cook evenly. If you're using an oven-style air fryer, this is especially important. If you're using a basket-style air fryer, you can overlap the meatballs slightly, but you may need to shake the basket a few extra times during cooking.

Shake the basket during cooking

Halfway through the cooking process, shake the air fryer basket. This helps the meatballs cook evenly and prevents them from sticking. Shaking the basket also helps to ensure that all sides of the meatballs get crispy.

Adjust the cooking time for your meatball size

The cooking time will depend on the size of your meatballs. Smaller or mini meatballs will take around 9-11 minutes, while larger meatballs may need 11-13 minutes. You can also add an extra minute or two if you prefer your meatballs extra crispy.

Choose your favourite type of frozen meatballs

There are various types of frozen meatballs available, so you can choose the ones that suit your taste and preferences. Try Italian meatballs seasoned with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, or go for a healthier option like turkey meatballs. If you're vegetarian, there are meat-free options made with chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and spices.

Serve with your favourite sauce and sides

Frozen meatballs are versatile and can be served in multiple ways. Dip them in BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, or salsa. You can also serve them as an appetizer, on top of spaghetti, in a meatball sub, or as a tasty addition to a pot of Instant Pot spaghetti.

How long to cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer

Air fryer frozen meatballs are a quick and easy meal to make, and they taste delicious! They can be whipped up in a jiffy and are perfect for a quick snack or a family dinner.

How to cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer:

Firstly, you will need to preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 320 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat your air fryer to your chosen temperature.

Next, place your frozen meatballs into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will ensure they cook evenly.

Now, air fry your meatballs for 9-11 minutes for smaller meatballs, and 11-13 minutes for larger meatballs. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure the meatballs cook evenly.

If you want your meatballs to be extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes.

And that's it! Your frozen meatballs are now ready to be enjoyed as an appetizer or a meal. Serve them with your favorite sauce, such as BBQ sauce or marinara sauce, or add them to a dish like spaghetti or meatball subs.

Tips for cooking frozen meatballs in an air fryer:

• Don't overcrowd the basket. It's important to ensure the meatballs are in a single layer and not overlapping so that they cook evenly.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• For easy cleanup, spray the basket with oil before adding the meatballs, or use parchment paper specifically designed for the air fryer.
• Start with a lower temperature to ensure the meatballs are tender and not dried out.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the insides of the meatballs are cooked through.
• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.

Best frozen meatball brands for air frying

Air fryer frozen meatballs are a quick and convenient meal option that can be whipped up in minutes. They are perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something crispy and delicious. Here are some of the best frozen meatball brands for air frying:

• Rosina Home-Style Meatballs: These meatballs are a great option for those who prefer a traditional, homestyle taste. They are fully cooked and can be heated up in your air fryer.
• Nature's Rancher Fully Cooked Angus Beef Meatballs: Found at Whole Foods, these meatballs are made with high-quality Angus beef. They are a great choice for those who want a more premium meatball option.
• Farm Rich Italian Style Meatballs: If you're craving something with Italian flavours, these meatballs are a perfect choice. They are packed with herbs and spices, adding a burst of flavour to your dish.
• Omaha Steaks Fully Cooked Beef Meatballs: This brand offers delicious, fully cooked beef meatballs. They are a great option for a quick and convenient meal, as they only need to be heated in the air fryer.

When cooking frozen meatballs in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen meatballs inside the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. For smaller meatballs, cook for 9 to 11 minutes, and for larger meatballs, cook for 11 to 13 minutes. If you prefer your meatballs extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

How to reheat frozen meatballs in an air fryer

Air-frying frozen meatballs is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy meatballs with a crispy exterior. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat frozen meatballs in an air fryer.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 320-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating the air fryer is important as it ensures the meatballs cook evenly and don't dry out.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is important as it allows the hot air to circulate around each meatball, cooking them evenly. If you are cooking a large batch, it is better to cook them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Cook the meatballs for 9-11 minutes for small meatballs and 11-13 minutes for larger ones. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to turn the meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly.

For extra crispy meatballs, you can cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can serve them as an appetizer with your favourite dipping sauce, or add them to a dish like spaghetti or a meatball sub.

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check that the meatballs are heated all the way through.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. It is better to cook the meatballs in smaller batches if needed, to ensure even cooking.
• You can use any type of frozen meatballs, such as beef, chicken, turkey, or vegetarian meatballs.

Frequently asked questions