Air Fryer Meatballs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook meatballs, with most recipes requiring only around 10 minutes of cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the specific recipe and air fryer model being used, but generally, meatballs will be ready in under 15 minutes.

To cook meatballs in an air fryer, simply combine the ingredients, shape them into balls, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for the recommended amount of time, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking, and then allow the meatballs to rest before serving.

Meatball ingredients and prep

Ingredients

The ingredients you will need for your meatballs are:

• Ground meat: a combination of ground beef, ground veal, and ground pork works well, but you can also use just ground beef.
• Seasonings and herbs: fresh garlic, fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, and ground black pepper.
• Eggs: these act as a binding agent and keep the meatballs from drying out.
• Cheese: freshly grate some Romano or Parmesan cheese to add to the mixture.
• Bread: slightly stale Italian bread is preferable, but if your bread is soft, let it sit out overnight.
• Liquid: slowly add water or milk to the mixture to keep the meatballs moist.
• Olive oil: you will need this for frying the meatballs.

Preparation

• Combine the ground meat, cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Add the breadcrumbs and slowly mix in the liquid until the mixture is moist but still holds its shape.
• Shape the mixture into balls.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan.
• Fry the meatballs in batches until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
• Drain the meatballs on paper towels and serve.

Air fryer settings

To make meatballs in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The higher end of this range will give your meatballs a crispier texture.

Next, prepare your meatballs by combining all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mixing well. Then, wet your hands and roll the mixture into balls. The number of meatballs you make will depend on the quantity of ingredients used, but a common number is around 16.

Once your meatballs are prepared, grease the air fryer basket and place the meatballs inside in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the meatballs from cooking evenly. Depending on the temperature you have set your air fryer to, cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

After cooking, let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking times

The cooking time for meatballs in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of doneness, the size of the meatballs, and the specific air fryer model. However, on average, it takes around 10 to 12 minutes to cook meatballs in an air fryer.

For a basic air fryer meatball recipe, you'll need ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add an egg and milk or water to the mixture for extra moisture.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 204°C) depending on your preference and the model's capabilities.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs of uniform size, wetting your hands slightly if needed.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Grease the air fryer basket or grate with nonstick spray. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow for even cooking.

Cook the meatballs for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For some air fryers, you may need to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them retain their juices and ensures they are cool enough to eat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air fryer meatballs:

As a Main Course

• Serve the meatballs over spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic, crowd-pleasing dish.
• Pair the meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
• Try serving the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, for a well-rounded meal.
• For a comforting dish, serve the meatballs with gravy and mashed potatoes.
• Create a meatball sub by sandwiching the meatballs in a sub roll with your choice of toppings and sauces.
• For a twist on a classic, serve the meatballs with spaghetti carbonara or Italian wedding soup.

As an Appetizer or Snack

• Serve the meatballs as an appetizer with a toothpick in each one for easy eating.
• Dip the meatballs in marinara or another sauce of your choice for an extra flavour boost.
• Coat the meatballs in a variety of sauces, such as bulgogi, katsu, or eel sauce, for an Asian-inspired twist.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different sauces, sides, and serving styles to find your favourite way to enjoy air fryer meatballs!

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating your air fryer meatballs is simple. You can keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container or a zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them for longer, they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat, you can use either the air fryer or the microwave. If you're using the air fryer, heat the meatballs at 190C/375F for five minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you're using the microwave, heat them for one minute at a time on high until they are heated through. Alternatively, place them on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler for a few minutes until they are crisp again.

Frequently asked questions