Quick and Easy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These quick and easy air fryer meatballs are a delicious, no-fuss meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy and flavorful, they cook quickly without sacrificing taste. Serve them with your favorite sauce or pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mix everything together gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and arrange them in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer, leaving some space between each meatball for even cooking.
- Step 3: Cook the meatballs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes before mixing.
- Swap parmesan for pecorino or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear. They should be browned and firm to the touch.
PrintQuick and Easy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe
This Quick and Easy Air Fryer Meatballs recipe offers a simple and delicious way to make perfectly cooked meatballs with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Using lean ground beef combined with aromatic garlic, savory parmesan, and Italian breadcrumbs, these meatballs are effortlessly cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthier take on a classic favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a cohesive mixture ready for shaping.
- Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into approximately 2-inch sized meatballs using your hands or a scoop. Be sure to make them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Arrange the meatballs in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Air fry the meatballs: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Cook the meatballs at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The outside should be nicely browned and crisp. Carefully shake the basket or turn the meatballs halfway through cooking for even browning.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for best results.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked.
- Can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or pasta for a classic meal.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: air fryer meatballs, quick meatballs, easy meatball recipe, lean ground beef meatballs, Italian meatballs, healthy meatballs, weeknight dinner
