Why Make Meatballs in the Air Fryer?
Air fryer meatballs are the easiest way to get tender, juicy meatballs with a crispy golden-brown outside in half the time of baking. They’re healthier than frying, faster than the oven, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Juicy and tender meatballs always seemed intimidating until I started to make my own.
My simple trick? Use a panade (a simple mix of breadcrumbs and liquid) to keep them tender and juicy (without the need for an egg). I use it for my Greek chicken meatballs and Korean bbq meatballs too.
I tested these with lean ground beef and my kids love dipping them in marinara sauce. They’re a go-to for quick dinners or party appetizers!
Love meatballs? Try firecracker meatballs or Italian meatball soup next!
These easy air fryer meatballs are very similar to my gluten-free meatballs in terms of ingredients, but we’re making them a bit smaller and cooking them in the air fryer.
Ingredients You Need
Here are the simple ingredients to make these juicy air fryer meatballs. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Ground beef: I like 93% lean for less grease, but 85% makes them extra juicy.
- Breadcrumbs: Italian-style or Panko is best. Gluten-free works too (I like Aleia’s).
- Shallot & garlic: for added flavor.
- Seasonings: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, crushed red pepper.
- Parmesan cheese: adds salty richness and helps bind them together.
- Fresh parsley: for freshness (it’s worth it!).
- Olive oil: a drizzle on top helps them crisp and brown.
- Marinara sauce:for dipping or tossing.
How to Make Air Fryer Meatballs
These homemade meatballs in the air fryer are really easy and these step-by-step instructions will make sure they turn out every time.
Step 1. Mix the meatballs: Let the milk and breadcrumbs soak. Add the remaining ingredients use your hands to mix the mixture together until just combined.
Step 2. Shape the meatballs: Use a medium cookie scoop to form the meat mixture into approximately 18-20 ( 1/2-inch) meatballs, packing them tightly. Do your best to make them all the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 3. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer and spray the air fryer basket. Place the meatballs in the basket without touching. You may need to work in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and air fry at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Recipe FAQs
You can put raw or frozen meatballs in the air fryer. Roll the meatballs then air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
Cooking meatballs at a higher temperature, 400 degrees, is better because it creates a crispy outside quickly that locks in the juices and they take less time to cook.
Meatballs, like all ground beef, should be cooked to 165°F. Learn more about the internal temperature of beef and determine doneness for all of the popular cuts of beef. It will help you feel confident in the kitchen without a recipe!
If I’m not air frying meatballs, I prefer to bake meatballs, but sear them in oil first. You get the best of both worlds by getting a crispy golden outside from searing in oil and then they cook evenly all the way through in the oven. It’s the same method we use for these gluten-free meatballs.
Air Fryer Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs gluten-free if needed
- 1/4 cup milk any kind
- 1 pound ground beef (I used 93% lean)
- 1 shallot minced
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (Note 2)
- 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Mix the milk and breadcrumbs (5 min): Add the breadcrumbs to a large bowl and pour the milk on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Now is a good time to chop the shallot and garlic.1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs, 1/4 cup milk
- Combine the meatballs (5 min): Add the beef, shallot, garlic, seasoning, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix to combine then use a medium cookie scoop to form the meatballs into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should have 20-22 meatballs.1 pound ground beef, 1 shallot, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley
- Roll the meatballs (5 min): Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the meatballs in a single layer, without them touching. Work in two batches if your air fryer is small. Drizzle the tops with olive oil.1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Air fry (9-11 min): Air fry at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve them warm with parmesan cheese and marinara sauce, on top of pasta, inside a sub, etc.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tested Tips & Tricks
Use olive oil or coconut oil cooking spray because vegetable oil spray can damage the air fryer and cause it to chip.
Roll the meatballs into the same size using an ice cream scoop so they cook evenly.
Use a meat thermometer to determine when the meatballs are done. The cook time can vary based on your air fryer and the size of the meatballs. The internal temperature of meatballs should be 165 degrees f. Learn more about the internal temp of beef for any cut of beef or recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve them as an appetizer with marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or basil pesto.
- Make them a meal with our favorite side dishes like air fryer asparagus, air fryer smashed potatoes or cheesy scalloped potatoes.
- Make meatball subs with melted mozzarella.
- Serve them with fresh spaghetti, your favorite pasta sauce and parmesan for the ultimate spaghetti and meatballs meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you don’t plan to eat them within that time frame, flash freeze them on a baking sheet then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat frozen meatballs in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, or until heated all the way through. You can also reheat refrigerated meatballs in the air fryer or oven until warm through the center.
Meal prep tip: make a double batch and freeze them then air fry the meatballs directly from frozen for a quick lunch or dinner for a busy weeknight.
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More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer bacon wrapped chicken breast
- Air fryer salmon bites
- Stuffed peppers in the air fryer
- Air fryer orange chicken
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Very good
Thanks!
So easy and delicious! We’ll be making these again.