Craving tasty, juicy meatballs that are quick to make without compromising on flavor? Then you’re in the right place! You don’t need to fuss over a traditional oven anymore—just fire up your trusty air fryer, and you’ll have these delicious Air Fryer Meatballs ready in no time. This recipe uses a combination of lean ground beef and pork sausage for extra juiciness, well-seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. Whether you’re making meatball subs, pasta, or just a savory snack, this one’s perfect.
Ingredients List
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork sausage
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper, ground fresh
Required Kitchen Tools
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools ready:
- Air Fryer : Obviously, your star tool for this recipe. Make sure it has enough space for all your meatballs without overcrowding.
- Mixing Bowl : To easily combine all your ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons : For accurate seasoning.
- Kitchen Gloves (optional): To keep your hands clean while shaping the meatballs.
- Meat Thermometer : Highly useful to ensure your meatballs are cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F.
Having these tools within reach will make your cooking experience more efficient and hassle-free.
Meatball Preparation
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, it’s time to start preparing your meatballs. The process is quick and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy delicious home-cooked meatballs in less time than you imagine.
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, begin by combining the bread crumbs, egg, milk, fresh chopped parsley (or dried if that’s what you’re using), grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, dried minced onion, salt, and black pepper. This step allows the seasoning to mix well into the breadcrumbs, ensuring even flavor distribution.
Once you’ve mixed the seasonings and dry ingredients, add the ground beef and pork sausage into the bowl. Gently fold the meat into the rest of the mixture until it’s all evenly incorporated. Make sure not to over-mix the meat, as this could lead to tough meatballs—just stir until everything looks well combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Now that the ingredients are well combined, it’s time to shape your meatballs. Using your hands, divide the mixture into approximately 16 equally sized portions (around 1 ½ inches in diameter). Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round balls.
A quick tip: If you want to prevent the meat from sticking to your hands, you can lightly grease them with a bit of cooking oil or water.
Air Frying the Meatballs
Now comes the fun and easy part—cooking the meatballs in your air fryer. This method gives the meatballs a beautiful golden-brown exterior while keeping them tender and juicy inside. No need for frying in tons of oil or waiting for your oven to preheat!
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before placing the meatballs in the air fryer, preheat it to 380°F . Preheating ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and get a nice crisp on the outside.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Once your air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the air fryer tray or basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking. Arrange the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, making sure there is some space between each one for airflow.
Don’t overcrowd the basket! You may need to cook the meatballs in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
Cook the meatballs at 380°F for around 12 minutes , or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F . Flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking time (around the 6-minute mark) to get an even crisp on all sides.
Step 5: Check Doneness
To ensure that the meatballs are thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer . Insert the thermometer into the center of one of the larger meatballs to check if the internal temperature reads 165°F . This is the safe temperature for ground meat, and guarantees juicy, fully cooked meatballs.
Serving and Garnishing
Now that your air-fried meatballs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up! These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be paired with various dishes or enjoyed on their own.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once the meatballs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a plate and allow them to rest for about 2 minutes . This resting time lets the juices redistribute within the meatballs, keeping them moist and flavorful.
For a final touch, garnish the meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The bright green garnish not only adds a pop of color but also complements the rich flavors of the meatballs.
How to Serve
- Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs : Toss the meatballs in your favorite marinara or tomato sauce and serve over al dente spaghetti for a comforting, classic Italian meal.
- Meatball Sub : Serve these air-fried gems in a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for the ultimate meatball sandwich.
- Appetizer : Arrange the meatballs on a platter with dipping sauces like marinara, BBQ, or ranch. Perfect for a party or game-day snack!
- Meatballs with Zoodles or Salad : For a low-carb option, serve these meatballs over zucchini noodles or alongside a fresh, leafy salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration : Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days .
- Freezing : If you made a big batch and want to freeze some, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months . When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them using your air fryer in less than half the original cooking time!
Conclusion
By following this simple yet flavorful recipe, you can enjoy perfectly seasoned and juicy meatballs straight from your air fryer. Whether served in a comforting pasta dish or as a party snack, these meatballs are sure to become a staple in your home. With easy prep, quick cooking time, and endless serving options, the air fryer meatball might just be your new go-to recipe. Enjoy!