Air Fryer Meatballs
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Looking for a quick, delicious way to make meatballs? Using an air fryer can save you time while making perfectly juicy and tender meatballs. All you need are a few simple ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and your favorite seasonings.
Mix everything up, shape the mixture into balls, and pop them in the air fryer. In just about 15 minutes, you’ll have a tasty dish ready to go. You can enjoy these meatballs on their own, with marinara sauce, or even in a sandwich.
Cooking meatballs in an air fryer is a game-changer. No need for extra oil, and cleanup is a breeze! This method not only makes your meatballs healthier but also keeps them juicy and full of flavor.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
For making tasty air fryer meatballs, you need a handful of basic ingredients. Here’s a simple list for you:
- Ground Beef: Use 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. If you prefer, you can substitute this with ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beef and pork.
- Breadcrumbs: Use ½ cup of breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs. You can use regular, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Egg: You need 1 large egg to hold everything together. If you’re vegan or allergic, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) works too.
- Seasoning: Add 1 tsp each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to swap these for your favorite spices or dried herbs, like Italian seasoning or paprika.
- Cheese: Use ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a good substitute.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds a nice touch. You can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones.
Here’s a quick look in table format:
| Ingredient | Amount | Possible Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 ½ pounds | Ground turkey, chicken, pork |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup | Panko, gluten-free breadcrumbs |
| Egg | 1 large | Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) |
| Seasoning | 1 tsp each (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) | Your favorite spices or dried herbs |
| Cheese | ½ cup Parmesan | Nutritional yeast |
| Herbs | Fresh parsley or basil | Dried herbs |
Make sure to mix these ingredients well before forming your meatballs. This ensures every bite is flavorful and delicious!
Instructions
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly.Form Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 16 equal meatballs. You can use a small ice cream scoop to help with this.Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.Prepare for Cooking:
Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray the meatballs with oil to help them brown.Cook:
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. At the halfway mark, pause the air fryer and gently shake the basket or flip the meatballs with tongs to ensure even cooking.Check Doneness:
After 10-12 minutes, check to see if the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. If not, continue cooking for another 2-4 minutes or until done.Serve:
Remove the meatballs from the air fryer and serve them hot. Enjoy!
By following these simple steps, your air fryer meatballs will turn out delicious and perfectly cooked.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Tips & Tricks
Use a Cookie Scoop: This helps create evenly sized meatballs. Even sizes ensure that all the meatballs cook at the same rate, making your job easier.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows for proper air circulation, ensuring even cooking.
Lightly Coat with Oil: Spray the meatballs with a little oil to give them a nice, crispy exterior.
Storing
In the Fridge: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until hot.
Quick Reference Table
| Storage Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Fridge | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
| Reheating | 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 min |
Following these tips ensures that your air fryer meatballs are delicious and easy to manage.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Experimenting with air fryer meatballs can be fun and tasty. Here are some ideas to try.
Recipe Variations:
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs:
Add a small cube of mozzarella in the center before cooking. It melts to create a gooey surprise.Spicy Meatballs:
Mix in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick of heat.Herb-Infused Meatballs:
Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano for extra flavor.Gluten-Free Meatballs:
Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.Turkey or Chicken Meatballs:
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions:
Pasta:
Serve your meatballs over spaghetti or any type of pasta with marinara sauce.Subs:
Make a meatball sub by placing them in a sandwich roll with melted cheese and sauce.Appetizers:
Serve with toothpicks and dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, or marinara.Rice or Quinoa:
Pair your meatballs with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.Salad:
Jazz up your salad by adding sliced meatballs on top with your favorite dressing.Tacos:
Use meatballs in tacos with lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a unique twist.
Mix and match these ideas to suit your taste and occasion!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.
