Homemade Air-Fried Meatballs

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:

1. Preparation Time:
   • Mixing and shaping meatballs: ~10–15 minutes
2. Cooking Time:
   • Air frying: ~10–12 minutes
3. Total Time:
   • ~20–27 minutes
4. 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:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
2. 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:

1. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
2. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them.
3. 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):

1. Calories: ~220 kcal
2. Carbohydrates: ~8g
3. Protein: ~20g
4. Fats: ~12g
   • Saturated Fat: ~5g
5. Fiber: ~0.5g
6. Sodium: ~500mg
7. Sugar: ~1g

Key Notes:

1. 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.
2. Avoid Overmixing:
   • Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
3. Test for Doneness:
   • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach the safe internal temperature for the type of meat used.
4. Make-Ahead Tip:
   • Meatballs can be prepped and frozen raw. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.