Being able to make fast meals in the air fryer is one of the main reasons I use my air fryer. This recipe is SO easy and quick to make, and the meatballs can be served with pasta and sauce, in a sandwich, or just by themselves!
Our family loves to entertain and of course, that means serving finger foods that are easy to eat. These meatballs are the perfect size to be appetizers, snacks, or part of a main dish.
This meatball recipe is from my mother-in-law, and goes back at least 70 years! The meatballs are easy to make, but full of flavor with just the basics. Of course, once you try the recipe, you can add more to it to make it your own.
Love this dish? You might also love these air fryer chicken meatballs made with marinara and parmesan cheese. They're so good and can be served several different ways.
If you are looking for easy dinners, try these air fryer fish tacos, air fryer breaded shrimp, air fryer tortilla pizza, or this air fryer taco ring.
What you need to make Air Fryer Meatballs
Preparing these meatballs is so easy, because there are just a handful of ingredients. Grab a large bowl, and then you will need:
- ground beef
- small onion
- salt
- pepper
- dry mustard
That is all you need to make the meatballs, and they can easily be eaten on their own. But if you want them as part of a main dish, such as spaghetti, or in a sandwich, you will need to add that to your ingredient list.
How to make Air Fryer Meatballs
To begin making these meatballs, start with a large bowl, and add in the ground beef. Stir in the chopped onion, and seasonings, until they are mixed into the beef.
This is where you can add in other ingredients or seasonings. For example, you can make this with finely chopped jalapenos, bell peppers, or garlic. For additional seasonings, sprinkle in garlic powder, or even chili powder.
Of course none of those things are necessary, because these meatballs are good, the simple and old fashioned way, just the way they are.
Once you have the meat ready, scoop it into small portions, about 2 inches, and roll into ball shapes. Place them into the air fryer basket. I line my basket with Air Fryer Parchment Paper for easy clean up. But if you don't have that, just lightly spray the basket so the meatballs don't stick to the bottom during cooking.
Return the basket to the air fryer, and cook at 380 degrees F for 7-10 minutes, until the hamburger meat is done. To make sure it's done, 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!)
Now that the meatballs are done, if using as appetizers, grab skewer toothpicks, or add them to your meal. Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQ's about Meatballs in the Air Fryer
Is it safe to eat hamburger meat that is pink?
Yes, it is safe, but only if the internal temperature of the meat is 160 degrees. Steaks and hamburger meat are not the same.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Meatballs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion minced (about ¼ cup)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with the onion, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
- Scoop the meat into 2-3 inch meatballs.
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil, or line with parchment paper.
- Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.
©AirFryingFoodie 2023
Patricia Schunda
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!
Cheryl wilk
Egg or no egg?
Egg is not in list of ingredients, but is mentioned in step one.