Marianne Martinez
Cooking meatballs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a family favourite. Requiring no prep time, this method delivers deliciously crispy meatballs in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can cook frozen meatballs straight from the freezer, without needing to defrost them first. This guide will teach you how to cook juicy, tender meatballs in your air fryer, as well as how to freeze and reheat them for later.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 10 minutes |
| Ease | Easy |
| Taste | Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside |
| Oil | Not required |
| Temperature | 350-380°F |
| Resting time | 3-5 minutes |
| Shake | Once or twice during cooking |
| Layer | Single |
| Sauce | Marinara, bulgogi, katsu, eel |
| Calories | 60-114 kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking meatballs in an air fryer from frozen will depend on the type of air fryer you have and your desired level of crispiness.
If you have an oven-style air fryer, arrange the frozen meatballs in a single layer. Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for 12-14 minutes, or until browned. If you want your meatballs extra crispy, cook for an additional 2 minutes. The center of the meatballs should reach a temperature of 165°F. Let the meatballs rest for 3 minutes before serving.
If you have a basket-style air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove the basket and shake to flip the meatballs. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. For extra crispy meatballs, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
If you are using an air fryer that requires shaking during the cooking process, cook your frozen meatballs for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point, and then cooking for another 2 minutes.
It's important to note that air fryers can vary slightly in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it's a good idea to check your meatballs a couple of minutes early to ensure they don't overcook.
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How to prepare frozen meatballs
Preparing frozen meatballs in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. First, grab your favourite brand of frozen meatballs and your air fryer. You can use an oven-style air fryer or a basket-style air fryer, such as the Ninja 4-Quart.
Place the frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you're using an oven-style air fryer, they should not overlap. However, if you're using a basket-style air fryer, it's fine if they overlap a little. Spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray.
Now, you're ready to air fry! For oven-style air fryers, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes to flip the meatballs. For basket-style air fryers, preheat to 350°F and cook for 8 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for a further 2 minutes. Check the meatballs are cooked by using a meat thermometer to verify the centre has reached 165°F.
If you prefer extra-crispy meatballs, cook for an additional 2 minutes. Allow the meatballs to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. And that's it—you're ready to enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy meatballs!
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$120.77
Reheating and storing
When storing your meatballs, place them in an airtight container or a zippered bag and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat your meatballs, simply place them in the air fryer or microwave until they are warm enough to serve. If you are using an air fryer, set the temperature to 190C/375F and heat them for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also place the meatballs on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler for a few minutes until they are crispy again.
If you are reheating frozen meatballs, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. In an air fryer, frozen meatballs will take 12-15 minutes at 190C/375F to cook. If you are using a basket-style air fryer, you may need to shake the basket a few extra times during cooking to ensure even browning.
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Meatball ingredients and alternatives
Meatballs are usually made with ground meat, seasonings, eggs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The ground meat is typically a combination of beef, veal, and pork, but you can use any type of ground meat, including ground turkey, chicken, or lamb. If you want to make vegetarian meatballs, you can use eggplant instead of meat.
For the seasonings, fresh garlic, Italian flat-leaf parsley, and ground black pepper are commonly used. You can also add salt to taste. Eggs are important because they keep the meatballs from drying out and act as a binding agent, helping to hold all the ingredients together.
When it comes to cheese, freshly grated Romano or Pecorino Romano cheese is a popular choice. However, you can also use Parmesan cheese if that's what you have on hand. Breadcrumbs are also a key ingredient in meatballs, and you can make your own by processing leftover homemade white bread or crusty loaves in a food processor and then baking them until dry. This option is great if you want gluten-free breadcrumbs.
To make the meatballs, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Then, shape the mixture into balls. The size of the meatballs may vary depending on your preference, but a uniform size is usually recommended for even cooking. You can use an ice cream scoop to help you achieve uniform-sized meatballs. Once the meatballs are shaped, they can be cooked in the air fryer or stored in the freezer for later use.
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Serving suggestions
Once your meatballs are cooked, you can serve them in a variety of ways. A classic option is to serve them with spaghetti and your favourite marinara sauce. You can also add them to soups or stews, such as Spaghetti Carbonara or Italian Wedding Soup. Meatballs also work well as a snack or appetiser, or served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
For an Asian twist, coat your meatballs in bulgogi, katsu, or eel sauce. If you're after something a little more traditional, try Italian meatballs seasoned with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, opt for turkey meatballs, which are a healthier choice as they're made with ground turkey instead of beef. For a meat-free option, vegetarian meatballs are often made with a mixture of chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and spices.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try making lamb, ground chicken, vegan, or eggplant meatballs. And don't forget to serve your meatballs with some Cheesy Breadsticks and a Tossed Salad on the side!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 10 minutes to cook frozen meatballs in an air fryer. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the meatballs and the desired level of crispness. For extra-crispy meatballs, add an additional 2 minutes to the cooking time.
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking frozen meatballs. If you prefer a higher temperature, you can set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the meatballs for a shorter duration.
Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you're using an oven-style air fryer, arrange the meatballs without stacking them. Spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray or grease, and then air fry according to the recommended time and temperature.
