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When you need a quick and easy meal, cook frozen meatballs in the air fryer! This simple air fryer recipe takes meatballs straight from the freezer, and turns them into a juicy meatball dinner, appetizer, or snack in just minutes!
I love making air fryer meatballs, especially when I need an easy meal in a hurry. And the air fryer makes cooking time super fast, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast dinner.
Why You’re Going to Love This
- Quick and easy preparation with minimal cleanup.
- Simple meal with no need to thaw first. Go straight from freezer to air fryer.
- Versatile – perfect for meals, snacks, or appetizers.
- Variety-use chicken meatballs, turkey meatballs, or stick with beef.
There are so many air fryer frozen foods that just make like easier, and these air fryer meatballs are on that list. These meatballs are perfect for adding to a spaghetti dinner or other pastas, or putting on top of a meatball sandwich.
I’ve also served them on a platter with a toothpick after tossing them with teriyaki sauce or BBQ sauce. They were a huge hit as an appetizer on game day!
When you make these frozen meatballs in the air fryer, you know you are going to have flavorful meatballs that are crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Dinner can’t get any easier than making these meatballs!
If you love this recipe, you may also like our air fryer frozen turkey burgers, air fryer frozen steak, air fryer frozen chicken thighs, or these air fryer frozen pork chops.
Related recipes: Try our air fryer frozen garlic bread, air fryer frozen lasagna, air fryer pizza pasta casserole, air fryer chicken parmesan, or air fryer eggplant parmesan, for more delicious air fryer recipes.
Ingredients
- Frozen Meatballs: Use your favorite brand or pre-made frozen homemade meatballs
- Olive Oil Spray: A light spray will help prevent them from sticking and can make the outside just a little crispier.
Optional:
- Marinara Sauce: If serving your meatballs with a pasta or use the marinara sauce as a dipping sauce. You can also serve the meatballs with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or your favorite sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs for extra flavor before serving.
How to Cook Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F for about 3-5 minutes. Then, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Place the frozen meatballs in the basket. Be sure you don’t overfill the basket, which can block air flow.
Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the air frying time to make sure they are evenly cooked.
Internal Temperature
To ensure your meatballs are cooked to a safe temperature, use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached their proper internal temperature. For beef meatballs, it should be at least 160 degrees F, and for chicken or turkey meatballs, it should be 165 degrees F.
How to Store and Reheat
To store leftovers, first let them cool, then place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat leftover meatballs, place them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed in the center.
Tips
Avoid putting too many meatballs in the basket at one time. Place them in a single layer, allowing the air to flow properly.
Shake the basket, or toss the meatballs during air frying.
Use an instant read thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of your meatballs has reached the proper temperature.
I make this in a Cosori air fryer. Keep in mind air fryers can have different wattages, so the first time you make these, check them a minute or two early.
OTHER AIR FRYER MEATBALL RECIPES
Dinner
Air Fryer Meatballs
Appetizers
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen meatballs
- olive oil , or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F for about 3-5 minutes. Then, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the frozen meatballs in the basket. Be sure you don't overfill the basket, which can block air flow. Work in batches, and don't cook more than you need. Just return the remaining frozen meatballs to the freezer for future use.
- Air fry the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the air frying time to make sure they are evenly cooked.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs
Can I cook fresh meatballs in the air fryer? Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through. We have a delicious air fryer meatball recipe!
Do I need to thaw the meatballs first? No, you can cook them straight from frozen.
What sauces go well with these meatballs? Marinara, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce work well. They are also good on top of a pizza, or in a sub sandwich!
