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The meatballs are easy to make, and full of flavor! They are so easy to switch up and make into different meals, like pasta toppings or sub sandwiches.
You can also make them even more fun to eat by topping them with mozzarella cheese and then serving with a dipping sauce. They are so fun to eat with spaghetti too!
Love this dish? You might also love these air fryer chicken meatballs made with marinara and parmesan cheese. And because we all need easy meals, we think you will like these air fryer fish tacos, air fryer breaded shrimp, air fryer tortilla pizza, or this air fryer taco ring.
Recipe Ingredients
- ground beef-if using lean ground beef, the meatballs may not be as tender. The best cut is 80/20 or 90/10.
- Italian breadcrumbs– if using plain breadcrumbs, add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture
- large egg-this will help bind the mixture together and will keep the meatballs tender.
- milk-milk helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- finely grated parmesan cheese-this cheese will add flavor, and once air fried, will also add a little crisp to the texture of the meatball.
- cloves garlic- minced fresh garlic adds the perfect flavor to ground meats.
- kosher salt-enhances the natural flavors of the meat and other ingredients, which will make the meatballs even more flavorful.
- ground black pepper-adds extra flavor to the meatballs.
Optional:
- add a teaspoon of onion powder for extra flavor
- garnish with fresh parsley
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE AIR FRYER MEATBALLS
STEP 1: In large bowl, add in the ground beef. Stir in the chopped onion, and seasonings, until they are mixed into the beef.
STEP 2: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Although, if you don’t have a preheat option, you can just run your air fryer for a few minutes to heat the basket.
STEP 3: While the air fryer is preheating, use a cookie scoop or large spoon, to scoop the meat mixture into small portions and roll into 2-inch meatballs. You can set them on a plate as you roll them until the air fryer is ready.
STEP 4: Cook meatballs at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside. Turn the meatballs after a couple of minutes of air frying so both sides can cook more evenly.
TIPS FOR MAKING MEATBALLS IN THE AIR FRYER
Use a meat thermometer: In order to make sure meatballs are cooked properly, the internal temperature should be about 160 degrees F. (Having a meat thermometer with an air fryer is the best investment I’ve made, besides my air fryer!)
Have toothpicks ready!:Use cooked air fryer meatballs as appetizers, grab skewer toothpicks, or add them to your meal. Serve hot and enjoy!
Shape evenly: In order for the meatballs to cook evenly, try to make the meatballs the same size and shape. If using smaller meatballs, they will air fry a little faster. Similarly, if using larger size meatballs, they will take an extra minute or two.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Try not to overcrowd the basket or tray. Keep them in a single layer. If the meatballs are stacked or overlapping, the meat won’t cook properly. Work in batches if necessary.
Add extra flavor: Mixing pork with the ground beef adds extra flavor. If you want to do this, just add ¼ pound ground pork to the recipe.
Don’t spray basket: Because meatballs already have a natural grease, I didn’t need to spray or line the basket with parchment paper. However, if you want to make sure they won’t stick, you can’t brush a little bit of olive oil or air fryer safe non-stick oil spray onto the basket.
VARIATIONS FOR AIR-FRIED MEATBALLS
- Meatballs are delicious when added to a pasta like spaghetti with marinara sauce, spaghetti sauce, or whatever your favorite sauce may be. Or you can stick a toothpick in them and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer!
- Add a layer of meatballs to a sub roll for delicious meatball subs. Top them with marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce, and cheese, along with your favorite sub toppings.
- Add in other ingredients or seasonings. For example, you can make this with finely chopped jalapenos, onions, or bell peppers. For additional seasonings, sprinkle in garlic powder, or even chili powder.
FAQS FOR MAKING MEATBALLS IN AIR FRYER
HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVER MEATBALLS?
To store leftover meatballs, first let them cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight storage container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
HOW DO I REHEAT LEFTOVERS?
To reheat meatballs, return them to the air fryer and air fry for 3-5 minutes until they are heated through.
CAN I MAKE THESE MEATBALLS WITH OTHER MEAT BESIDES GROUND BEEF?
You can easily switch up a batch of meatballs by using other meat. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or a pound ground veal, instead of the usual ground beef mixture. For a delicious flavor twist, use ⅔ ground beef, and ⅓ Italian sausage.
CAN I MAKE MEATBALLS AHEAD OF TIME?
You can easily make these the night before a party! I made the meatballs, wrapped in plastic wrap (or you can use an airtight container) and left in the fridge overnight. Air fry them the next day when we were ready for dinner. This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
MORE GROUND BEEF AIR FRYER RECIPES
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Air Fryer Meatballs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, if using plain breadcrumbs ad 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, as garnish
Instructions
- In large bowl, add in the ground beef. Stir in the chopped onion, and seasonings, until they are mixed into the beef.
- Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, to scoop the meat mixture into small portions and roll into 2-inch meatballs. Place them into the air fryer basket as you finish rolling them.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. If you don't have a preheat option, you can just run your air fryer for a few minutes to heat the basket.
- Air fry meatballs at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside. Turn the meatballs after a couple of minutes of air frying so both sides can cook more evenly. To make sure it's done, the internal temperature should be about 160 degrees F.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Egg or no egg?
Egg is not in list of ingredients, but is mentioned in step one.
no egg in ingredients!!
Hi Patricia,
That’s correct. These meatballs are traditional old fashioned meatballs, not like meatloaf. No eggs are required, and they are perfect in a sandwich, or on top of spaghetti.
Hi Patricia. I fixed the directions. I did not add egg to these meatballs. Thank you!