Air Fryer Meatballs: Perfect Timing For Tender Bites

Air fryer meatballs are a quick and easy meal to make, and only take around 10 minutes to cook. They are a healthier alternative to frying meatballs, as they require less oil, but still result in a crispy exterior. The meatballs are also versatile, as they can be served with pasta, in a sub, or as an appetiser.

How to make meatballs in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can use any meatball mix you like, but here's a list of ingredients you'll need to make delicious, juicy, and crispy meatballs:

• Ground beef (lean ground beef or a mix of ground beef and ground pork)
• Ground pork (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain)
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Milk (optional)
• Sour cream or ricotta cheese (optional)
• Butter (optional)
• Olive oil
• Shallots or onion, finely diced
• Garlic, minced or grated
• Fresh parsley, minced (optional)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk (or water), and seasonings. Mix until everything is evenly combined, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
• Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer. Lightly wet your hands before shaping the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Preheating ensures that the meatballs start cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Cook the Meatballs: Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between each meatball for proper air circulation. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatballs moist and juicy.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Meatballs:

• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatballs are cooked through but still juicy, use a meat thermometer to check that they've reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space for air to circulate around the meatballs so they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
• Add Vegetables: For extra moisture and flavor, finely dice vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and mix them into the meatball mixture.

Serving Suggestions:

• Spaghetti and Meatballs: Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal.
• Meatball Subs: Place the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake until melted and bubbly.
• Appetizer: Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces at your next party.
• Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes, Rice, or Egg Noodles: Pair the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty and comforting meal.
• Saucy Meatballs: Toss the meatballs in your favorite sauce, such as teriyaki, buffalo, or barbecue, before serving.

Variations:

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option.
• Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a kick of heat.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Insert a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the center of each meatball before cooking for a gooey, delicious surprise.
• Healthy Option: Make healthy air fryer meatballs by using leaner meats and skipping the breadcrumbs.
• Keto-Friendly Meatballs: Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour to make keto-friendly meatballs.
• Sauced Meatballs: Coat the meatballs in a sauce like bulgogi, katsu, or eel sauce before air frying for a unique twist.

Storing and Reheating:

• Freezing Uncooked Meatballs: You can freeze the uncooked meatball mixture for later use. Portion and shape the mixture into meatballs, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw, and cook according to the recipe instructions.
• Freezing Cooked Meatballs: Cooked meatballs can also be frozen. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Storing in the Fridge: Cooked meatballs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container for best results.
• Reheating: To reheat meatballs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, and heat for 5-7 minutes or

How long to cook meatballs in an air fryer

The cooking time for meatballs in an air fryer depends on the size of the meatballs. For instance, large meatballs will take longer to cook than mini meatballs. On average, meatballs in an air fryer will take 10 to 12 minutes to cook at a temperature of around 350–400°F.

Cooking Times for Different-Sized Meatballs

• Large meatballs: 12–14 minutes
• Medium-sized meatballs: 10–12 minutes
• Mini meatballs: 6–8 minutes

Checking Meatballs Are Cooked

To ensure your meatballs are cooked through, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160–165°F.

Tips for Cooking Meatballs in an Air Fryer

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave space for air to circulate.
• For even cooking, make sure all your meatballs are the same size.
• For easy clean-up, line your air fryer rack with aluminium foil.
• For extra moisture and flavour, mix in finely diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• To get a crispy exterior, preheat your air fryer before adding the meatballs.
• To prevent the meatballs from drying out, use ground beef with a leanness of 70% to 80%.

Reheating Meatballs in an Air Fryer

To reheat cooked meatballs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 320–350°F and heat the meatballs for 3–7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Reheating meatballs in an air fryer

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F if your meatballs are frozen or 350°F if they are fresh or thawed.
• Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket: Ensure that the meatballs are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will allow for even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches.
• Cook the meatballs: For frozen meatballs, cook them for 9–11 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For fresh or thawed meatballs, cook them for 3–7 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• Optional: Rest the meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, you can optionally let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meatballs moist.

By following these steps, you can easily reheat your meatballs in an air fryer, ensuring they are juicy and crispy, just like when they were first cooked.

Freezing meatballs

Freezing Uncooked Meatballs

To freeze uncooked meatballs, start by preparing your meatball mixture as usual. You can use any meatball recipe you like, but a mix of ground beef and ground pork is traditional for Italian-style meatballs. Add some Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, and an egg to help bind the mixture. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Once you have mixed all your ingredients together, portion the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs. You can use an ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop to ensure that they are all the same size, which will help them cook evenly later on. Place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper and put them in the freezer for around 4 hours, or until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Freezing Cooked Meatballs

If you want to freeze cooked meatballs, it is best to cook them in the air fryer first. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then, allow the meatballs to cool completely. Place them in a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen Meatballs

To reheat frozen meatballs in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the frozen meatballs in the basket and cook for 9-11 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also simmer them in a sauce on the hob until they are warmed through.

Meatball serving suggestions

As a Main Course

Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. They can be the star of the show as a main course, or they can play a supporting role as an appetiser or side dish. Here are some ideas on how to make meatballs the centrepiece of your meal:

• Meatball Subs: Juicy meatballs covered in cheese and marinara sauce, served in a thick, crispy bread such as a French baguette or Hoagie roll.
• Meatball Sliders: For a smaller, bite-sized option, serve your meatballs as sliders. For a drool-worthy burger, try adding some honey mustard sauce and pickles.
• Meatball Pasta: While spaghetti and meatballs is a classic, why not switch it up? Try serving Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce over egg noodles, or go for a Thai flair with Udon noodles tossed in peanut butter sauce.
• Meatballs with Rice: A simple bowl of steamed white rice pairs perfectly with meatballs, especially those with a creamy or savoury sauce. For Asian-inspired meatballs, such as sweet and sour or Korean, try serving with rice for a classic comfort food combination.
• Meatballs with Salad: A light and nutritious option is to serve meatballs with a salad. For Asian-inspired meatballs, a green salad with an Asian dressing like a Thai chopped salad would be a great choice. If you're going for a classic Italian meatball, a mixed green salad is a good option.

As a Side or Appetiser

Meatballs also make a great side dish or appetiser. Here are some ideas:

• Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for meatballs, especially Swedish meatballs. Add some roast garlic to the potatoes for a distinct flavour that pairs wonderfully with the soft, buttery, creamy, and cheesy components of the dish.
• Meatballs with Roasted Potatoes: Roasting brings out the natural flavours of potatoes, making them a fantastic side dish for meatballs. Red roasted potatoes are a great option, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Meatballs with Green Beans: Green beans are a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, so they pair well with Asian-inspired meatballs such as sweet and sour meatballs. They are a healthy and crunchy veggie that is easy to prepare, making them perfect for a busy day.
• Meatballs with Ratatouille: This stewed vegetable dish combines zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, bell pepper, and mascarpone cheese. It's a nutritious option that even kids will enjoy, and it pairs perfectly with Italian meatballs.
• Meatballs with Corn on the Cob: For a barbecue meatball feast, serve your meatballs with grilled corn on the cob. Slather the corn with butter and season with various spices for a perfect side dish.

Other Tips

• Size Matters: When cooking meatballs in an air fryer, remember that the size of the meatballs will affect the cooking time. Larger meatballs will take longer to cook, while mini meatballs will be done in about half the time.
• Don't Overcrowd: When cooking meatballs, don't overcrowd your air fryer or baking tray. Space them out to ensure even cooking.
• Easy Clean-Up: Line your air fryer rack or baking tray with aluminium foil for easy clean-up.

Frequently asked questions