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Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe

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4.2 from 50 reviews

Juicy, flavorful meatballs cooked in the air fryer until perfectly browned on the outside and tender on the inside. These meatballs are quick to prepare and great for serving with pasta, sandwiches, or as delicious appetizers.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 16 meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley until just mixed, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 even-sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
  4. Arrange Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching to allow hot air circulation.
  5. Air Fry: Cook the meatballs for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to brown them evenly on all sides.
  6. Check Doneness: Ensure the meatballs are fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C) or that they are no longer pink inside.
  7. Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with your choice of marinara sauce, over pasta, or as a tasty appetizer.

Notes

  • Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner option.
  • Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to ensure the meatballs stay tender and juicy.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the meatballs are fully cooked for safety.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: High Protein