Air-Fryer Bbq Meatballs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook meatballs, and they come out tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can make your BBQ meatballs in the air fryer with a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or just ground beef. You'll also need breadcrumbs, an egg, parmesan cheese, and seasoning. First, preheat your air fryer to 350–400 °F. Then, mix all your ingredients in a bowl, form the mixture into balls, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Meat, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning

Meat

Ground beef is a popular choice for the meatball mixture, with some recipes calling for lean beef and others suggesting a fattier option, such as 90/10 or 85/15. This is because the fat content helps keep the meatballs moist and juicy. However, one recipe recommends a blend of ground beef and ground pork for extra flavour. You could also use ground chicken, lamb, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative.

Cheese

Parmesan cheese is the cheese of choice for these meatballs, with some recipes specifying the powdered variety. It adds a savoury, salty flavour and helps bind the meatballs together. Freshly grated parmesan is recommended over pre-grated for better texture and flavour.

Breadcrumbs

Regular breadcrumbs are an option, but panko or Italian-flavoured breadcrumbs will add more flavour. You'll need about 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs for every pound of meat.

Seasoning

Seasoning options include Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs such as oregano and basil), salt, pepper, garlic (fresh, powdered, or minced), and onion (powder or diced). You can also add parsley (fresh or dried), milk, or egg to enhance the flavour and bind the mixture.

Combining the ingredients

To make BBQ meatballs in an air fryer, you'll need a combination of meat, cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasoning. Here's a detailed guide on combining the ingredients:

Ingredients:

For the meatballs, you'll need ground beef, which is the star of the dish. Choose ground beef with some fat content, such as 90/10 or 85/15. Lean ground beef works best for this recipe. You can also add ground pork to enhance the flavour. Additionally, you'll need eggs, which act as a binding agent and add moisture to the meatballs.

For the cheese, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it blends better with the meat and has a superior flavour.

Regular breadcrumbs are suitable, but panko breadcrumbs hold more flavour and provide a crispier texture. Italian-flavoured breadcrumbs can also be used to intensify the dish's Italian flavours.

Seasoning:

For seasoning, you'll need Italian seasoning, which typically includes a blend of oregano and basil. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Garlic is an essential seasoning ingredient, and garlic powder works best for air frying. Freshly minced garlic cloves or garlic seasoning can also be used.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: ground beef, ground pork (if using), Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.
• Mix the ingredients until they are evenly combined and well incorporated. Use your hands to mix and squeeze the ingredients together thoroughly. This step is crucial to ensure the meatballs hold together during cooking.
• Once the mixture is ready, it's time to shape it into meatballs. Wet your hands lightly and roll out the mixture into evenly sized balls. Aim for a size that will allow the meatballs to cook evenly.
• Place the shaped meatballs on a tray or plate and chill them for about 20 minutes before cooking. This helps the meatballs firm up and makes them easier to handle.

Now that you've combined the ingredients and shaped your meatballs, you're ready to move on to the next steps of air frying and serving!

Shaping the meatballs

Start by making sure that all your meatball ingredients are combined thoroughly in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix and squeeze the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and uniform in texture. This will help the meatballs hold together better during cooking.

Next, wet your hands slightly to prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your hands. Take a portion of the meat mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a ball shape. Try to make the meatballs all roughly the same size, as this will ensure even cooking. Aim for a size of around 2 inches in diameter, forming 16-28 meatballs, depending on your desired yield.

Place the shaped meatballs on a tray or plate and chill them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before air frying. This step will help the meatballs firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.

When shaping the meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Handle it gently and avoid compacting it too much, as this can make the meatballs dense and dry.

If you want to add a surprise centre to your BBQ meatballs, you can create a small indentation in the centre of each meatball and fill it with a small cube of cheese before gently reshaping the meatball around it.

Once your meatballs are shaped and chilled, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your recipe instructions. Remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and leave enough space for air to circulate, ensuring even cooking.

Air frying

To cook meatballs in an air fryer, first combine your ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Then, with wet hands, shape the mixture into balls and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the meatballs from cooking evenly. Finally, air fry for around 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

The exact cooking time will depend on the model of your air fryer and the size of your meatballs, so it's important to check on them regularly to ensure they don't overcook. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the meatballs have reached a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F.

When it comes to ingredients, most meatball recipes include ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and Italian seasoning. However, you can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as pork, lamb, or chicken, and add your own twist with different sauces and seasonings.

Serving suggestions

As a Main Course

• Meatball sub: This is a classic way to enjoy meatballs. Simply place the meatballs in a sub roll and top with your favourite sauce.
• Spaghetti and meatballs: Combine your air fryer meatballs with spaghetti and your favourite pasta sauce for a hearty meal.
• Meat and potatoes: Serve your meatballs with mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, or baked potatoes for a comforting dish.
• Rice bowl: Try serving your meatballs with a side of rice and vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Salad: Create a hearty salad with mixed greens, vegetables, and your air fryer meatballs.

As an Appetizer

• Toothpick appetizers: Place the meatballs on a plate and stick a toothpick in each one for easy-to-eat appetizers at your next party.
• Meatball sliders: Make mini meatball sandwiches using small rolls or buns.
• Dipping sauce: Provide a variety of dipping sauces for your guests to enjoy with the meatballs, such as marinara, ranch, or BBQ sauce.

Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! The versatility of meatballs allows for endless combinations and dishes.

Frequently asked questions