Air-Fried Meatballs: No Breadcrumbs, All Taste

Air fryers are a great way to cook meatballs, and you can easily make them without breadcrumbs. All you need is ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken), an egg, cheese, and some seasoning. You can also add milk or water for extra moisture. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl, shape the mixture into balls, and air fry for 10–12 minutes. You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer, with pasta, or in a meatball sub.

Choosing the right meat

Types of Meat

You can use a variety of ground meats for your meatballs, including:

• Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with some fat content, such as 90/10 or 85/15. Extra lean or fat-free ground beef tends to dry out, so it's best to avoid those options.
• Ground Pork: Lean ground pork is a great choice and pairs well with ground beef.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives. They are leaner options that still pack in flavour and moisture.
• Ground Lamb: Lamb is another option for meatballs, offering a unique flavour profile.
• Sausage Meat: You can also use sausage meat as a base or mix it with other ground meats.

Blends

While you can use a single type of meat, blending different ground meats can enhance the flavour and texture of your meatballs. Here are some common blends:

• Beef and Pork: This classic combination provides a good balance of flavour and juiciness.
• Beef and Veal: A traditional blend for meatballs, offering a unique taste.
• Turkey or Chicken with Beef: Mixing ground turkey or chicken with ground beef can give you the best of both worlds in terms of flavour and leanness.

Tips for Choosing Meat

When selecting your meat, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Fat Content: Opt for ground meats with some fat to ensure juicier meatballs. Extra lean or fat-free options may dry out.
• Freshness: Always use fresh, high-quality meat from a reliable source.
• Personal Preference: Consider your taste preferences and those of your guests. If you're unsure, you can ask your butcher for recommendations or try blending different meats to find your favourite combination.

Remember, the key to delicious meatballs is in the quality and freshness of the ingredients, so choose your meat wisely and enjoy crafting your perfect air-fried meatballs!

Mixing the ingredients

To make meatballs in an air fryer without breadcrumbs, you'll need a combination of ground meats, cheese, eggs, and seasonings. Here's a detailed guide on mixing the ingredients:

Step 1: Start by gathering your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need lean ground beef and ground pork, or you can use a blend of ground pork and veal for a more traditional option. You can also experiment with other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or lamb.

Step 2: Prepare your cheese. Grate or shred a block of Parmesan cheese to ensure it mixes well with the meat. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a better flavour and cooks better with the meat than the pre-shredded kind.

Step 3: Choose your seasonings. In addition to the Parmesan, add Italian seasoning, which typically includes a mix of herbs like oregano and basil. You can also include onion powder or finely diced onions, garlic powder or fresh garlic, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Gather the binding agents. In a separate bowl, beat an egg or two, depending on the quantity of meat you're using. You can also add milk or water for extra moisture. Room temperature eggs are ideal as they blend better.

Step 5: Combine the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, cheese, seasonings, and binding agents. Mix everything together until it is evenly combined. Be careful not to compact the meat too much, as this can make the meatballs tough and chewy. You can use your hands or a fork to mix, but make sure to combine the ingredients thoroughly to prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.

Step 6: Add extras (optional). For a boost of flavour and moisture, you can include finely diced vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure they are chopped into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Once you've mixed all the ingredients, you're ready to shape the mixture into balls and place them in the air fryer. Remember to wet your hands before shaping the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

Shaping the meatballs

Start by making sure that your meatball mixture is well combined. This is crucial as it helps the meatballs stay together during cooking. Use your hands to mix and squeeze the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.

Next, you can begin shaping the mixture into balls. Lightly wet your hands before rolling out the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands. Aim for uniformity in size so that your meatballs cook evenly. Depending on your desired meatball size, you can make around 16 to 28 meatballs.

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

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F and 400°F. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space for air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches.

By following these steps, you'll be able to shape and cook perfect meatballs in your air fryer!

Air-frying technique

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook meatballs, yielding tender and juicy results with a slight crisp on the outside. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect meatballs in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat of your choice (such as beef, pork, turkey, or chicken) with the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk or water, and seasonings. Mix the ingredients until they are evenly combined. You can use a fork or your fingers for mixing, but be careful not to compact the meat too much as it can make the meatballs tough and chewy.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Wet your hands and shape the meat mixture into balls of uniform size. This is important to ensure even cooking. Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet or tray. If you plan to freeze the meatballs for later use, this is the step where you would put them in the freezer.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F depending on your preference and the specific recipe you are following. Preheating ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and helps reduce the overall cooking time.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

Grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches.

Cook the meatballs for 8-12 minutes at the desired temperature. For most recipes, it is recommended to shake the basket or turn the meatballs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. The meatballs are done when they are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the meatballs stay moist and tender. Serve the meatballs with your favourite sauce, such as marinara, or use them in a meatball sub, salad, or any other dish you desire.

Tips for Air Frying Meatballs:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space for air to circulate around the meatballs.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs to avoid overcooking.
• You can add diced vegetables like onions, peppers, or zucchini to your meatball mixture for extra flavour and moisture.
• If you are cooking frozen meatballs, increase the cooking time accordingly and ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

Storing and reheating

Storing Meatballs

Firstly, it is important to note that cooked meatballs should be consumed within 3-4 days of refrigeration to minimise bacterial growth. If you wish to store your meatballs for longer, you will need to freeze them.

When storing in the refrigerator, place the meatballs in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and protect them from absorbing other flavours in the fridge. Plastic containers with tight-fitting lids or resealable plastic bags are ideal for this purpose.

If you wish to freeze your meatballs, it is best to do so on a baking sheet first. Place the cooked meatballs in a single layer on the sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the meatballs to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of freshness. Meatballs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

Reheating Meatballs

There are several ways to reheat your meatballs, including using an oven, stovetop, microwave, or air fryer.

Oven

The oven method is reliable and works well for both plain and sauced meatballs. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) for plain meatballs and 350°F (175°C) for sauced meatballs. Place the meatballs in an oven-safe dish, covering them with aluminium foil to prevent drying. Heat for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size and quantity of meatballs. For sauced meatballs, stir gently halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Stovetop

The stovetop method is ideal for preserving moisture and enhancing flavour. Place the meatballs and sauce in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce if needed. Cover the pan and stir gently every few minutes to ensure even heating.

Microwave

Microwave reheating is a quick and convenient method. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, covered, at 50% power. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking and stirring after each interval to prevent cold spots and maintain moisture.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is perfect for reheating plain or frozen meatballs. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes for plain meatballs and 8-10 minutes for frozen, shaking the basket halfway through.

Regardless of the reheating method, always ensure that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.

Frequently asked questions