Homemade Air-Fried Meatballs are juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. Made with a blend of savory ingredients and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, these meatballs are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Great as an appetizer, snack, or main course!
Times:
- Preparation Time:
- Mixing and shaping meatballs: ~10–15 minutes
- Cooking Time:
- Air frying: ~10–12 minutes
- Total Time:
- ~20–27 minutes
- Serves 4 people
Ingredients:
- Ground meat – 1 pound (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken)
- Breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup (Panko or regular)
- Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
- Egg – 1 large
- Garlic cloves – 2, minced
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped or grated
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Cooking spray – for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix as this can make the meatballs dense.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
- Scoop about 1–1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into balls. You should get around 16–20 meatballs.
4. Air Fry the Meatballs:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C for beef or 165°F/74°C for poultry).
5. Serve:
- Serve hot with marinara sauce, over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – Serves 4):
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Protein: ~20g
- Fats: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Sugar: ~1g
Key Notes:
- Meat Choices:
- Use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor, or opt for leaner meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Avoid Overmixing:
- Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Test for Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach the safe internal temperature for the type of meat used.
- Make-Ahead Tip:
- Meatballs can be prepped and frozen raw. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.