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

Air fryer meatballs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal to make for the family. They are tender and juicy, with a crispy exterior and a moist interior. The best part is that they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. The meatballs can be served with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer. They are also great for snacking and can be cooked in less than 15 minutes.

Choosing the right type of ground beef

Lean-to-Fat Ratio:

The lean-to-fat ratio of ground beef is crucial when making meatballs. Most packages of ground beef will have a ratio indicated, such as 80/20 or 90/10. The first number represents the percentage of lean meat, while the second number indicates the fat content. For meatballs, it is generally recommended to use ground beef with an 80/20 ratio, as this ensures the meatballs remain moist and juicy without becoming too dry. If you're using a mixture of ground beef and another type of ground meat, like pork or veal, you can opt for a leaner ratio of 90/10.

Type of Ground Beef:

When selecting ground beef for meatballs, you'll typically come across different options like ground chuck, ground round, or ground sirloin. These labels also refer to the lean-to-fat ratio, with ground sirloin being the leanest and ground chuck containing the most fat. For meatballs, ground chuck or a blend of ground chuck and ground sirloin can be good choices, as they provide a balance of flavour and moisture.

Mixtures with Other Meats:

While all-beef meatballs can be delicious, many meatball recipes call for a mixture of ground beef with other ground meats like pork or veal. Adding pork to the mixture brings extra flavour and moisture to the meatballs. Veal, on the other hand, helps keep the meatballs tender and moist. If you're using a mixture of meats, adjust the lean-to-fat ratio accordingly. For example, if you're using equal parts ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal, a leaner ratio of 90/10 would be suitable.

Quality and Freshness:

Always opt for high-quality, fresh ground beef when making meatballs. Look for ground beef that is bright red in colour and avoid packages with excessive liquid, which can indicate that the meat has been sitting for a while. If you have access to a butcher, consider purchasing your ground beef from them, as they can provide advice on the best cuts and mixtures for meatballs.

Personal Preference:

Ultimately, the choice of ground beef may come down to personal preference. If you prefer a more robust beef flavour, you might opt for a higher ratio of ground beef to other meats in your mixture. On the other hand, if you like a lighter, milder flavour, you could lean towards a blend with more ground pork or veal. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ratios and mixtures to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.

Combining ingredients

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

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, including ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients like onion, parsley, or milk.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the meat. This includes the cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients. Mix these ingredients well, ensuring they are evenly combined.

It's important to note that if you're using milk, you should mix it with the eggs before adding the breadcrumbs. This allows the breadcrumbs to soak up the liquid and helps bind the meatballs together.

Once the other ingredients are mixed, add the ground beef and pork to the bowl. Mix everything gently until the meat is just combined with the other ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can affect the texture of the meatballs.

At this point, you can adjust the seasoning by forming a small patty with some of the mixture and searing it in a skillet. Taste it and adjust the seasoning in the rest of the mixture if needed.

Forming the Meatballs:

After combining all the ingredients, it's time to form the meatballs. Use a small ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. You can also do this by eye, aiming for a size of around 2 inches or a bit smaller.

Lightly wet or oil your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking, and gently roll the portions into balls. Try not to squeeze the mixture too tightly, as this can make the meatballs dense. Place the formed meatballs in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.

Cooking the Meatballs:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. You can also lightly spray or brush the meatballs themselves with oil to encourage browning.

Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The meatballs are done when they are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as an appetizer, in sandwiches, with pasta, or any way you like!

Forming the meatballs

Firstly, combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. It is important to mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will ensure your meatballs have a consistent texture and flavour.

Next, it's time to shape the mixture into individual meatballs. Use your hands to gently form the mixture into balls of a consistent size. Aim for a size of around 2 inches in diameter or slightly smaller, depending on your preference. This step requires a delicate touch; be sure to handle the mixture with care to avoid over-compacting the meatballs, which can result in a dense texture.

Once you have formed the desired number of meatballs, place them in the basket of your air fryer. It is important to arrange the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked or overlapping. This allows for even cooking and prevents undercooked or burnt meatballs.

If you are cooking a large batch of meatballs, you may need to cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Leave a little space between each meatball to allow for proper air circulation, which is essential for that crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Before placing the meatballs in the air fryer, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or a good-quality oil mister. This step helps ensure the meatballs don't stick to the surface and makes for easier cleanup afterward.

Finally, follow the cooking instructions for your chosen meatball recipe, typically cooking at around 350-400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of your meatballs and the specific model of your air fryer. Don't forget to give the basket a shake halfway through cooking to ensure even browning!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer meatballs depend on the quantity of meatballs you are cooking, the power of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness. However, a good rule of thumb is to preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F and cook your meatballs for 10-15 minutes.

For example, Spend With Pennies recommends preheating your air fryer to 400°F and cooking your meatballs for 12-14 minutes. Similarly, The Recipe Critic cooks their meatballs at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. On the other hand, Allrecipes cooks their meatballs for a shorter time of 8 minutes, then shakes the basket and cooks them for a further 2 minutes.

If you are cooking a large batch of meatballs, you will likely need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. This is because overcrowding can cause your meatballs to steam instead of fry, and they may cook unevenly.

To ensure your meatballs are cooked, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the centre of the meatballs has reached 165°F.

Storing and reheating

To reheat your meatballs, cook them in the air fryer at 375°F for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave until warm.

Frequently asked questions